MON89034 approved for commercial planting in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Plant Industry has issued a permit for the commercial propagation of MON89034 in the Philippines last 19 November 2010. MON89034 is a Monsanto product that contains the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 genes from Bacillus thuringiensis that are active against lepidopteran pests, most particularly the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis), common cutworm (Spodoptera litura), and earworm (Helicoverpa armigera). Small corn farm holders can now check Monsanto Philippines Inc. dealers and seed outlets for the seeds starting this corn cropping season.

Philippine Biotech Week 2010

Hon. Proceso Alcala, Secretary of Agriculture was one of the distinguished guests of honor during the opening of the 6th National Biotechnology last 22 November 2010 Week at IMAX and Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

The week long event is organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepED), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This is in partnership with several government agencies, private and non-governmental organizations. To mention a few, Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), PhilRice, Biotech for Life, Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP), ISAAA, SEARCA, and IRRI.

CropLife, DA-High Value Commercial Crops Program, Monsanto, Pioneer and SM Mall of Asia are the major sponsors of the event.

Dr. Segfredo Serrano, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, Program Development, Research and Regulation, and Chair of the Biotech Program Steering Committee is the DA National Biotech Week (NBW) Focal Person. Dr. Candida Adalla is the 2010 NBW Overall Coordinator. Ms. Thelma Soriano and Mr. Santiago Palizada of the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry are members of the organizing team.

Dr. Clarito Barron, Director of the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry presented a paper on the Biotechnology and the Corn Industry during the first day forum on "Modern  Agricultural Biotechnology: Philippine Experiences and Opportunities".

Hon. Sec. Alcala with organizers during the opening program

Dr. Serrano with guests cut the ribbon at the exhibit area

Mr. Palizada at the Brgy. Biotek exhibit area

USDA Agricultural Counselor Philip Schul and Dr. Espino

 

Mr. Palizada and Ms. Sumage of Monsanto eating Bt corn

Bt corn is one of the transgenic crop featured in the exhibit

Asian Corn Borer - Target insect pest of MON810 and Bt11

One of the most economically important insect pest of corn in the Philippines is Asian corn borer, (Ostrinia furcunalis). It is commonly known as "Dalipog", "Gitagit", "Tuhod", "Amasok", "Tipgoy" and "Ulad".  The details of its biology are as follows: egg - 4 to 5 days; larva - 14 to 41 days; pupa - 5 to 58 days; adult- 27 to 58 days; and the female adult lays 15 to 65 eggs per mass. This is a target insect pest of commercially propagated genetically modified corn MON810 and Bt11 in the Philippines.

The damage on the plants includes: (a) 'pinholes' on leaves at whorl stage; (b) poring on stalks, base of tassel or ear shank; (c) granular excreta or frass on perforations; (d) brocken stalks and tassels; (e) clumping of tassels; (f) partial destruction of cobs; and (g) dropping of ears.

Genetically Modified Corn in the Philippines

Monitoring the seed production areas of genetically modified corn was conducted in South Cotabato, Philippines. Bioseed Research Philippines Inc., Monsanto Philippines Inc., Syngenta Philippines Inc., and Pioneer Philippines Inc. are the major industry stakeholders commercializing genetically modified corn in the country. MON810, Bt11, MON89034, NK603, GA21, MON810 x NK603 and Bt11 x GA21 are the genetically modified corn available for commercial planting in the Philippines.