UPLB researchers develop biopesticide vs. plant disease

A group of researchers from the University of the Philippines-Los Banos (UPLB) developed an all-natural biopesticide that can prevent a Fusarium Wilt infestation over growing crops.

According to a Game Changer report on "24 Oras" on Friday, biopesticide Wiltculture is a safer way for farmers to fight against the growth of the fungus Fusarium Wilt, which infests crops such as eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes.

“Ang Fusarium ay isa sa pinakamalubhang peste na nararanasan ng ating mga magsasaka. Soil-borne pathogen 'yan, so nasa lupa. Kaya mahirap kontrolin,” said Wiltculture project leader Dr. Upy Marfori.

(Fusarium is one of the worst pests that our farmers face. It is a soil-borne pathogen, so it is on land. That’s why it’s hard to control.)

Developed by UPLB-Biotech researchers with assistance from the DOST-PCAARRDD, Wiltculture was made organically with synthetic compounds.

To produce Wiltculture, researchers powdered cultured corn grits and mixed them with water to use as coating for seeds before they can be planted.

“’Yung kombinasyon ng plant callus at saka amag or fungus [ang ginagamit]. Pag pinagsama sila, may kakayahan silang mag-produce ng bioactive compound,” Marfori said.

(The combination of plant callus and mold or fungus [is used]. When it is combined, they have the ability to produce bioactive compound.)

Field testing showed that lesser crops were Fusarium Wilt when coated with Wiltculture, which landed them the silver medal at the World-Invent Singapore. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News