Preserving Kalinga's Heirloom Corn Varieties | InformativeBD

 

Rex Saliw-an Langngag, Santos B. Sicnawa, Irene S. Calsiyao, Jelmer Cesar P. Calagui, Jameson Lopez, and Noel B. Estilong, from the different institute of the Philippines. wrote a research article about, Preserving Kalinga's Heirloom Corn Varieties, entitled, "Saving the heirloom Corn varieties of Kalinga Province". This research paper published by the International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research | IJAAR. an open access scholarly research journal on Agronomy under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Heirloom corn is one of the distinctive and significant cultivars grown in Kalinga Province. Factors such as shifting to GM corn, reduction of corn area, entry of OPV varieties, and the age of farmers impact heirloom corn varieties in Kalinga. This study looked into the ex-situ characterization of heirloom corn varieties and the effect of fertilizer on the growth and yield of heirloom corn. The genetic base of heirloom corn consisted of twenty-four accessions in ex-situ characterization with eighty-four descriptors. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of white and purple heirloom corn were determined. The cultivars possess a unique qualitative character to distinguish their traits. The ex-situ characterization shows a slight variation in both quantitative and qualitative data for the cultivars tested. Field trials of heirloom corn planted in the two experiment areas showed no significant difference in the variables tested except in the plant height of heirloom corn under the Tabuk City condition. Sole ammonium phosphate (16-20-0) significantly affected the weight of the kernel and the yield of purple corn. The combined Ultimax organic and ammonium phosphate fertilizer did not yield significantly. Ammonium phosphate application is more effective in a sloped area than organic fertilizer. This phenomenon may be due to the faster release of inorganic fertilizer than organic fertilizer, which has a slow release; moreover, combining inorganic and organic fertilizers significantly improved heirloom corn. Farmers in Kalinga province must continuously cultivate and bequeath these cultivars to the young generation to preserve heirloom corn germplasm.

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Introduction

Heirloom corn is one of the unusual and essential varieties in Kalinga Province. The study collected existing heirlooms, recorded them, and conducted field tests to conserve them. Zea mays, sometimes known as corn, is a significant food crop in the Philippines and is used as a staple meal by 20% of the country's citizens (World Food Program, 2012), particularly in the southern Visayas and Mindanao islands (Logroo et al., 1996). The product provides a livelihood for five million Filipinos. Corn comes in third overall regarding gross value added (GVA) in agriculture, behind only rice and coconut (PCARRD, 2006). The crop has significant economic value as a primary component of animal and poultry diets and as a raw material for various industrial goods, including starch oil, artificial sweeteners, and organic liquids (Siopongco et al., 1999). In 2010, Php70 billion, or US$1.7 billion, was spent on corn production (Bureau of Agricultural Statistics 1).

The two most common kinds of maize grown in the Philippines are yellow and white. In times of rice shortage, white maize is the most important staple food, especially for those living in rural regions (Gerpacio et al., 2004). Kalinga has flint and glutinous white, yellow, and purple heritage corn varieties. Although it does not receive much notice, purple corn has been commonly grown and enjoyed in other regions worldwide. White maize is eaten as a vegetable or a snack in regions where rice is the primary food. "Poor man's rice" is frequently used to describe white maize. Purple corn and other colored maize are not commonly grown in the Philippines (Greenpeace). Around 22 percent of the world's maize supply, according to data from 1990 to 2005,

Eighty-one countries agree that genetic deterioration in crops is mainly caused by replacing native species and varieties with better or foreign ones (FAO, 1997). Population pressure, environmental deterioration, legislation/policy, pests/weeds/diseases, shifting agricultural systems, and species overexploitation are additional factors contributing to genetic erosion. According to Greenpeace (2012), farmers may soon lose access to the traditional OPV of white corn for planting since genetically modified organism (GMO) contamination in maize types is already occurring among varieties patented and held by agrochemical corporations. It demonstrates the ineffectiveness of RA 7308, often known as the "Seed Industry Development Act," which requires the government to "conserve, maintain, and develop the plant genetic resources of the nation and supply the local communities with the genetic resources they need." It is essential to preserve landraces and crop wild relatives to preserve genetic resources for future crop improvement (Ford–Lloyd et al., 2011). Crop wild relatives and landraces offer valuable genetic material for breeding current improved lines, reducing the susceptibility of inbred crops to diseases and pests, enhancing performance, and adding distinctive features (Lopes et al., 2015). The heirloom corn of Kalinga is no different from other corn varieties in danger of being lost. Hence this study aims to conserve the Kalinga heirloom corn varieties. Furthermore, it looks into the ex-situ characterization (qualitative and quantitative) of the two heirloom corn varieties. The field trials aim to look into the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the heirloom corn cultivars’ growth and yield production.

Reference

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