Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Planting of Transgenic Corn after Rice in the Philippines

Demonstration of transgenic corn (MON810 x NK603) in rice-rice-corn cropping systems at Janiuay, Iloilo

Iloilo, Philippines - Transgenic corn plantings in the Philippines is increasing. Planting of transgenic corn after rice is popular in Pangasinan, Tarclac, Pampanga and Neuva Ecija. The technology is something new in Iloilo using zero-tillage technology after rice. In this respect, technology developers like Monsanto Philippines Inc. establishes technology demonstration of transgenic corn (MON810 x NK603) after rice planting in several municipalities of Iloilo including Janiuay. Currently, the corn plants at Janiuay demonstration site are at the reproductive stages, and expected to be harvested sometimes in the second week of May. Indeed, several potential farmers are interested to plant transgenic corn in the rice-rice-corn cropping system in Panay Island.