AGGIE UPDATES

Ilocos researchers develop pest-resistant munggo
HELEN FLORES

Researchers from two Ilocos-based state universities have discovered pest-resistant mungbean (munggo) varieties that yield 12 to 18 percent higher than traditional varieties.

The study, conducted by Fernando Sugui of the Mariano Marcos State University and Velma Mangaser of the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, showed that the EGM 93 289, EGM 93 293 and EGM 6173-B-15 varieties are better than the NSIC Mg 8 and NSIC Mg 11 varieties.

“Lines EGM 93 289, EGM 93 293 and EGM 6173-B-15 yield from 1,225 to 1,253 kilograms per hectare. These yields are 12 to 18 percent higher than those of the check varieties NSIC Mg 8 and NSIC Mg 11, which yield from 1,062 to 1,098 kilograms per hectare,” the researchers said.
The researchers said the big-seeded EGM lines mature within 62 to 63 days after planting with a plant height of 55.59 to 60.64 centimeters. These varieties produce 12 pods per plant measuring 9.74 to 9.91 centimeters long. Each pod contains 12 green to glossy green seeds of good quality.

Results of the study, monitored by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology, revealed that the varieties are highly resistant to shattering and lodging.

“These lines are also resistant to beanfly, pod borer, and powdery mildew and moderately resistant to rust and Cercospora leaf spot,” the researchers said.

“It is best to plant these improved lines in February if irrigation is available. Otherwise, they should be planted not later than Dec. 15 to avoid the outbreak of powdery mildew,” they added.
According to Sugui and Mangaser, at a production cost of P15,000 per hectare and a yield of 1,000 kilograms of seeds per hectare valued at P40 per kilogram, farmers can earn as much as P25,000 per hectare, or a net return of P1.66 for every peso invested.

The EGM lines are products of the breeding program of the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, and Los Baños National Crop Research and Development Center.

The researchers said after undergoing stringent evaluation at the National Cooperative Testing for Field Legumes, EGM 93 293 bested all other varieties in terms of performance across locations and seasons.

Research showed that mungbean is one of the cheapest and richest sources of plant protein – one-half-cup cooked mungbean supplies about 20 percent of the daily protein needs of an adult.
The major mungbean-producing areas in the country are Antique, Tarlac, Maguindanao, Ilocos Norte, and Pangasinan, which contributes at least 24 percent of the total national production.