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.
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.
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