University Papers win in the Regional Symposium

     Of the 16 scientific papers and 6 posters presented by the different faculty-researchers of the University, five were adjudged winners for this year's Regional Symposium and Farmer's Forum held at the Aspulan Hall ATI-CAR BSU Compound, La Trinidad, Benguet last August 4-5, 2005.

    Winning the first place in the research category was the paper presented by Dr. Araceli G. Ladilad titled” Collection, Identification and Evaluation of New High Yielding Varieties of Roses under Benguet Condition”, and the paper of Dr. Belinda A. Anselmo et al.“ Genebanking and Diversity Analysis of Indigenous Ricebean Collection from Benguet” adjudged 2 nd place. On the development category, was that presented by Prof. Betty Gayao's et al. “Assessment of Potato Seed Production Technologies in the Highlands of Northern Philippines bagged the 1 st place.

    On the other hand, the posters of Prof. Ines C. Gonzales et al., titled “ GANZA (IP84004.7) Recommended for the Philippine Highlands and Dr. Tessie M. Merestela “ Cordillera Highland Integrated Water Resources Management (CHINWAREM)” won the 1st and 2 nd place, respectively.

Two Recycling Studies Strengthen STVRDC

     The Semi-Temperate Vegetable Crops Research and Development Center (STVRDC) is programmed to generate technologies and information on highland vegetable farming.

     Established year ago with initial funds from the Philippine Inter-University Cooperation (PIUC) Programme, part of the STVRDC's assistance to BSU faculty and staff is providing opportunities to travel to Belgium to learn current issues and trends in highland vegetable research and development.

     In this regard, two courses designed to strengthen the programs designed to strengthen the programs of the Center were conducted simultaneously on 14 February- 14 March 2005 at the University of Ghen , Belgium .

     One of these Courses was on the Advances in Nutrient Management. It was attended by Dr. Carlito P. Laurean, the Director for Research Services, Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension.

2005 RDE Day Focused on Farmers Support Services

      Information and technologies to support local farmers were emphasized by the RDE group headed by Dr. Sonwrght B. Maddul, Vice President for Research and Extension, in a seminar it offered to farmers and other individuals on January 11, 2005 . This day was assigned as the Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) day during the weeklong celebration of the 89 th Foundation Day and 19 th Charter Day Celebration (January 10-14, 2005).

     The seminar on Farmers Support Services included a presentation on the TAO Technology and on Safe and Effective Use of Pesticides. The TAO technology involves turning swine manure slurry into a valuable, palletized, organic fertilizer without the disagreeable odor. Dr. Lee Myung Gyu from the Department of Environmental Engineering, Sanji University , Korea , explained that the use of a phototropic bacteria, Rhodopseudomonas capasulata , can turn smelly, pathogen-free, organic fertilizer. This fertilizer is also a beneficial in nitrogen fixation and in enhancing higher sugar contents in fruits. Its deodorizing effect reduces presence of flies and mosquitos in stables.

     The seminar also gave an opportunity to assess the needs of BSU's farmer partners in the Swamp Area. Representatives from the Syngenta Foundation discussed another valuable topic-“safe and Effective use of Pesticides”. The lecturer emphasized the importance of following the rate of pesticide application recommended by the manufacturer; mixing with proper instruments; and hazards of improper handling of pesticides, its effect to people and animals, and to the environment.