A research study from the Benguet State University's (BSU) Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC) was adjudged the Best Paper during the recently- concluded Regional RDE Highlights Symposium held on August 3, 2006 at the Agricultural Training Institute-Department of Agriculture (ATI-DA). It bested eight other papers from the DENR, DA, and BSU.

     The winning paper titled " Evaluation of Processing and Table Potatoes in the Philippines " was authored by a team of root crop researchers led by Ines C. Gonzales, Donita K. Simongo, Esther T. Botangen, Fernando S. Balog-as, Cynthia G. Kiswa, and Teresita D. Masangcay. Focused on the evaluation of the performance of potato clones across seasons and locations with different elevations ranging from 1,616 to 2,500 masl, the study consisting of 13 trials was conducted to address the problem of low yield caused by the crop's susceptibility to late blight, a major problem disease in the highlands. The two potato clones were obtained from the International Potato Center (CIP) based in Lima , Peru specifically from the breeding works of Dr. Landeo Jr., a senior scientist of CIP.

     This work had been done through participatory involvement of different experts--- specifically tissue culture specialists---who mass-propagate potato under protected environment. The other experts included an agronomist in conducting field trials; a crop protection specialist to monitor and assess occurrence of pest and diseases during the trials; a postharvest expert to do storage trials; and a processing specialist to evaluate the processing quality of the potato entries.

     The 13 trials were done in Atok, Madaymen, Buguias (Benguet), and Bauko ( Mt. Province ).

     Results of the research study have shown that potato clones 13.1.1 and 13.8.1 are highly recommended for table use and processing in the Philippine highlands. A processing-type potato is more in-demand because of the increasing need of the fast food chains. These types of potato have round to oval tubers with light yellow flesh and shallow eyes; dry matter content of18 to 21 %; and good chipping characteristics (crispy, light color, no browning, not lardy).

     The project leader, Senior Science Research Specialist Inez C. Gonzales, presented these results for approval as an official variety release before the Root Crop Technical Working Group last June 13, 2006 at NOMIARC, Dalwangan, Bukidnon.

     A number of potato varieties have already been developed, selected, and released as approved varieties. These are the Igorota , Ganza , and Solibao. However, to sustain the potato industry in the country, there is still a need to continue the conduct of intensive evaluation to identify other potential varieties.