ABACA Activities in the Philippines - Unido
ABACA Activities in the Philippines - Unido ABACA Activities in the Philippines - Unido
ABACA Improvement of Fiber Extraction and Identification of Higher Yielding Varieties Final Technical Report CFC/FIGHF/09 Activities in the Philippines
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<strong>ABACA</strong><br />
Improvement of Fiber Extraction and Identification of<br />
Higher Yield<strong>in</strong>g Varieties<br />
F<strong>in</strong>al Technical Report<br />
CFC/FIGHF/09<br />
<strong>Activities</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 1<br />
PROJECT SUMMARY<br />
Name of Project: Abaca: Improvement of Fiber Extraction and Identification of Higher Yield<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Varieties (CFC/FIGHF/09)<br />
Objectives: The central objective of <strong>the</strong> project is to contribute to a more stable relationship<br />
between demand and production of abaca fiber, by improv<strong>in</strong>g fiber quality, farm productivity and output.<br />
Brief Project Description: The project was designed to develop efficient abaca extraction tools and<br />
mach<strong>in</strong>ery and to identify high yield<strong>in</strong>g and disease-resistant varieties selected from exist<strong>in</strong>g collections <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es and field test <strong>the</strong>m for regional adaptability. <strong>Activities</strong> under <strong>the</strong> Component A focused on <strong>the</strong><br />
evaluation of exist<strong>in</strong>g extraction tools and mach<strong>in</strong>ery for possible design modifications or development of<br />
completely new designs, <strong>the</strong> production of test models and eventually, <strong>the</strong> fabrication of pilot models and<br />
field test<strong>in</strong>g for efficiency. Component B focused on <strong>the</strong> identification and selection of high yield<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
disease resistant abaca varieties <strong>in</strong> Bicol, Visayas and M<strong>in</strong>danao. The selected abaca varieties <strong>in</strong> each region<br />
were exchanged for performance/regional adaptability trial. Their fiber characteristics were evaluated for<br />
present and future uses. Component C was responsible for <strong>the</strong> dissem<strong>in</strong>ation of <strong>the</strong> project results at <strong>the</strong><br />
completion of <strong>the</strong> project.<br />
Benefits to be derived from <strong>the</strong> project: Component A of <strong>the</strong> project was designed to result on <strong>the</strong><br />
improvement/ development of extraction tools/mach<strong>in</strong>ery that will ensure higher level of efficiency while<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g or possibly improv<strong>in</strong>g fiber quality. Component B was aimed at identify<strong>in</strong>g higher yield<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
disease-resistant abaca varieties. The results are expected to <strong>in</strong>creased farm productivity and production,<br />
<strong>the</strong>reby, <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g farmers’ <strong>in</strong>come.<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong> achievements of <strong>the</strong> project: Under <strong>the</strong> project, a mechanical tuxer and an auto-fed<br />
decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e that can extract abaca fiber from <strong>the</strong> whole abaca leaf sheaths, <strong>in</strong>stead of tuxies, which<br />
is <strong>the</strong> traditional method, have been developed. Likewise, abaca varieties that are disease-resistant and those<br />
perform<strong>in</strong>g well <strong>in</strong> terms of fiber yield <strong>in</strong> Bicol, Visayas and M<strong>in</strong>danao, have been identified. A Farmers’<br />
Manual on Abaca has been prepared for publication <strong>in</strong> English and Philipp<strong>in</strong>o and <strong>in</strong> two local dialects (Bikol<br />
and Cebuano) for distribution to abaca farmers. An <strong>in</strong>ternational and three regional dissem<strong>in</strong>ation sem<strong>in</strong>ars<br />
were conducted to present <strong>the</strong> results of <strong>the</strong> project.<br />
Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries of <strong>the</strong> project are <strong>the</strong> abaca <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong> general and <strong>the</strong><br />
abaca farmers, <strong>in</strong> particular. The <strong>in</strong>troduction and adoption of improved extraction mach<strong>in</strong>es and<br />
recommended higher yield<strong>in</strong>g abaca varieties are expected to <strong>in</strong>crease abaca production and generate<br />
additional employment <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> countryside, and <strong>the</strong>refore prevent rural migration. Local abaca processors and<br />
manufacturers and foreign buyers will likewise benefit from <strong>the</strong> project with <strong>the</strong> expected <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> fiber<br />
production and <strong>the</strong> stabilization of supply. The country’s ga<strong>in</strong> will be <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> form of <strong>in</strong>creased export revenues<br />
as abaca, both <strong>in</strong> raw and processed forms, are generally for export.<br />
Institutions <strong>in</strong>volved:<br />
Supervisory Body:<br />
FAO-Intergovernmental Group on Hard Fibers<br />
Project Execut<strong>in</strong>g Agency:<br />
United Nations Industrial Development Organization<br />
Implement<strong>in</strong>g Agency:<br />
Fiber Industry Development Authority<br />
Start<strong>in</strong>g Date: July 1998<br />
Completion Date: October 2004<br />
F<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g: Total Project Budget - US$1,456,134<br />
CFC contribution - - US$ 841,240<br />
GOP - US$ 614,894
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 2<br />
I. INTRODUCTION<br />
Abaca (Musa textilis Nee), is <strong>in</strong>digenous to <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es and its fiber is known<br />
worldwide as Manila hemp. The fiber is obta<strong>in</strong>ed from <strong>the</strong> leaf sheaths of <strong>the</strong> abaca plant which is<br />
similar to banana <strong>in</strong> appearance. At present, <strong>the</strong>re are only two countries commercially produc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
abaca fiber, <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es and Ecuador. The abaca varieties <strong>in</strong> Ecuador orig<strong>in</strong>ally came from <strong>the</strong><br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, particularly from M<strong>in</strong>danao.<br />
Abaca fiber is considered <strong>the</strong> strongest among natural fibers and is used as raw material for<br />
cordage, fibercrafts and pulp for <strong>the</strong> production of specialty paper products like security papers, tea<br />
bags, cigarette papers, meat and sausage cas<strong>in</strong>gs, non-woven and o<strong>the</strong>r th<strong>in</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g papers.<br />
Specialty paper products account for about 80% of global abaca consumption, 14% by cordage<br />
products and <strong>the</strong> rest, by fibercrafts and o<strong>the</strong>r usage.<br />
Abaca is grown practically all over <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, except <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rnmost part of <strong>the</strong><br />
country. At present, some 121,400 hectares are planted to abaca <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g 76,100<br />
farmers. The abaca areas are mostly located <strong>in</strong> Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Sou<strong>the</strong>rn and Western<br />
M<strong>in</strong>danao and Caraga.<br />
The Philipp<strong>in</strong>es supplies about 84% of <strong>the</strong> world abaca fiber requirements while Ecuador<br />
supplies about 16%. Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> last five years, <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es produced an annual average of about<br />
68,000 metric tons of abaca fiber. Of <strong>the</strong> total, 76% were processed locally <strong>in</strong>to pulp, cordage and<br />
fibercrafts, mostly for export. The rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 24% were exported <strong>in</strong> raw form.<br />
Demand for abaca, particularly <strong>in</strong> pulp form has been <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g due to <strong>the</strong> grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
concern for environmental protection and forest conservation which provided more opportunities for<br />
natural fibers, like abaca. It is expected that demand for abaca fiber, particularly by local pulp<br />
processors will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to expand as world demand for abaca pulp cont<strong>in</strong>ued to grow.<br />
In spite of high demand for abaca and high abaca prices, local production has not kept pace<br />
with demand. Ow<strong>in</strong>g to low <strong>in</strong>come derived from abaca farm<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>the</strong> tedious process of<br />
extract<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> fiber, farmers especially <strong>the</strong> younger ones shy away from abaca farm<strong>in</strong>g and look for<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r jobs <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> urban areas. Also, because most of <strong>the</strong> abaca plantations are already old, typhoondamaged<br />
and <strong>in</strong>fected with viral diseases, productivity is very low. The national average yield is<br />
about 650 kg/ha/year. In Ecuador, <strong>the</strong> average yield is reportedly about 1,800 kg/ha/year and has<br />
only three abaca varieties – Tangongon, Bongolanon and Magu<strong>in</strong>danao -- which are Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
varieties are be<strong>in</strong>g cultivated. There are about 200 varieties exist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
II.<br />
PROJECT BACKGROUND<br />
The Project was considered for fund<strong>in</strong>g by <strong>the</strong> Common Fund for Commodities (CFC)<br />
because it <strong>in</strong>itially <strong>in</strong>volved two countries: <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es and Ecuador. However, after CFC has<br />
approved <strong>the</strong> project for fund<strong>in</strong>g, Ecuador, <strong>the</strong>n represented by a private company, decided to<br />
withdraw from <strong>the</strong> project. The case was presented before <strong>the</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Intergovernmental<br />
Group on Hard Fibers (IGGHF) <strong>in</strong> October 1996 held <strong>in</strong> Manila, Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. It was decided to<br />
proceed with <strong>the</strong> implementation of <strong>the</strong> project without Ecuador with <strong>the</strong> condition that if ever that<br />
country would decide to jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> project later, it would be accepted to participate <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> project<br />
activities.<br />
The project started <strong>in</strong> July 1998 <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es without <strong>the</strong> participation of Ecuador.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> IGGHF meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Salvador, Brazil <strong>in</strong> July 2003, Ecuador through its M<strong>in</strong>istry of<br />
Agriculture expressed its <strong>in</strong>tention to rejo<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> project, which was accepted.<br />
The Intergovernmental Group on Hard Fibers of <strong>the</strong> Food and Agriculture Organization<br />
(IGHF-FAO) is <strong>the</strong> Supervisory Body while <strong>the</strong> United Nations Industrial Development<br />
Organization (UNIDO) is <strong>the</strong> Project Execut<strong>in</strong>g Agency (PEA), with <strong>the</strong> Fiber Industry<br />
Development Authority (FIDA) as <strong>the</strong> Implement<strong>in</strong>g Agency.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 3<br />
The project has three components, namely: Component A – Improvement of Abaca Fiber<br />
Extraction and Process<strong>in</strong>g Tools/Mach<strong>in</strong>ery, Component B- Identification and Field Test<strong>in</strong>g of High<br />
Yield<strong>in</strong>g, Disease Resistant Varieties Selected from Exist<strong>in</strong>g Collections <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, and<br />
Component C- Technical Assistance Support and Dissem<strong>in</strong>ation of Results.<br />
The first component focuses on <strong>the</strong> development a tuxy<strong>in</strong>g tool/mach<strong>in</strong>e and a decorticat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mach<strong>in</strong>e for <strong>the</strong> extraction of abaca fiber.<br />
The activities under <strong>the</strong> second component are concerned with <strong>the</strong> identification and<br />
selection of high yield<strong>in</strong>g, disease resistant abaca varieties which can be cultivated/grown <strong>in</strong> Bicol,<br />
Visayas and M<strong>in</strong>danao.<br />
The last component primarily deals with <strong>the</strong> documentation of <strong>the</strong> progress of <strong>the</strong> activities<br />
of <strong>the</strong> project, <strong>the</strong> preparation of annual work plan and regular progress reports.<br />
The project hired <strong>in</strong>ternational expert on agricultural/mechanical eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g and national<br />
experts on plant epidemiology, virology, plant breed<strong>in</strong>g, agricultural/mechanical eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
techno-economic evaluation to set <strong>the</strong> direction for <strong>the</strong> conduct of project activities relative to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
respective fields of <strong>in</strong>terests.<br />
III.<br />
PROJECT OBJECTIVES<br />
The ma<strong>in</strong> objective of <strong>the</strong> project is to contribute to a more stable relationship between<br />
demand and production of abaca fiber by improv<strong>in</strong>g fiber quality, farm productivity and output<br />
through <strong>the</strong> mechanization of extraction process and identification, selection, exchange and field<br />
trials of disease-resistant and higher yield<strong>in</strong>g abaca varieties.<br />
The project has three components: Component A -Improvement of abaca fiber extraction<br />
and process<strong>in</strong>g tools/mach<strong>in</strong>ery; Component B - Identification and field test<strong>in</strong>g of higher yield<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
disease-resistant varieties selected from exist<strong>in</strong>g collections <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es; and Component C -<br />
Technical assistance support and dissem<strong>in</strong>ation of <strong>the</strong> results through publications and presentations<br />
at both <strong>the</strong> national and <strong>in</strong>ternational level, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g one f<strong>in</strong>al project workshop.<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g are <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> activities of <strong>the</strong> project:<br />
1. Evaluation, test<strong>in</strong>g and improvement of <strong>the</strong> decortication process of extract<strong>in</strong>g abaca<br />
fiber;<br />
2. Development of a mechanical process of tuxy<strong>in</strong>g abaca leaf sheaths; and<br />
3. Evaluation, selection, regional exchange and field trials of disease-resistant and higher<br />
yield<strong>in</strong>g varieties.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 4<br />
IV. IMPLEMENTATION AND PROJECT RESULTS<br />
A. Component A - Abaca Fiber Extraction and Process<strong>in</strong>g Tools/Mach<strong>in</strong>ery<br />
1. Introduction<br />
Abaca (Musa textilis Nee) is a superior fiber with its high tensile and fold<strong>in</strong>g strength,<br />
lustrous color, and high porosity. It is used as raw material for cordage, fibercrafts, and pulp for <strong>the</strong><br />
production of specialty paper products like security papers, tea bags, meat cas<strong>in</strong>gs, nonwoven<br />
materials, and cigarette papers.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, which supplies 84% of <strong>the</strong> world production of abaca fiber, this crop<br />
provides livelihood to 215,130 farm households and thousands of workers employed <strong>in</strong> trad<strong>in</strong>g<br />
companies and process<strong>in</strong>g plants. The 121,198 hectares planted to abaca are found mostly <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bicol<br />
Region, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Western M<strong>in</strong>danao. Production averaged to 65,000 mt a year.<br />
Abaca fiber is extracted from <strong>the</strong> leaf sheath traditionally by stripp<strong>in</strong>g us<strong>in</strong>g ei<strong>the</strong>r manual or<br />
mechanical process. When ei<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> process is used, tuxy<strong>in</strong>g is employed. Tuxy<strong>in</strong>g is <strong>the</strong> process<br />
of separat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> outer leaf sheath, which conta<strong>in</strong>s primary fibers, from <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ner leaf sheath, where<br />
secondary fibers are found. The separated outer leaf sheath is called tuxy.<br />
An alternative method of extract<strong>in</strong>g abaca fiber is by decortication. In this process, <strong>the</strong> whole<br />
leaf sheath is used to extract <strong>the</strong> fiber, <strong>the</strong>reby, recover<strong>in</strong>g both <strong>the</strong> primary and <strong>the</strong> secondary fibers.<br />
As such, production is higher compared to <strong>the</strong> traditional handstripp<strong>in</strong>g and sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripp<strong>in</strong>g methods.<br />
Studies show that <strong>the</strong> decortication method yields from 3.0 to 3.5% fiber. With <strong>the</strong> manual extraction<br />
process, fiber recovery is at 1.0%. The sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripp<strong>in</strong>g process yields from 1.5 to 2.0% fiber.<br />
2. Objectives and expected outputs<br />
The general objective of this Component is to <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong> efficiency of fiber extraction<br />
process while ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g or possibly improv<strong>in</strong>g fiber quality. The specific objectives are:<br />
• review exist<strong>in</strong>g fiber extraction mach<strong>in</strong>es and tools<br />
• develop an efficient tuxy<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e/tool<br />
• improve <strong>the</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
The expected outputs are:<br />
Output 1.1<br />
Output 1.2<br />
Output 1.3<br />
An assessment report on <strong>the</strong> efficiency of exist<strong>in</strong>g fiber extraction<br />
equipment <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g recommendation for possible improvement of exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />
equipment/methods<br />
A more efficient tuxy<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e/tool designed, produced and tested<br />
An improved decortication mach<strong>in</strong>e designed, produced and tested.<br />
3. Materials and methods<br />
3.1 Assessment of <strong>the</strong> efficiency of exist<strong>in</strong>g fiber extraction equipment and tools<br />
This was undertaken through <strong>in</strong>terviews of abaca farmers, workers, and<br />
traders; conduct of time and motion study, and measurement of relevant parameters. The<br />
results <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> time and motion study appeared exaggerated compared with <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>terviews.<br />
Therefore, <strong>the</strong> results <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> time and motion study were used <strong>in</strong> obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g relationship<br />
expressed <strong>in</strong> percentage. For o<strong>the</strong>rs, adjustments <strong>in</strong> figures were made tak<strong>in</strong>g account <strong>the</strong>
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 5<br />
result of <strong>in</strong>terviews. The study was done <strong>in</strong> three abaca production areas: Sorsogon <strong>in</strong> Bicol,<br />
Leyte <strong>in</strong> Eastern Visayas and Davao <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao.<br />
3.2 Development of abaca tuxer<br />
3.2.1 .Evaluation of current practices<br />
This was done through: a) review of literatures and exist<strong>in</strong>g patents; b)<br />
observation of practices <strong>in</strong> tuxy<strong>in</strong>g; c) <strong>in</strong>terview of tuxeros; and, d) measurement of<br />
parameters <strong>in</strong> tuxy<strong>in</strong>g abaca leaf sheaths.<br />
3.2.2 Preparation of design<br />
This activity was undertaken with <strong>the</strong> guidance of <strong>in</strong>ternational expert,<br />
Andrew Metianu, and national expert, Eugene Castro. Based on <strong>the</strong> results of <strong>the</strong><br />
study on <strong>the</strong> efficiency of exist<strong>in</strong>g fiber extraction tools and evaluation of current<br />
practices <strong>in</strong> tuxy<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> design of abaca tuxer was prepared. In <strong>the</strong> preparation of<br />
design, separate criteria was set for <strong>the</strong> development of tuxy<strong>in</strong>g tools and mechanical<br />
tuxer.<br />
Criteria for tuxy<strong>in</strong>g tools:<br />
• Efficient <strong>in</strong> terms of higher recovery of tuxy and bigger production per<br />
unit of time compared with <strong>the</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g tuxy<strong>in</strong>g process<br />
• Skill not necessary, that is; a new labor entrant can use <strong>the</strong> tool with ease<br />
and efficiency<br />
• User-friendly, that is; easy to handle<br />
Criteria for mechanical tuxer:<br />
3.2.3 Fabrication of prototypes<br />
• maximum capacity of 500 kgs of tuxies to serve 13 has of abaca<br />
plantation<br />
• easy to operate and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><br />
• can be pulled by a carabao<br />
• low cost, affordable to a middle <strong>in</strong>come farmer or a small abaca farmers’<br />
association<br />
Guided by <strong>the</strong> above criteria, designs were prepared, prototypes of <strong>the</strong> tools<br />
were produced <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fiber Process<strong>in</strong>g and Utilization Laboratory of Fiber Industry<br />
Development Authority (FIDA) while prototypes of <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e were subcontracted<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC). The prototypes<br />
of <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>es and tools were evaluated for functionality and <strong>the</strong>n field tested.<br />
Three levels of design production and fabrication were done: study, work<strong>in</strong>g and a<br />
f<strong>in</strong>al model. Based on <strong>the</strong> results of tests <strong>in</strong> each level, modifications were done and<br />
applied to <strong>the</strong> subsequent level. For <strong>the</strong> tuxy<strong>in</strong>g tool, performance test was conducted<br />
<strong>in</strong> Sorsogon, Leyte and Davao.<br />
Evaluation of <strong>the</strong> study model of <strong>the</strong> mechanical tuxer was conf<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
laboratory. For <strong>the</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g model, field test<strong>in</strong>g was done <strong>in</strong> Mal<strong>in</strong>ao, Albay. The<br />
field test for <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al model was held <strong>in</strong> Sitio Lip-ac, Bgy. Catagbacan, Goa,<br />
Camar<strong>in</strong>es Sur.<br />
The abaca variety planted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> test area was Bagacayan <strong>in</strong>terspersed with<br />
negligible quantities of T. Pula and T. Puti. The site is <strong>in</strong>fected with bunchy-top<br />
disease. For <strong>the</strong> test of mechanical tuxer, apparently healthy abaca plant was used.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 6<br />
Three experienced tuxeros were employed. S<strong>in</strong>ce fiber extraction <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
area is done manually, all <strong>the</strong> tuxeros were tra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> mechanical tuxer<br />
and <strong>the</strong> sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripp<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e. They were <strong>the</strong>n asked to manually tuxy a total of<br />
300 kgs of abaca stalks equivalent to about 21 stalks. The same volume of stalks<br />
was used <strong>in</strong> tuxy<strong>in</strong>g employ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> mechanical tuxer. For verification purposes, both<br />
tests were repeated.<br />
3.3 Development of abaca decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
3.3.1 Evaluation of ramie decorticator<br />
Extraction of ramie fiber us<strong>in</strong>g a decortication mach<strong>in</strong>e was observed and<br />
performance parameters were measured.<br />
3.3.2 Preparation of design<br />
As <strong>in</strong> mechanical tuxer, <strong>the</strong> preparation of design for <strong>the</strong> abaca decorticat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mach<strong>in</strong>e was guided by <strong>in</strong>ternational expert, Andrew Metianu, and national expert,<br />
Eugene Castro.<br />
3.3.3 Fabrication of prototypes<br />
Guided by <strong>the</strong> design criteria, three models of abaca decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
were prepared: study, work<strong>in</strong>g and f<strong>in</strong>al models. Fabrication was subcontracted to<br />
MIRDC. The study model after fabrication was subjected to functionality test <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
laboratory. Based on <strong>the</strong> results of <strong>the</strong> test, a work<strong>in</strong>g model was designed,<br />
fabricated, tested <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> laboratory, modified as necessary, and tested <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field.<br />
The f<strong>in</strong>al model <strong>in</strong>corporated <strong>the</strong> modifications observed as needed based on <strong>the</strong><br />
field evaluation of <strong>the</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g model. It, likewise, underwent similar process, that<br />
is; from <strong>the</strong> preparation of design to fabrication, laboratory test<strong>in</strong>g, modification, and<br />
field test<strong>in</strong>g. The field test<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g model was done <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> FIDA abaca<br />
seedbank <strong>in</strong> Casiguran, Sorsogon. Sixty abaca stalks of <strong>the</strong> variety Musa Tex 51<br />
were used. For <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al model, field test<strong>in</strong>g was conducted <strong>in</strong> Sitio Lip-ac,<br />
Barangay Catagbacan, Goa, Camar<strong>in</strong>es Sur.<br />
The mach<strong>in</strong>e was set up and several feed<strong>in</strong>g tests were conducted. When<br />
<strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e appeared to be ready, test runs were undertaken. The test runs were<br />
done <strong>in</strong> three sets. In each set, 400 abaca stalks were used. The duration and reason<br />
for stoppages <strong>in</strong> each run were recorded. The weight of <strong>the</strong> fiber produced was taken<br />
<strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g day after dry<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
3.4 Characteristics of decorticated abaca fiber<br />
3.4.1 Ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g of samples<br />
All <strong>the</strong> fibers used <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> characterization analyses were produced dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> test<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g model of <strong>the</strong> decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> Sorsogon.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 7<br />
3.4.2 SEM photography<br />
This was done by <strong>the</strong> Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI).<br />
The laboratory of this agency took photomicrographs of <strong>the</strong> samples us<strong>in</strong>g JBOL<br />
JSM 7330A Scann<strong>in</strong>g Electron Microscope (SEM) at 20 KV accelerat<strong>in</strong>g voltage<br />
and at 75 and 500x magnifications.<br />
3.4.3 Morphological analysis<br />
The method of Jensen (1960) “Histological Procedures <strong>in</strong> Botanical<br />
Microtechnique” was used <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> preparation of samples.<br />
The fiber cell dimensions such as length, diameter, lumen width and cell<br />
wall thickness were determ<strong>in</strong>ed us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> stereomicroscope and compound<br />
microscope attached with stage and ocular eyepiece micrometer, respectively.<br />
3.4.4 Physical analysis<br />
About 5 cm length of fiber samples were cut from <strong>the</strong> butt, middle, and tip<br />
portions of <strong>the</strong> strand and were made <strong>in</strong>to r<strong>in</strong>glets, which were <strong>in</strong>dividually weighed.<br />
The tensile strength and elongation were taken us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Lloyds tensile strength<br />
tester.<br />
3.4.5 Chemical analysis<br />
The fiber chemical composition such as lign<strong>in</strong>, solubilities <strong>in</strong> alcoholbenzene,<br />
hot water and 1% NaOH were determ<strong>in</strong>ed follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> TAPPI<br />
recommended methods. Determ<strong>in</strong>ation of cellulose was done follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> method<br />
of Stewart Allen (1974) “Chemical Analysis of Ecological Material”. The ash<br />
content was analyzed follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> manual for <strong>the</strong> purpose published by <strong>the</strong><br />
Association of Agricultural Chemists.<br />
3.4.6 Statistical analysis<br />
For <strong>the</strong> chemico-physico-chemical analyses, comparison of means was done<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g DMRT at 5% level of significance.<br />
3.4.7 Determ<strong>in</strong>ation of <strong>the</strong> amount of helices<br />
A p<strong>in</strong>ch of macerated fiber sample was sta<strong>in</strong>ed with safran<strong>in</strong>-O and<br />
distributed well <strong>in</strong> an area of <strong>the</strong> slide measur<strong>in</strong>g 22 mm x 40 mm (size of <strong>the</strong> cover<br />
glass). A compound microscope was used to count <strong>the</strong> helix strands, vertically from<br />
top to bottom and horizontally from left to right of <strong>the</strong> slide.<br />
Three replications were used. Each replication consisted of four trials and<br />
each trial was represented by a slide.<br />
3.5 Uses of decorticated abaca fiber<br />
3.5.1 Pulp<br />
The fiber was pulped <strong>in</strong> a 6-cyl<strong>in</strong>der multi-air heated.autoclave us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g conditions:<br />
Chemical charged : 16%NaOH<br />
Liquor to Fiber Ratio : 4:1<br />
Maximum Temperature : 170°C
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 8<br />
Time to Tmax<br />
Time at Tmax<br />
: 1.5 hrs<br />
: 3.0 hrs<br />
3.5.2 Textile<br />
Analyses were done on spent liquor, yield, and Kappa number. Initial<br />
strength properties such as tensile, burst and tear were determ<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />
For comparative evaluation, sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped abaca of grades S2, G and JK,<br />
which were taken also from Sitio Lip-ac, Barangay Catagbacan, Goa, Camar<strong>in</strong>es Sur<br />
were pulped employ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> same conditions.<br />
The test was conducted by <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Textile Research Institute (PTRI)<br />
employ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g methodologies: for moisture content <strong>the</strong> PTRI Standard<br />
Method of Test No. 37-1992/PNS 433 1992 was used; for residual gum content, <strong>the</strong><br />
method of Jute Technological Research Laboratories (JRTL), India was applied.<br />
3.5.3 Wastes utilization<br />
Uses for animal feeds and soil condition<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> wastes from decortication<br />
were determ<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />
3.5.3.1 Fertilizer/Soil conditioner<br />
Decorticated abaca wastes were composted follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
compost<strong>in</strong>g procedure provided by <strong>the</strong> Bureau of Soils and Water<br />
Management (BSWM). The composted materials were <strong>the</strong>n analysed for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir nutrient contents.<br />
3.5.3.2 Animal feeds<br />
Wastes from decortication of abaca fiber were ga<strong>the</strong>red and dried<br />
for proximate analyses.<br />
Dried samples were first cut <strong>in</strong>to one (1) <strong>in</strong>ch long and <strong>the</strong>n ground<br />
<strong>in</strong> a Wiley mill us<strong>in</strong>g 1 mm mesh. About 500 grams ground sample were<br />
submitted to BAI Laboratory Services Division for proximate analyses<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g AOAC Method (Association of Official Analytical Chemists).<br />
The samples were analyzed and <strong>the</strong> percentage values for fiber, prote<strong>in</strong>, fat,<br />
moisture, ash, nitrogen-free-extract (NFE) and gross energy content were<br />
taken.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 9<br />
4.0 Results and discussions<br />
4.1 Assessment of <strong>the</strong> efficiency of exist<strong>in</strong>g fiber extraction mach<strong>in</strong>es and tools<br />
Production of abaca fiber <strong>in</strong>volves <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g step:<br />
fiber recovered<br />
manual<br />
(handstripp<strong>in</strong>g)<br />
(29%)<br />
tuxy<br />
tumble<br />
stalk<br />
manual<br />
(handstripp<strong>in</strong>g)<br />
(43%)<br />
leafsheaths are<br />
separated<br />
decortication<br />
(95%)<br />
Figure 1. Abaca fiber production flow<br />
It starts with <strong>the</strong> tumbl<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> stalk, which leaf sheaths are ei<strong>the</strong>r tuxied or<br />
separated depend<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> extraction process employed. If <strong>the</strong> process is stripp<strong>in</strong>g, tuxies<br />
are used; if decortication, <strong>the</strong> raw materials are leaf sheaths.<br />
A stalk of abaca conta<strong>in</strong>s fiber equivalent to 3-4% of its weight depend<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
variety, maturity, and source of <strong>the</strong> plant. The method of extraction <strong>in</strong>fluences fiber recovery.<br />
At 3.5% fiber content of abaca stalks, manual stripp<strong>in</strong>g yields 1% fiber or 28% of <strong>the</strong><br />
recoverable fiber; sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripp<strong>in</strong>g recovers 1.5% or 43% of <strong>the</strong> total fiber content while <strong>the</strong><br />
decortication process produces 3.34% fiber by weight of <strong>the</strong> stalk or 95% of <strong>the</strong> total<br />
recoverable fiber.<br />
An assessment was, likewise, conducted on <strong>the</strong> cost of labor <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> fiber<br />
production.<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> amount of time spent to undertake an activity, tuxy<strong>in</strong>g comes out as<br />
<strong>the</strong> highest cost <strong>in</strong> fiber production, account<strong>in</strong>g for 45.79% of <strong>the</strong> total cost. The second most<br />
expensive labor is stripp<strong>in</strong>g or fiber extraction with 19.87% share of <strong>the</strong> total fiber production<br />
cost. Similar situation was observed <strong>in</strong> Sorsogon and Davao, where <strong>the</strong> highest cost is <strong>in</strong><br />
tuxy<strong>in</strong>g followed by stripp<strong>in</strong>g. In Leyte, <strong>the</strong> high cost of tuxy<strong>in</strong>g is followed by haul<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
which takes 22.47% of <strong>the</strong> total cost. Stripp<strong>in</strong>g comes third as <strong>the</strong> most expensive labor.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 10<br />
Table 1. Comparative cost of labor to produce 1 kg of abaca fiber<br />
Particulars Sorsogon % Leyte % Davao % Average % Cost<br />
Dist Dist Dist Dist<br />
Time to produce 1 kg<br />
fibers, m<strong>in</strong> 30.17 29.67 23.11 27.65 -<br />
Average wt of stalk, kg 14.26 25.92 29.72 23.33 -<br />
Underbrush<strong>in</strong>g/Tumbl<strong>in</strong>g*, P 1.51 17.76 1.86 15.54 1.48 12.02 1.62 14.83<br />
Tuxy<strong>in</strong>g*, P 3.67 43.18 5.15 43.02 6.20 50.37 5.00 45.79<br />
Haul<strong>in</strong>g*, P 0.35 4.12 2.69 22.47 1.31 10.64 1.45 13.28<br />
Stripp<strong>in</strong>g*, P 2.57 30.24 1.67 13.96 2.27 18.44 2.17 19.87<br />
Dry<strong>in</strong>g*, P 0.40 4.70 0.60 5.01 1.05 8.53 0.68 6.23<br />
Cost of 1 kg fiber, P<br />
share of <strong>the</strong> workers 8.50 11.97 12.31 10.92 -<br />
Stripp<strong>in</strong>g process manual sp<strong>in</strong>dle sp<strong>in</strong>dle - -<br />
Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00<br />
4.1.1 Tuxy<strong>in</strong>g tools<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ted blade<br />
Figure 2. Exist<strong>in</strong>g tuxy<strong>in</strong>g knife<br />
The tuxy<strong>in</strong>g knife is made of a straight po<strong>in</strong>ted blade of about 150-200 mm<br />
<strong>in</strong> length. In tuxy<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> knife is thrust to one side of <strong>the</strong> leaf sheath to make a cut<br />
between <strong>the</strong> upper and <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ner portions of <strong>the</strong> material. The exposed part is <strong>the</strong>n<br />
pulled out to detach <strong>the</strong> tuxy from <strong>the</strong> leaf sheath while it is still adher<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong><br />
stalk. The area pierced by <strong>the</strong> knife covers 6-9 cm width and a depth of 1-3mm.<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> fresh weight of <strong>the</strong> stalk, tuxeros <strong>in</strong> Davao recover more tuxy,<br />
at 20.1% and produce more with 36.3kgs/hr of tuxy<strong>in</strong>g. Those <strong>in</strong> Leyte recover least<br />
tuxy with 14.1% but more efficient with 29.9 kgs/hr production compared to 17.5<br />
kgs/hr output <strong>in</strong> Sorsogon. The tuxeros <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>se prov<strong>in</strong>ces produce thicker tuxy at<br />
18.4% recovery but are slower <strong>in</strong> tuxy<strong>in</strong>g at 17.5 kgs/hr.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 11<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to tuxeros, tuxy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>duces back pa<strong>in</strong> that <strong>the</strong>y need to rest after<br />
an hour of work.<br />
Table 2. Efficiency <strong>in</strong> tuxy<strong>in</strong>g, by selected prov<strong>in</strong>ce<br />
Particular Sorsogon Leyte Davao<br />
Recovered tuxy<br />
(% of stalk)<br />
18.4<br />
14.1<br />
20.1<br />
Time to tuxy, kg/hr<br />
17.5<br />
29.9<br />
Common compla<strong>in</strong>t: backache after an hour of tuxy<strong>in</strong>g<br />
36.3<br />
Lessons learned:<br />
4.1.2 Decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>es<br />
• The amount of tuxy recovered by weight of <strong>the</strong> stalk and <strong>the</strong> quantity<br />
produced per unit of time are dependent on <strong>the</strong> skill of <strong>the</strong> tuxeros.<br />
• The use of exist<strong>in</strong>g tuxy<strong>in</strong>g knife is not user-friendly.<br />
There are two types of decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>es available <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country. The<br />
difference between <strong>the</strong> two is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> size of output. A 40 kg/day decorticat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mach<strong>in</strong>e is <strong>in</strong> operation <strong>in</strong> a number of abaca produc<strong>in</strong>g prov<strong>in</strong>ces. It was produced<br />
by a private entrepreneur and patterned after <strong>the</strong> multifiber decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
which is an improvement of <strong>the</strong> raspador, a decorticator for ramie. The multifiber<br />
decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e has a capacity of 80 kgs/8hrs and was developed by <strong>the</strong> Fiber<br />
Industry Development Authority.<br />
Figure 3. Multifiber decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
The major parts of <strong>the</strong> multifiber decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e are <strong>the</strong> extract<strong>in</strong>g cyl<strong>in</strong>der, <strong>the</strong><br />
breastplate and feed<strong>in</strong>g chute. The mach<strong>in</strong>e is mounted on a chassis with pneumatic tires and is powered by a<br />
5hp diesel eng<strong>in</strong>e. To operate <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e, about half of <strong>the</strong> leaf sheaths are fed to <strong>the</strong> extract<strong>in</strong>g chamber<br />
where beat<strong>in</strong>g and partial scrap<strong>in</strong>g takes place. Complete scrap<strong>in</strong>g of non-fibrous materials takes place as <strong>the</strong><br />
leaf sheaths are be<strong>in</strong>g pulled out. The o<strong>the</strong>r half of <strong>the</strong> leaf sheaths are fed and undergo <strong>the</strong> same process.<br />
4.2 Development of abaca tuxer
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 12<br />
4.2.1 Tuxy<strong>in</strong>g tools<br />
The follow<strong>in</strong>g tools were developed: knife with roller guide; knife with blade guide;<br />
roller support for stalk<br />
4.2.1.1 Knife with roller guide<br />
Roller<br />
arm<br />
Roller<br />
handle<br />
Straight<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ted<br />
blade<br />
Figure 4. Knife with roller guide<br />
It is made of a straight po<strong>in</strong>ted blade, which is similar to <strong>the</strong> traditional<br />
tuxy<strong>in</strong>g knife; a roller, a roller arm and a handle. The roller guide is<br />
attached to <strong>the</strong> curved arm to act as a po<strong>in</strong>t allow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> knife to penetrate<br />
<strong>the</strong> leaf sheath from <strong>the</strong> side at a predeterm<strong>in</strong>ed depth of 2 mm. The<br />
material used for this tool is mild steel with wooden handle. The same<br />
process of tuxy<strong>in</strong>g as <strong>in</strong> us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> traditional knife is employed.<br />
4.2.1.2 Knife with blade guide<br />
curved guide<br />
blade<br />
handle<br />
e<br />
It has Figure a sharp 5. Knife curved with blade, blade a handle guide and a curved guide. The guide<br />
and handle are made of wood and <strong>the</strong> blade is of steel plate. The blade is<br />
mounted at 25 degrees angle for easy push<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> tool and curved for<br />
effective cut.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 13<br />
Cutt<strong>in</strong>g starts at <strong>the</strong> base of <strong>the</strong> stalk. The guide, which acts over<br />
<strong>the</strong> length of <strong>the</strong> tuxy<strong>in</strong>g blade, limits <strong>the</strong> depth of <strong>the</strong> blade to 3 mm. The<br />
tool is pushed <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> leaf sheath to start <strong>the</strong> tuxy<strong>in</strong>g process.<br />
4.2.1.3 Roller support for stalk<br />
roller<br />
roller arm<br />
stand<br />
Figure 6. Roller support for stalk<br />
It is made of a stand with support legs, roller arm, and three<br />
wooden rollers. The rollers are attached to <strong>the</strong> revolv<strong>in</strong>g stand to keep <strong>the</strong><br />
stalks aligned dur<strong>in</strong>g turn<strong>in</strong>g. The support legs stand and roller arm are<br />
made of steel pipe welded toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
The set consists of two pairs of stand. They are placed about a<br />
meter apart such that <strong>the</strong> base of <strong>the</strong> abaca stalk is supported by one stand<br />
and <strong>the</strong> top by ano<strong>the</strong>r. This enables <strong>the</strong> tuxero to rotate <strong>the</strong> stalk freely<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> tuxy<strong>in</strong>g process especially when tuxy<strong>in</strong>g larger and heavier<br />
stalks.<br />
4.2.1.4 Performance of tuxy<strong>in</strong>g tools<br />
The performance of <strong>the</strong>se tools were tested by experienced tuxeros<br />
<strong>in</strong> Sorsogon, Leyte, and Davao. The results show more tuxies are recovered<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> knife with blade guide. This is <strong>the</strong> situation <strong>in</strong> all <strong>the</strong> three<br />
prov<strong>in</strong>ces. Based on output per unit of time, <strong>the</strong> knife with roller guide<br />
shows higher production <strong>in</strong> Sorsogon. It is <strong>the</strong> traditional knife that<br />
produced <strong>the</strong> highest output <strong>in</strong> Leyte, and it was <strong>the</strong> use of roller support <strong>in</strong><br />
Davao.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 14<br />
Table 3. Comparative performance of tuxy<strong>in</strong>g tools<br />
Sorsogon Leyte Davao<br />
Tools<br />
% tuxy<br />
recovery<br />
% tuxy<br />
recovery<br />
% tuxy<br />
recovery<br />
Qty.<br />
Kg/hr<br />
Output/<br />
time<br />
Qty<br />
Kg/hr<br />
Output/<br />
time<br />
Qty<br />
Kg/hr<br />
Output/<br />
Time<br />
Knife with<br />
roller guide<br />
19.03<br />
20.08<br />
12.14<br />
21.07<br />
18.50<br />
37.46<br />
Knife with<br />
blade guide<br />
21.03<br />
16.14<br />
15.50<br />
25.79<br />
19.69<br />
38.73<br />
Roller support<br />
for stalks<br />
-<br />
19.33<br />
-<br />
29.41<br />
-<br />
42.64<br />
Traditional<br />
tuxy<strong>in</strong>g knife<br />
18.40<br />
17.50<br />
14.14<br />
29.90<br />
18.10<br />
36.30<br />
4.2.1.5 Conclusion<br />
4.2.2 Mechanical tuxer<br />
4.2.2.1 Conceptual design<br />
• Because <strong>the</strong> developed tools have set <strong>the</strong> size of tuxy, <strong>the</strong> tuxero<br />
produces uniform size of tuxy result<strong>in</strong>g to higher recovery and<br />
bigger production per unit of time<br />
• The developed tools are user-friendly<br />
- <strong>the</strong> component guides made tuxy<strong>in</strong>g easy<br />
- <strong>the</strong> roller support made tuxy<strong>in</strong>g or heavy stalks lighter<br />
To guide <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> development of a mechanical tuxer, a conceptual<br />
design was developed.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> results obta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> performance test of tuxy<strong>in</strong>g tools, a tuxy<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mach<strong>in</strong>e was developed. But before design specifications were made, a conceptual<br />
design of a mechanical tuxer was prepared.<br />
There are two pairs of rollers. One pair has a larger diameter than<br />
<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r. Figure Each 7. pair Conceptual of roller design is pressed of a mechanical toge<strong>the</strong>r. The tuxer first pair acts as
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 15<br />
flattener while <strong>the</strong> second pair is used to pull <strong>the</strong> tuxies. This is how it<br />
operates: <strong>the</strong> leaf sheath <strong>in</strong>serted between <strong>the</strong> first two rollers passes<br />
through a knife which separates <strong>the</strong> outer from <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ner part of <strong>the</strong> leaf<br />
sheath. The second pair of roller pulls out <strong>the</strong> tuxy.<br />
4.2.2.2 Study model<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> concept of a mechanical tuxer, a detailed design<br />
specifications was prepared and fabricated. In this model, only one of <strong>the</strong><br />
rollers was used. Here is how <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e operated: <strong>the</strong> leaf sheaths were<br />
fed to <strong>the</strong> feed rollers which gripped and flattened <strong>the</strong> leaf sheaths <strong>the</strong>n<br />
pushed towards <strong>the</strong> blade. The leaf sheaths hit <strong>the</strong> blade caus<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
separation of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ner and outer layers of <strong>the</strong> leaf sheaths. Tuxies were<br />
collected and separated from waste materials at <strong>the</strong> discharge end.<br />
Figure 8. Study model of<br />
mechanical tuxer<br />
The problems encountered <strong>in</strong> this model were <strong>in</strong>ability to tuxy <strong>the</strong><br />
edges of <strong>the</strong> leaf sheaths and <strong>the</strong> accumulation of materials on <strong>the</strong> edge of<br />
<strong>the</strong> blade.<br />
4.2.2.3 Work<strong>in</strong>g model<br />
To address <strong>the</strong> problems identified <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> earlier model, two pairs<br />
of rollers with drives were added. The first pair of rollers flattened and<br />
pushed <strong>the</strong> leaf sheath to <strong>the</strong> second pair of rollers. These rollers directed<br />
<strong>the</strong> leaf sheath to <strong>the</strong> knife. The third pair of rollers pulled <strong>the</strong> tuxy. An<br />
adjuster for <strong>the</strong> blade assembly was also provided so that <strong>the</strong> knife could be<br />
moved <strong>in</strong> any direction. This was done to establish an effective set-up for<br />
produc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> tuxy over <strong>the</strong> full length of abaca leaf sheaths.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 16<br />
Figure 9. Work<strong>in</strong>g model of mechanical tuxer<br />
After thorough and cont<strong>in</strong>uous test<strong>in</strong>g, it was observed that <strong>the</strong><br />
design improvements did not function effectively as expected.<br />
The tuxy<strong>in</strong>g capability of <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e was limited to softer and<br />
th<strong>in</strong>ner leaf sheaths. Tougher and thicker leaf sheaths are ei<strong>the</strong>r stuck-up<br />
between <strong>the</strong> flattener and blade mount<strong>in</strong>g or passed through <strong>the</strong> knife<br />
without recover<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> full width of <strong>the</strong> leaf sheaths. Difficulty <strong>in</strong> remov<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> short fibers accumulated at <strong>the</strong> blade was also experienced. Tuxies and<br />
waste materials mixed up at <strong>the</strong> discharge end and needed additional<br />
manpower to recover and arrange <strong>the</strong> tuxies produced.<br />
4.2.2.4 F<strong>in</strong>al model<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> results of <strong>the</strong> test on <strong>the</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g model, changes<br />
were made on <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al model.<br />
The mach<strong>in</strong>e now consists of a feed<strong>in</strong>g table, guide roller, knife<br />
assembly, presser, puller, power drive, pedal, and frame assembly. A set of<br />
rollers is mounted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> feed<strong>in</strong>g table to allow <strong>the</strong> leaf sheath to move<br />
freely towards <strong>the</strong> knife. This is followed by a guide roller which directs <strong>the</strong><br />
leaf sheath to <strong>the</strong> blade assembly. A roller is mounted and pressed on top of<br />
<strong>the</strong> knife assembly. It flattens <strong>the</strong> leaf sheath as it goes through <strong>the</strong> knife.<br />
The knife <strong>the</strong>n cuts and separates <strong>the</strong> outer from <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ner portions of <strong>the</strong><br />
leaf sheath as it is pulled out by two contra-rotat<strong>in</strong>g rollers. The whole<br />
assembly is mounted on a frame with two wheels and handle for easy<br />
transport. In operat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e, <strong>the</strong> foot pedal is pressed down to create<br />
an open<strong>in</strong>g between <strong>the</strong> presser and <strong>the</strong> puller. The leaf sheath is <strong>the</strong>n<br />
<strong>in</strong>serted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> open<strong>in</strong>g between <strong>the</strong> two rollers. The foot pedal is released<br />
and <strong>the</strong> tuxy is manually pulled. A 4Hp gasol<strong>in</strong>e eng<strong>in</strong>e is used to power <strong>the</strong><br />
mach<strong>in</strong>e.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 17<br />
puller knife assembly guide roller feed<strong>in</strong>g table<br />
presser<br />
pedal<br />
frame assembly<br />
power drive<br />
Figure 10. F<strong>in</strong>al model of mechanical tuxer<br />
Figure 11. F<strong>in</strong>al model of <strong>the</strong><br />
mechanical tuxer<br />
and its mobility<br />
The f<strong>in</strong>al model produces tuxies that are thicker with wider ends compared<br />
to tuxies produced by <strong>the</strong> traditional method. These tuxies are th<strong>in</strong>ner and<br />
taper towards <strong>the</strong> end.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 18<br />
Figure 12. Tuxies produced by (L) traditional method and (R) mechanical tuxer<br />
4.2.2.5 Comparative performance of mechanical and manual tuxy<strong>in</strong>g<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce leaf sheath<strong>in</strong>g is <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> work flow <strong>in</strong> mechanical<br />
tuxy<strong>in</strong>g, total manhour spent is higher, that is; 3:37 compared to 1:28<br />
employ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> manual process. An advantage of <strong>the</strong> mechanical tuxer is<br />
that it produces more tuxies, with 78.12 kgs and, <strong>the</strong>refore, higher fiber<br />
yield, by 22.75%.<br />
Table 4. Comparative performance of mechanical and manual tuxy<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
300 kgs of abaca stalks<br />
Particulars Manual Mechanical Difference<br />
Leafsheat<strong>in</strong>g, mh<br />
Tuxy<strong>in</strong>g, mh<br />
Wt. Of tuxy, kg<br />
Fiberyield, kg<br />
Cost to tuxy 1 kg of fiber<br />
-<br />
1:28<br />
59.04<br />
3.78<br />
4.86<br />
0:46<br />
2:51<br />
78.12<br />
4.64<br />
21.84<br />
199.17<br />
32.32<br />
22.75<br />
349.38<br />
With fuel and depreciation added to <strong>the</strong> cost of production, <strong>the</strong> use of<br />
mechanical tuxer shows to be expensive.<br />
Table 5. Comparative cost to tuxy us<strong>in</strong>g manual and mechanical<br />
method, 300 kgs abaca stalks, P<br />
Particulars<br />
Manual<br />
tuxy<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Mechanical<br />
tuxer<br />
%<br />
difference<br />
Labor 18.38 45.25 146.19<br />
Fuel - 51.21<br />
Depreciation cost<br />
Tools - -<br />
mach<strong>in</strong>e - 4.87<br />
Total 18.38 101.33 451.31
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 19<br />
Us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripp<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e, S2 and S3 grades of abaca<br />
fiber were produced. S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> tuxies produced by <strong>the</strong> manual method are<br />
made almost all of primary fibers, <strong>the</strong> amount of S2, which is 91.25%, is<br />
slightly higher than <strong>the</strong> 90.73% produced from <strong>the</strong> mechanical tuxer. But<br />
because <strong>the</strong> mechanical process produces more fiber, <strong>in</strong>come is higher with<br />
Php181.64 compared to Php148.80 from <strong>the</strong> traditional method. However,<br />
<strong>the</strong> high cost <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> mechanical tuxy<strong>in</strong>g made <strong>the</strong> use of <strong>the</strong> manual<br />
process more profitable.<br />
Table 6. Comparative quality of abaca fiber and <strong>in</strong>come advantage,<br />
by tuxy<strong>in</strong>g method, 300 kgs abaca stalks<br />
Particulars Manual Mechanical<br />
Quality of fiber<br />
S2, kg/%<br />
S3, kg/%<br />
Total<br />
Worth of fiber produced<br />
S2 @ P41/kg<br />
S3 @ P21/kg<br />
Total<br />
Less: cost of tuxy<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Earn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Income advantage<br />
Manual/Mechanical, %<br />
3.45/91.25<br />
0.35/8.75<br />
3.78/100<br />
141.45<br />
7.35<br />
148.80<br />
18.38<br />
130.42<br />
62.40<br />
4.21/90.73<br />
0.43/9.27<br />
4.64/100<br />
172.61<br />
9.03<br />
181.64<br />
101.33<br />
80.13<br />
4.2.2.6 Conclusion<br />
In its present stage, <strong>the</strong> mechanical tuxer can effectively tuxy<br />
abaca leaf sheaths. The tuxy produced covers <strong>the</strong> full width of <strong>the</strong><br />
halved leaf sheaths and runs through its entire length. Thus, <strong>the</strong> fiber<br />
produced is 22.75% more than from <strong>the</strong> manually tuxied leaf sheaths.<br />
However, manual tuxy<strong>in</strong>g proves to be more efficient. A tuxero<br />
needs to spend only 1/3 of his time to equal <strong>the</strong> production of a mechanical<br />
tuxer. Because his only tool is a stripp<strong>in</strong>g knife, which is decades old, <strong>the</strong><br />
cost to tuxy abaca is only his time spent. Thus, <strong>the</strong> cost to tuxy a kilogram<br />
of fiber us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> labor of a tuxero is only Php4.86 compared to Php21.84<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g a mechanical tuxer.<br />
To beat <strong>the</strong> pace of manual tuxy<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> mechanical tuxer should<br />
have an effective mechanism <strong>in</strong> pull<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> tuxies, that is: manual labor<br />
should be engaged only <strong>in</strong> feed<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> leaf sheaths and ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> tuxies.<br />
The work<strong>in</strong>g model has this feature but somehow was set aside <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
development of <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al model.<br />
4.2.2.7 Recommendation<br />
• Improve <strong>the</strong> efficiency of <strong>the</strong> mechanical tuxer by work<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong><br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g areas:<br />
- automatic pull<strong>in</strong>g of materials<br />
- quality and size of materials of rollers and puller
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 20<br />
4.3 Development of abaca decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
4.3.1 Study model<br />
It was made of a s<strong>in</strong>gle decorticat<strong>in</strong>g chamber with 400 mm diameter decorticat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
drum and a concave anvil; feed conveyor consist<strong>in</strong>g of 3 pieces double V-belts pressed on a<br />
1000 mm diameter – 3 grooves V-pulley, and two prime movers of 10 hp diesel eng<strong>in</strong>e for <strong>the</strong><br />
extract<strong>in</strong>g drum and 10 hp electric motor for <strong>the</strong> feed conveyor. This is how <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e was<br />
operated: <strong>the</strong> leaf sheaths were laid down <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> feed conveyor. One at a time, <strong>the</strong> leaf sheath<br />
was caught by <strong>the</strong> decorticat<strong>in</strong>g drum. S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e had only one decorticat<strong>in</strong>g drum<br />
only half of <strong>the</strong> leaf sheath could be defibered. The leaf sheath had to be refed to <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
with <strong>the</strong> undefibered half laid to <strong>the</strong> side of <strong>the</strong> decorticat<strong>in</strong>g chamber.<br />
Figure 14. Work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
model of autofed<br />
decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
The test results show <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e could not extract <strong>the</strong> materials<br />
effectively. The gripp<strong>in</strong>g pressure of <strong>the</strong> conveyor belts was not sufficient to hold <strong>the</strong><br />
material as it was be<strong>in</strong>g defibered at <strong>the</strong> decorticat<strong>in</strong>g chamber. Thus, <strong>the</strong> material is<br />
thrown out of <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e without defiber<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
4.3.2 Work<strong>in</strong>g model<br />
Figure 13. Study model of abaca decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
The work<strong>in</strong>g model was designed guided by <strong>the</strong> objective to complete <strong>the</strong><br />
decortication process, that is; <strong>the</strong> whole fed leaf sheath should be decorticated when<br />
<strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e releases <strong>the</strong> material. Thus, <strong>the</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g model consisted of two<br />
decorticat<strong>in</strong>g chambers, two sets of feed conveyors made of steel cha<strong>in</strong>s and<br />
sprockets with presser, and driven by two 8 hp diesel eng<strong>in</strong>es. The mach<strong>in</strong>e is<br />
mounted on chassis with pneumatic tires.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 21<br />
The mach<strong>in</strong>e could extract good cleaned fiber with a recovery of 3.34%.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong>re was difficulty <strong>in</strong> transferr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> materials from <strong>the</strong> first to <strong>the</strong><br />
second conveyor. To effect <strong>the</strong> proper transferr<strong>in</strong>g of material, it has to be guided<br />
manually. The steel cha<strong>in</strong>s caused <strong>the</strong> sta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> fiber (blacken<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> portion<br />
gripped by <strong>the</strong> cha<strong>in</strong>), particularly <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> second conveyor where <strong>the</strong> material be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
gripped was already defibered.<br />
4.3.3 F<strong>in</strong>al model<br />
Back View<br />
Figure 15. F<strong>in</strong>al model of autofed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Side View<br />
With <strong>the</strong> problems encountered <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g model, <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e was<br />
redesigned and <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al model was fabricated. The mach<strong>in</strong>e is similar to <strong>the</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
model. It has two decorticat<strong>in</strong>g chambers to effect <strong>the</strong> complete decortication of <strong>the</strong> whole<br />
length of <strong>the</strong> material. The o<strong>the</strong>r components are two sets of conveyors made of flat rubber<br />
belts; roller presser to grip and convey <strong>the</strong> materials effectively while be<strong>in</strong>g decorticated;<br />
and a prime mover - a 35hp diesel eng<strong>in</strong>e. Conveyor belts are also laid out to effectively<br />
transfer <strong>the</strong> materials from <strong>the</strong> first to <strong>the</strong> second conveyor. The structure was also<br />
redesigned for rigidity and ease of fabrication and assembly. Like <strong>the</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g model, <strong>the</strong><br />
mach<strong>in</strong>e is mounted on a chassis with pneumatic tire.<br />
4.3.4 Work flow
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 22<br />
The extraction of abaca fiber us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> autofed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
observed <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g work flow:<br />
3<br />
haul<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
stalks<br />
2<br />
dry<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
fiber<br />
4<br />
splitt<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
leafsheaths<br />
1<br />
delivery of<br />
fiber for<br />
dry<strong>in</strong>g<br />
2<br />
feed<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
materials<br />
1<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
fiber<br />
Figure 16. Work flow <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> extraction of abaca fiber us<strong>in</strong>g autofed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
The figure above each work unit represents <strong>the</strong> number of laborers needed for each<br />
phase. As such, a total of 13 laborers will be employed to operate <strong>the</strong> autofed<br />
decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e cont<strong>in</strong>uously for 8 hours.<br />
Figure 17. Decorticated abaca fiber (L) be<strong>in</strong>g dried under <strong>the</strong> sun and (R) <strong>in</strong> hanks<br />
4.3.5 Performance of autofed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
For <strong>the</strong> first set of 400 stalks, 9.5 days were spent to decorticate 5.600 kgs<br />
of abaca stalk. On <strong>the</strong> first day (September 03), stoppages were experienced due to<br />
slippage of materials and too much wett<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> belt from abaca sap, which<br />
resulted to very low production of 2.85 kgs. In an effort to correct <strong>the</strong> slippage of<br />
material, <strong>the</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g drive pulley was dismantled and sent to mach<strong>in</strong>e shop for<br />
modification. Grooves were added to control <strong>the</strong> wett<strong>in</strong>g of and add traction to <strong>the</strong><br />
belt and thus improve conveyance of materials to <strong>the</strong> second drum. This<br />
modification reduces <strong>the</strong> slippage of materials. On September 07, spur gear broke<br />
down. It was replaced <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g day. On Sunday, September 12, auxiliary drive<br />
was <strong>in</strong>stalled and this prevented <strong>the</strong> stoppage of <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e due to <strong>the</strong> wett<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
<strong>the</strong> conveyor belt.<br />
Set 2 took 2 days and an hour to decorticate 4,920 kgs of abaca stalks.<br />
Higher speed was tried on <strong>the</strong> first day, when <strong>the</strong> highest production of 404.7
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 23<br />
gm/m<strong>in</strong> was achieved. This caused <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g of fibers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> shaft<strong>in</strong>gs and rollers<br />
that <strong>the</strong>y had to be dismantled and cleaned <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g day.<br />
The third set completed <strong>the</strong> 400 stalks of 5,840 kgs <strong>in</strong> one day and 6 hrs.<br />
Moderate <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> production was observed. (Table 6, Figure 17)<br />
Table 7. Performance of autofed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Date<br />
Set 1<br />
400 stalks; 5,600 kgs; ave. wt. = 14 kgs<br />
Time<br />
Average (gm/m<strong>in</strong>)<br />
(m<strong>in</strong>)<br />
Kgs<br />
Sept 3<br />
Sept 6<br />
Sept 9<br />
Sept 10<br />
Sept 11<br />
Sept 13<br />
61<br />
62<br />
71<br />
136<br />
242<br />
42<br />
2.85<br />
8.50<br />
6.05<br />
18.40<br />
29.00<br />
15.90<br />
46.72<br />
138.71<br />
85.21<br />
135.29<br />
119.83<br />
198.9<br />
Total 654 80.80 123.5<br />
Set 2 400 stalks; 4,920 kgs; ave. wt. =<br />
12.3 kgs<br />
Time<br />
Date (m<strong>in</strong>) Kgs<br />
Average<br />
(gm/m<strong>in</strong>)<br />
Set 3 400 stalks; 5,840 kgs; ave. wt. =<br />
14.6 kgs<br />
Time<br />
Date (m<strong>in</strong>) Kgs<br />
Average<br />
(gm/m<strong>in</strong>)<br />
Sept 13<br />
Sept 14<br />
Sept 15<br />
63<br />
237<br />
97<br />
25.5<br />
42.8<br />
22.05<br />
404.7<br />
6.0<br />
180.5<br />
Sept 15<br />
Sept 16<br />
Sept 17<br />
41<br />
254<br />
137<br />
9.0<br />
57.6<br />
35.75<br />
219.5<br />
226.7<br />
7.0<br />
Total 397 90.35 227.58 Total 432 102.35 236.92
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 24<br />
Ave. production,<br />
gms/m<strong>in</strong><br />
450<br />
400<br />
350<br />
300<br />
250<br />
200<br />
150<br />
100<br />
50<br />
0<br />
Production<br />
Time<br />
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10111213 131415 151617<br />
S<br />
Figure 18. Performance of autofed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
450<br />
400<br />
350<br />
300<br />
250<br />
200<br />
150<br />
100<br />
50<br />
0<br />
Ti i<br />
4.3.6 Economic viability of <strong>the</strong> autofed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Table 6 and Figure 17 demonstrated that <strong>the</strong> production of 300 kgs/day is<br />
atta<strong>in</strong>able. Likewise, <strong>the</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g model showed a fiber recovery of 3.34%. With<br />
this <strong>in</strong>formation, an estimate of <strong>the</strong> profit and loss statement was prepared. As shown<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g table, an ROI of 6.18% is atta<strong>in</strong>able.<br />
Table 8. Estimated profit and loss statement<br />
Assumptions:<br />
Fiber production, kgs 300<br />
Fiber recovery, % 3.34<br />
Stalks, kgs 8,982<br />
Sales, 300 kgs x Php20/kg 6,000<br />
Less expenses:<br />
Cost of stalk, Php0.30/kg 2,695<br />
Cost of haul<strong>in</strong>g, Php0.1/kg 898<br />
Labor: 13 x Php100 1,300<br />
Fuel, 20 li x Php22/li 440<br />
Repair, Php550,000 x 10%/288 days 191<br />
Depreciation cost, Php550,000/15years/ 127<br />
288 days<br />
Total cost 5,651<br />
Profit 349<br />
ROI 6.18%
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 25<br />
4.3.7 Conclusion:<br />
The autofed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e can extract quality fiber from abaca.<br />
However, due to <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e was sent to <strong>the</strong> field for test<strong>in</strong>g<br />
direct from fabrication and without sufficient laboratory test, <strong>the</strong> performance test<br />
was besieged with problems due to construction and design.<br />
Stoppages were experienced due to:<br />
• slippage of materials<br />
• slippage of drive and conveyor<br />
• w<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g of fiber <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> shaft<strong>in</strong>gs and rollers<br />
• too much wett<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> belt<br />
• misalignments of sprockets<br />
• loosen<strong>in</strong>g of belts<br />
Corrections were be<strong>in</strong>g made as <strong>the</strong> performance test was be<strong>in</strong>g carried out.<br />
Deficiencies <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> construction and design were corrected dur<strong>in</strong>g Set I;<br />
adjustments <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>puts were made <strong>in</strong> Set 2; and <strong>in</strong> Set 3, a trend of moderate <strong>in</strong>creases<br />
<strong>in</strong> production was achieved.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong> field test failed to obta<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> optimum capacity of <strong>the</strong><br />
mach<strong>in</strong>e. Theoretically, based on <strong>the</strong> speed of <strong>the</strong> conveyor, fiber recovery and<br />
feed<strong>in</strong>g capacity, <strong>the</strong> autofed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e can extract a ton of abaca fiber a<br />
day. The mach<strong>in</strong>e is still a work <strong>in</strong> progress need<strong>in</strong>g improvements to atta<strong>in</strong><br />
optimum capacity.<br />
4.3.8 Recommendation<br />
• Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to work on <strong>the</strong> ref<strong>in</strong>ements of <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e particularly <strong>in</strong><br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g solutions to <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g problems:<br />
- too much wett<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> belt<br />
- misalignments of sprocket<br />
- loosen<strong>in</strong>g of belts<br />
- slippage of materials<br />
- slippage of drive and conveyor<br />
- w<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g of fiber <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> shaft<strong>in</strong>gs and rollers
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 26<br />
4.4 Quality of decorticated abaca fiber<br />
4.4.1 SEM photography<br />
At 500x magnification, decorticated abaca fiber us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> autofed<br />
decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e is comparable to handstripped S2.<br />
H-S2<br />
Deco<br />
4.4.2 Physical properties<br />
Figure 19. Comparative SEM photographs of H-S2 and fiber produced from autofed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
4.4.2 Physical Properties<br />
Decorticated abaca fiber is comparable <strong>in</strong> tensile strength with sp<strong>in</strong>dle<br />
stripped JK and handstripped G. However, it has <strong>the</strong> lowest elongation compared to<br />
JK, G, and S2 of both clean<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Table 9. Comparative physical properties of decorticated abaca, HS-JK and SS-JK<br />
Method of extraction/<br />
grade<br />
Tensile strength Elongation<br />
(kgƒ/g.m.) (%)<br />
Decorticated abaca 32.58 bc 3.08 c<br />
Hand stripped - JK 49.05 a 4.06 b<br />
Hand stripped - G 33.94 c 2.39 d<br />
Hand stripped - S2 51.95 a 3.66 b<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped - JK 43.37 b 3.90 b<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped - G 48.34 ab 5.39 a<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped - S2 50.98 a 3.84 b<br />
Note: Means with <strong>the</strong> same letter are not significantly different at 5%<br />
level.<br />
4.4.3 Morphological properties<br />
Statistically, <strong>the</strong> fiber length of decorticated abaca fiber is not significantly<br />
different from JK, G, and S2. It has wider diameter and lumen and thicker cell wall.<br />
None<strong>the</strong>less, <strong>the</strong> figures are with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> desired limits (fiber length: 4-6 mm;<br />
diameter: 17-21 µ).
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 27<br />
Table 10. Comparative morphological properties of selected grades of abaca fiber,<br />
by method of extraction<br />
Method of extraction/<br />
grade<br />
Fiber length Diameter Lumen width Cell wall<br />
Thickness<br />
(mm)<br />
(µ)<br />
(µ)<br />
(µ)<br />
Decorticated abaca 4.45 ab 21.69 a 13.21 a 4.07 b<br />
Hand stripped - JK 4.28 b 20.28 ab 11.40 ab 4.44 ab<br />
Hand stripped - G 4.95 a 19.27 b 12.72 a 3.28 c<br />
Hand stripped - S2 4.99 a 19.93 ab 9.71 bc 5.11 a<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped - JK 4.14 b 19.55 ab 10.05 bc 4.75 ab<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped - G 5.05 a 18.56 b 10.26 bc 4.15 b<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped - S2 4.72 ab 18.81 b 9.46 c 4.67 ab<br />
Note: Means with <strong>the</strong> same letter are not significantly different at 5% level.<br />
4.4.4 Helices<br />
Helical xylem, which is coil like <strong>in</strong> structure, is a water-conduct<strong>in</strong>g tissue that provides<br />
strength to <strong>the</strong> abaca plant. When pulped, it is thread-like <strong>in</strong> appearance. The presence of too<br />
many helices block <strong>the</strong> entry of water and air. As such, it is not recommended for pulp production<br />
if <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>tended use requires high porosity like tea bags and non-wovens unless special process is<br />
applied.<br />
Table 11. Average number of helix strands<br />
Method of extraction/ Average number of<br />
grade<br />
helix strands<br />
per slide<br />
Decorticated abaca<br />
Hand stripped - S2<br />
Hand stripped - G<br />
Hand stripped - JK<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped - S2<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped - G<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped -JK<br />
173.50 a<br />
91.33 b<br />
84.00 b<br />
77.67 b<br />
41.33 c<br />
37.83 c<br />
31.92 c<br />
Note: Means with <strong>the</strong> same letter are not significantly different at 5% level<br />
fiber cells<br />
helices<br />
parenchyma<br />
fiber cells<br />
parenchyma<br />
Figure 20. Photomicrographs of (L) decorticated abaca fiber show<strong>in</strong>g cells, helices, and parenchyma;<br />
and (R) handstripped JK grade show<strong>in</strong>g cells and parenchyma.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 28<br />
In hand- and sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripp<strong>in</strong>g method, <strong>the</strong> leaf sheath is tuxied prior to<br />
extraction to separate <strong>the</strong> primary from <strong>the</strong> secondary fiber, where <strong>the</strong> helices are<br />
concentrated. In decortication, <strong>the</strong> whole leaf sheath is extracted, <strong>the</strong>reby, higher<br />
amount of helices rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fiber.<br />
As shown <strong>in</strong> Table 10, higher number of helices are found <strong>in</strong> decorticated<br />
abaca fiber.<br />
4.4.5 Chemical properties<br />
Decorticated abaca fiber is lower <strong>in</strong> ash, solubilities, and lign<strong>in</strong> content and<br />
is high <strong>in</strong> cellulose. This confirms <strong>the</strong> SEM photography, which shows <strong>the</strong><br />
decorticated abaca fiber comparable <strong>in</strong> cleanl<strong>in</strong>ess with S2.<br />
Table 12. Comparative chemical properties of selected grades of abaca fiber, by method of clean<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Solubilities <strong>in</strong>:<br />
Cellulose<br />
Ash Alc-ben 1% NaOH Hot water Lign<strong>in</strong> Holo Alpha<br />
(%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)<br />
Hemi<br />
(%)<br />
Hand stripped JK 1.83 a 3.05 a 21.33 b 2.05 a 9.86 a 83.37 e 61.95 c 14.94 cd<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped JK 1.28 bc 1.71 bc 16.11 c 1.71 ab 9.45 b 86.34 d 62.19 c 15.50 bc<br />
Hand stripped G 1.49 b 1.87 b 22.40 a 1.62 abc 9.34 b 86.54 d 63.79 b 14.78 d<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped G 1.16 c 1.26 de 14.38 g 1.54 abc 9.08 c 87.03 c 63.91 b 15.72 b<br />
Hand stripped S2 1.31 bc 1.04 e 17.84 d 1.35 bc 8.86 d 87.89 b 64.12 ab 14.49 d<br />
Sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped S2 0.85 d 0.72 f 15.78 f 1.14 c 8.44 e 88.92 a 64.69 a 15.49 bc<br />
Decorticated fiber 1.33 bc 1.47 cd 20.37 c 1.80 ab 8.56 e 87.50 b 63.97 ab 17.64 a<br />
Note: Means with <strong>the</strong> same letter are not significantly different at 5% level<br />
5.0 Utilization of Abaca Fiber<br />
5.1 Pulp<br />
Decorticated abaca fiber shows lower pulp yield of 63.91% and comparatively<br />
higher rejects of 0.35%. Because of <strong>the</strong> presence of higher number of helices and<br />
parenchyma, chemical consumption is high at 90.78. Kappa number is highest at 9.68 but still<br />
with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> range of easy bleach<strong>in</strong>g.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 29<br />
Table 13. Pulp<strong>in</strong>g analysis of decorticated and sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped abaca fibers<br />
Deco Abaca Sp<strong>in</strong>dle Stripped Abaca Fibers<br />
Fiber S2 G JK<br />
% Pulp yield<br />
% Accepts 63.56 70.75 65.44 66.52<br />
%Rejects 0.35 0.27 0.24 0.27<br />
Total 63.91 71.02 65.68 66.79<br />
% Chemical Consumption<br />
Based on chemical charged 90.78 88.02 88.11 88.45<br />
Kappa Number 9.68 7.52 8.60 9.31<br />
At zero beat<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> freeness value of decorticated abaca pulp is relatively low at 520<br />
CSF. Its tear <strong>in</strong>dex is lower at 7.88 mN-m 2 /g, but tensile <strong>in</strong>dex is highest at 142.541. Air<br />
permeability is high or less porous compared with <strong>the</strong> sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped S2, G and JK abaca<br />
grades.<br />
Table 14. Properties of decorticated and sp<strong>in</strong>dle stripped abaca pulp<br />
Particulars<br />
Deco S2 G JK<br />
Freeness 520 665 647 620<br />
Basis Weight, gsm<br />
as tested 65.79 66.99 66.90 66.27<br />
oven dried 60.004 61.681 61.307 60.723<br />
Thickness, mm 0.1054 0.1254 0.1254 0.1218<br />
Density, g/ml 0.5693 0.4919 0.4889 0.4985<br />
Tear Index, mN-m 2 /g 7.88 12.37 12.85 11.77<br />
Tensile Index N-m/g 142.541 120.222 112.624 127.965<br />
Air Permeability, GuS 15.86 1.29 1.42 1.81<br />
5.2 Textile<br />
Prelim<strong>in</strong>ary results of <strong>the</strong> test on <strong>the</strong> use of decorticated abaca fiber for textile show<br />
this fiber to have passed <strong>in</strong>itial quality requirement tests, but needs mach<strong>in</strong>e run test for<br />
confirmation.<br />
Table 15. Laboratory test results for textile use*<br />
Property S2 Deco<br />
Moisture content, %<br />
Residual gum content, %<br />
Tensile strength<br />
10.80<br />
28.70<br />
40.80<br />
*Analysis was done by <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Textile Research Institute<br />
9.81<br />
38.40<br />
42.15
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 30<br />
6.0 Utilization of wastes from decortication of abaca fiber<br />
6.1 Fertilizer/soil conditioner<br />
6.2 Feeds<br />
Organic fertilizer must conta<strong>in</strong> a m<strong>in</strong>imum of 7% nitrogen. Because of <strong>the</strong> very low<br />
nitrogen level of only 0.66%, wastes from decortication of abaca fiber can be used best as soil<br />
conditioner. It can help aggregate soil particles, add some nutrients and <strong>in</strong>crease water<br />
hold<strong>in</strong>g capacity.<br />
Table 16. Analysis of composted wastes from decortication of abaca*<br />
Content %<br />
Nitrogen<br />
0.66<br />
Phosphorus<br />
0.32<br />
Potassium<br />
0.21<br />
Organic carbon<br />
12.77<br />
* Analysis was done by <strong>the</strong> Bureau of Soils and Water Management<br />
Wastes from decortication of abaca fiber conta<strong>in</strong> low prote<strong>in</strong>. Feed ma<strong>in</strong>tenance<br />
requirements for rum<strong>in</strong>ant animals should conta<strong>in</strong> at least 8% crude prote<strong>in</strong>; lower than this<br />
value will depress rumen micro-organisms result<strong>in</strong>g to loss <strong>in</strong> weight of <strong>the</strong> animal. Also, <strong>the</strong><br />
high fiber content of <strong>the</strong> material will result to lower digestibility of <strong>the</strong> animal.<br />
Table 17. Complete proximate analysis of wastes from decortication of abaca*<br />
Content %<br />
Prote<strong>in</strong><br />
Fat<br />
Fiber<br />
Moisture<br />
Ash<br />
Nitrogen<br />
free extract<br />
Gross energy<br />
2.44<br />
1.19<br />
36.95<br />
9.66<br />
11.04<br />
38.72<br />
3491.17 cal/g<br />
*Analysis was done by <strong>the</strong> Bureau of Animal Industry
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 31<br />
B. Component B – Identification of Field Test<strong>in</strong>g oh Higher Yield<strong>in</strong>g, Disease-Resistant<br />
Varieties<br />
B.1 Search for Abaca Varieties Resistant to Bunchy-Top and Mosaic Viral Diseases <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es 1<br />
ABSTRACT<br />
Field screen<strong>in</strong>g of eight selected abaca varieties for resistance to bunchy-top and mosaic diseases<br />
was undertaken <strong>in</strong> three abaca-grow<strong>in</strong>g areas <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es specifically <strong>in</strong> Albay, Leyte and Davao. The<br />
varieties were selected based on <strong>the</strong>ir reactions to bunchy-top and mosaic diseases among forty (40) abaca<br />
high yield<strong>in</strong>g cultivars/stra<strong>in</strong>s commonly planted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> regions evaluated dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> regional field screen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
done <strong>in</strong> 1998 until 2001<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same locations. Musa tex 51, Lausigon and Abuab are <strong>the</strong> varieties<br />
recommended for Luzon; Laguis, L<strong>in</strong>awaan and Inosa for <strong>the</strong> Visayas while Tangongon and Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
were recommended for M<strong>in</strong>danao. Evaluation was done based on <strong>the</strong> reactions of <strong>the</strong> varieties to <strong>the</strong> disease<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area where <strong>the</strong>y are commonly planted with respect to percent disease <strong>in</strong>cidence, <strong>in</strong>fection rate and <strong>the</strong><br />
area under <strong>the</strong> disease progress curve (AUDPC). The eight selected varieties represent<strong>in</strong>g regional<br />
recommendations were fur<strong>the</strong>r evaluated for resistance to <strong>the</strong> disease prevalent <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area through<br />
simultaneous plant<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Albay, Leyte and Davao from 2001 until 2003. General model of disease <strong>in</strong>cidence<br />
as affected by <strong>in</strong>fection rate, <strong>in</strong>cubation time and AUDPC was developed from data obta<strong>in</strong>ed from <strong>the</strong><br />
experiments. The selection <strong>in</strong>dex used <strong>in</strong> rank<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> varieties for <strong>the</strong>ir resistance to bunchy-top disease is<br />
expressed through <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g equation Yƒ = a + bx 1 + b x 2 + bx 3 where Yƒ represents disease <strong>in</strong>cidence<br />
of <strong>the</strong> variety, a is regression constant; b = coefficient values; bx 1 is mean <strong>in</strong>cubation time after emergence;<br />
bx 2 is mean <strong>in</strong>fection rate after 30 months after plant<strong>in</strong>g; and bx 3 is mean AUDPC after 30 months after<br />
plant<strong>in</strong>g. Regression coefficient for all <strong>the</strong> varieties were all significant <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> three experimental setups.<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> selection <strong>in</strong>dex, rank<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> varieties for <strong>the</strong>ir resistance to bunchy-top and mosaic differed <strong>in</strong><br />
each regional location.<br />
Keywords: screen<strong>in</strong>g for resistance of abaca varieties, abaca bunchy-top, abaca mosaic<br />
1 Paper presented <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Dissem<strong>in</strong>ation Sem<strong>in</strong>ar on Abaca: Improvement of Fiber Extraction<br />
and Identification of Higher Yield<strong>in</strong>g Varieties held on October 19, 2004 at NewWorld Renaissance Hotel,<br />
Makati City, Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. CFC-UNIDO-FIDA funded-project (FC/INT/97/021).
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 32<br />
1. Rationale<br />
Abaca (Musa textilis Nee) of <strong>the</strong> family Musaceae is <strong>in</strong>digenous to <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. It is planted<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ly as a source of fiber ei<strong>the</strong>r raw, pulp or use for cordage and fibercraft. The Philipp<strong>in</strong>es supplies about<br />
84% of <strong>the</strong> world requirement while Ecuador supplies 16% (FIDA, 2003). This major agricultural crop is<br />
planted to 121, 839 hectares with a production of 62,796 metric tons on which more than 1.5 million<br />
Filip<strong>in</strong>os, with an average of 2.5 hectares farm size, depend for a liv<strong>in</strong>g, both directly and <strong>in</strong>directly (FIDA,<br />
2002). The recent fiber production has decl<strong>in</strong>ed from year 2000 which could be attributed to <strong>the</strong> prevalence of<br />
<strong>the</strong> viral diseases which affected major abaca-grow<strong>in</strong>g areas. As of February 2003, a total of 22,518 hectares<br />
are affected by <strong>the</strong> disease with a slight to severe disease <strong>in</strong>cidence.<br />
Bunchy-top was first reported <strong>in</strong> 1915 <strong>in</strong> Silang, Cavite (Ocfemia, 1924). It wiped out a total of<br />
12,000 hectares <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> prov<strong>in</strong>ces of Laguna, Batangas and Cavite and spread to nearby towns <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bicol<br />
Region until Sorsogon Prov<strong>in</strong>ce. Bunchy-top was reported exist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Davao area <strong>in</strong> 1937 at a time when<br />
large plantations of abaca were under <strong>the</strong> control of <strong>the</strong> Japanese. It had slowly reached <strong>the</strong> areas of Eastern<br />
Visayas and affected several barangays. It was undoubtedly <strong>the</strong> most important disease which affected abaca<br />
from <strong>the</strong> time it was reported until now. Similar scenario was observed for abaca mosaic and bract mosaic<br />
diseases which also affected several farms <strong>in</strong> Albay, Sorsogon, Leyte and Samar areas and reached until<br />
Agusar Sur.<br />
Unless a new abaca variety is developed through unconventional means like genetic eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
become available, it is important and practical alternative to identify which among our present varieties can<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>uously produce a profitable harvest even <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> presence of <strong>the</strong>se diseases. Thus, <strong>the</strong> Fiber Industry<br />
Development Authority (FIDA) with <strong>the</strong> additional f<strong>in</strong>ancial support from <strong>the</strong> Common Fund for<br />
Commodities (CFC) through United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) implemented<br />
this project to address this problem.<br />
2. Objectives<br />
To identify which among <strong>the</strong> high-yield<strong>in</strong>g abaca varieties possess some degree of resistance to<br />
abaca bunchy-top and abaca mosaic diseases and to determ<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> stability of resistance when planted <strong>in</strong> three<br />
different locations<br />
3. Methodology<br />
Selection of Varieties<br />
All varieties deemed suited for commercial plant<strong>in</strong>g were identified but only 40 varieties<br />
passed <strong>the</strong> high yield criteria of 800 kg/hectare/year. The performance of <strong>the</strong> 40 varieties were<br />
evaluated based on <strong>the</strong> primary data generated <strong>in</strong> previously conducted agronomic trials (Catiempo<br />
& Macarayan, 2000; Lomerio & Oloteo, 2000; Romero et al. 2000).<br />
Field Test<strong>in</strong>g of Varieties<br />
The protocol followed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> screen<strong>in</strong>g trials developed by Dr. Avel<strong>in</strong>o D. Raymundo is an<br />
alternative methodology of screen<strong>in</strong>g for reaction of abaca germplasm to bunchy-top and mosaic<br />
viruses (1998). It is a quantitative approach to screen<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a system where <strong>the</strong> disease is systemic<br />
and where resistance appears elusive and seem<strong>in</strong>gly non-existent, as <strong>in</strong> abaca bunchy-top top<br />
disease.<br />
3.1 Regional screen<strong>in</strong>g trials<br />
Selection of sites<br />
The trials were undertaken <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field where “hot spot” was well-chosen. A “hot spot” is a<br />
concentration of high <strong>in</strong>oculum which should susta<strong>in</strong> at least 50% disease <strong>in</strong>cidence. Diseased plants were<br />
transferred to <strong>the</strong> area when needed. When <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>cidence was above 50%, <strong>the</strong> population of <strong>the</strong> diseased
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 33<br />
plants were reduced <strong>in</strong> order to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> uniformity of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>oculum throughout <strong>the</strong> area. The test sites for <strong>the</strong><br />
regional screen<strong>in</strong>g trials are abaca-grow<strong>in</strong>g areas <strong>in</strong> Albay where two sites were chosen, one for bunchy-top<br />
and one for mosaic; <strong>in</strong> Leyte, one site for mosaic only while <strong>in</strong> Davao, two sites, one for bunchy-top and one<br />
for mosaic.<br />
The experiment was laid-out <strong>in</strong> randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications,<br />
planted at a distance of 1 m x 1 m. Data were ga<strong>the</strong>red from 20 samples from each replicate. Good<br />
agronomic practices, such as fertilization and r<strong>in</strong>gweed<strong>in</strong>g were followed except spray<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>in</strong>secticide. As<br />
soon as shoots/suckers were observed, it was made sure that vectors were present <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>fected sources of<br />
<strong>in</strong>oculum and <strong>the</strong> area was disturbed from time to time to <strong>in</strong>duce movement of vectors.<br />
Disease measurement<br />
The varieties were assessed based on <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g parameters observed and measured for a period<br />
of 8–15 months from emergence.<br />
1. Incubation time –<strong>the</strong> time from estimated transfer of <strong>in</strong>oculum by vector to appearance of visual<br />
disease symptoms<br />
2. K<strong>in</strong>ds of symptoms – yellow<strong>in</strong>g, stunt<strong>in</strong>g, bunch<strong>in</strong>g – top, leaf curl<strong>in</strong>g, etc.<br />
3. Stage of plant growth when specific symptoms appeared – developmental stages of <strong>the</strong> abaca plant<br />
will be monitored<br />
4. Percentage disease <strong>in</strong>cidence at weekly <strong>in</strong>terval – <strong>the</strong> number of diseased plant relative to <strong>the</strong> total<br />
number of plants be<strong>in</strong>g tested<br />
5. Area under <strong>the</strong> disease-progress-curve –represent<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> cumulative amount of disease at <strong>the</strong> end<br />
of a specified period computed as: A = Σ1/2 (X 1 – X i-1 ) where X i = amount of disease at one<br />
po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
6. Infection rate – estimated by <strong>the</strong> equation r = (1/t 2 – t 1 ) (1n(x 2 /1- x 2 )- (1n(x 1 /1- x 1 ); it is an<br />
<strong>in</strong>dication of <strong>the</strong> speed of disease development<br />
The varieties were rated based on <strong>the</strong> analyses. In general, a variety with lower <strong>in</strong>fection rate,<br />
smaller AUDPC, flatter disease progress curve, longer <strong>in</strong>cubation time was considered more resistant.<br />
Virus <strong>in</strong>dex<strong>in</strong>g of selected varieties for <strong>the</strong> national screen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Index<strong>in</strong>g of selected entries by enzyme-l<strong>in</strong>ked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) <strong>in</strong> FIDA diagnostic<br />
laboratories <strong>in</strong> Albay, Leyte and Davao was undertaken before "exchange of plant<strong>in</strong>g materials" and<br />
transport<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m to respective regions. Entries were <strong>in</strong>dexed for <strong>the</strong> three viruses specifically bunchy-top<br />
virus (BTV <strong>in</strong> abaca), abaca mosaic virus (AbaMV) and bract mosaic virus (BrMV <strong>in</strong> abaca).<br />
3.2 National Screen<strong>in</strong>g Trials<br />
Based on <strong>the</strong> results of <strong>the</strong> regional screen<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> top three to four varieties per region were<br />
identified and subjected to national screen<strong>in</strong>g to determ<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> stability of <strong>the</strong> resistant varieties. It was also<br />
assumed that different virus stra<strong>in</strong> might exist <strong>in</strong> each test location. Three varieties were identified for <strong>the</strong><br />
Bicol Region namely Abuab, Lausigon and Musa tex 51; three for <strong>the</strong> Visayas namely L<strong>in</strong>awaan, Laguis and<br />
Inosa; and four for <strong>the</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao area namely Tangongon, Magu<strong>in</strong>danao, Kaunayan and Kutay-kutay.<br />
Unfortunately, varieties Kaunayan and Kutay-kutay were not <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> trial due to political crisis <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
area dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> time of exchange, thus only eight varieties were multiplied, <strong>in</strong>dexed by enzyme-l<strong>in</strong>ked<br />
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> regional exchange.<br />
The national screen<strong>in</strong>g trials were located <strong>in</strong> a hotspot area as earlier def<strong>in</strong>ed also established <strong>in</strong><br />
similar locations; Albay : two sites, one for bunchy-top and one for mosaic; Leyte: one site for mosaic;<br />
Davao: two sites, one for bunchy-top and one for mosaic. The experiments were laid out <strong>in</strong> RCBD with 4<br />
replications, planted at 2.5 x 2.5 distance between hills and observed 20 samples per replicate. Initial disease<br />
observation was undertaken as <strong>in</strong> regional screen<strong>in</strong>g and cont<strong>in</strong>uously done at monthly <strong>in</strong>tervals to ascerta<strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> tolerance/resistance of <strong>the</strong> varieties based on <strong>the</strong>ir reaction to <strong>the</strong> virus. In addition, <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
parameters were also considered;
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 34<br />
1. Fiber yield, biomass – measured by weight per unit area<br />
2. Loss <strong>in</strong> yield as a measure of host resistance – estimated based on a control which could be obta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
from agronomic evaluation trial. Compute losses <strong>in</strong> yield due to diseases. Use <strong>the</strong> equation, %<br />
Loss = (Yield of healthy plants - yield of diseased plants)/ Yield of healthy plants x 100. Yield of<br />
healthy plants can be from agronomic trials. Loss is an <strong>in</strong>dication of tolerance. When two<br />
varieties have <strong>the</strong> same amount of disease but different losses <strong>in</strong> yield, it means that <strong>the</strong> one with<br />
<strong>the</strong> lower loss is more tolerant/resistant.<br />
Analysis of data<br />
Disease <strong>in</strong>cidence on <strong>the</strong> selected varieties were observed through qualitative description of <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>d<br />
of symptoms manifested on 20 samples <strong>in</strong> each replication from <strong>the</strong> time of plant<strong>in</strong>g. The percentage disease<br />
<strong>in</strong>cidence were statistically analyzed particularly analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare possible<br />
tolerance/resistance of <strong>the</strong> varieties. The rate of disease development and areas under <strong>the</strong> disease progress<br />
curve to determ<strong>in</strong>e quantitative differences brought about by <strong>the</strong> different types of resistance was also done<br />
and to ascerta<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> relationship between disease <strong>in</strong>cidence and plant growth development, regression and<br />
correlation analyses were undertaken. The regressions were performed on means of <strong>in</strong>fection rate, AUDPC,<br />
<strong>in</strong>cubation time over four replications with <strong>the</strong> disease <strong>in</strong>cidence as <strong>the</strong> dependent variable. Regression<br />
model with predeterm<strong>in</strong>ed comb<strong>in</strong>ation of predictors was tested. The result<strong>in</strong>g equation:<br />
Y disease <strong>in</strong>cidence = a + b x 1 + b x 2 + b x 3<br />
where<br />
a = <strong>in</strong>tercept or constant<br />
b = coefficient value<br />
x 1 = mean <strong>in</strong>cubation period<br />
x 2 = mean <strong>in</strong>fection rate<br />
x 3 = mean AUDPC<br />
The result<strong>in</strong>g analysis was assessed by aptness of residual plot, coefficient of determ<strong>in</strong>ation and F test.<br />
Multiple regression analysis was also done to determ<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> effect of <strong>in</strong>dependent variables (<strong>in</strong>cubation time,<br />
<strong>in</strong>fection rate and AUDPC) on <strong>the</strong> expression of <strong>the</strong> disease (bunchy-top and mosaic) manifested on <strong>the</strong> eight<br />
varieties. Yield loss relative to <strong>the</strong> degree of host tolerance to <strong>the</strong> virus was also analyzed.<br />
Rank<strong>in</strong>g of entries<br />
Resistance analysis was used to rate <strong>the</strong> varieties. Lower <strong>in</strong>fection rate, smaller AUDPC, flatter<br />
disease progress curve, longer <strong>in</strong>cubation time were considered as <strong>the</strong> criteria <strong>in</strong> evaluat<strong>in</strong>g varieties for<br />
resistance. When resistance was observed, it was considered as <strong>the</strong> primary parameter <strong>in</strong> varietal selection.<br />
The varieties were evaluated based on a Selection Index = ƒ(fiber yield, Y disease <strong>in</strong>cidence ) where resistance to <strong>the</strong><br />
viruses and good agronomic characteristics are given relative weights. S<strong>in</strong>ce viral diseases constitute <strong>the</strong><br />
current problem, more weights were put on resistance.<br />
4. Results and Discussion<br />
4.1 Result of evaluation of varieties used for <strong>the</strong> regional screen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
There are about 200 abaca varieties/accessions widely planted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> different parts of <strong>the</strong><br />
country <strong>in</strong> Luzon, Visayas and M<strong>in</strong>danao where <strong>the</strong> prevail<strong>in</strong>g conditions suit abaca production.<br />
These varieties are characterized and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> FIDA seedbanks and experiment stations <strong>in</strong><br />
Sorsogon (Luzon varieties), Leyte (Visayas varieties) and Davao City (M<strong>in</strong>danao varieties). Same<br />
germplasm are kept <strong>in</strong> genebank collection of <strong>the</strong> National Abaca Research Center <strong>in</strong> Leyte State<br />
University and Abaca Seedbank Collection <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> College of Forestry, University of <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es<br />
Los Baños (UPLB). Toge<strong>the</strong>r with a plant breeder from <strong>the</strong> Institute of Plant Breed<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> UPLB,<br />
primary data on <strong>the</strong> agronomic characteristics of <strong>the</strong> varieties/accessions generated by FIDA<br />
seedbanks were used to select varieties used for <strong>the</strong> regional screen<strong>in</strong>g. Among <strong>the</strong> collection, 40
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 35<br />
varieties/hybrids/accessions were chosen based on <strong>the</strong> average yield of 800 kg/harvest/year and <strong>the</strong><br />
varieties are listed as follows;<br />
Luzon varieties<br />
1. Musa tex 50 (Lausigon x Magu<strong>in</strong>danao) 5. T<strong>in</strong>awagan pula 8. Luno<br />
2. Musa tex 51 (Itom x Lausigon 45) 6. T<strong>in</strong>awagan puti 9. Socorro<br />
3. Musa tex 52 (Itom x Lausigon 39) 7. Lausigon 10. Lagonoyon<br />
4. Abuab<br />
Visayas varieties<br />
1. Inosa 5. Lagurhuan 9. Musa tex 80 (L<strong>in</strong>awaan x L<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>o) 13. Sogm<strong>in</strong><br />
2. Itisog 6. L<strong>in</strong>awaan 10. Musa tex 81 (L<strong>in</strong>awaan x Laylay 14..Sogl<strong>in</strong><br />
3. Laguis 7. Laylay 11. Soglagur (Sogm<strong>in</strong> x Lagurhuan) 15. S<strong>in</strong>amoro<br />
4. Layahon 8. M<strong>in</strong>enonga 12. Tangongon-visayan. 16. Putian<br />
M<strong>in</strong>danao varieties<br />
1. Bongolanon 5. Tangongon 9. Kutay-kutay 13. Putian-Jolo<br />
2. Bontang (Bongolanon x Tangongon) 6. Tange 10. Kaunayan 14. Kutay-kutay-Jolo<br />
3. Magu<strong>in</strong>danao 7. Puti 11. Igit<br />
4. Magu<strong>in</strong>o (Magu<strong>in</strong>danao x Inosa) 8. Pula 12. Parang<br />
4.2 Result of evaluation of varieties <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> regional screen<strong>in</strong>g trials<br />
Out of <strong>the</strong> 40 varieties evaluated based on high yield for <strong>the</strong> regional screen<strong>in</strong>g, only 38 varieties<br />
were evaluated of which ten (10) varieties were screened <strong>in</strong> Albay, 16 varieties <strong>in</strong> Leyte and 12 varieties <strong>in</strong><br />
Davao due to difficulty <strong>in</strong> propagat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g materials needed for <strong>the</strong> trial. All <strong>the</strong> varieties identified<br />
were observed for tolerance/resistance to <strong>the</strong> diseases and those which really showed relatively high degree of<br />
severity were completely elim<strong>in</strong>ated. The experimental plants were observed and <strong>in</strong>fection rate, <strong>in</strong>cubation<br />
time and disease <strong>in</strong>cidence were noted and computed. An abaca plant grown <strong>in</strong> Albay, <strong>in</strong>fected with bunchytop<br />
disease (BTD) caused by BTV showed stunted growth, rosette arrangement of stiff narrow, erect leaves<br />
emanat<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> upper end of <strong>the</strong> pseudostem and <strong>the</strong> leaves are start<strong>in</strong>g to show abnormal color (darkgreen<br />
or uneven distribution of green leaf color) (Fig. 1).<br />
4.2.1 For <strong>the</strong> bunchy-top trial<br />
4.2.1a Albay<br />
The bunchy-top trial for Luzon varieties<br />
was conducted <strong>in</strong> Tabiguian, Tabaco, Albay. Out<br />
of eight Luzon varieties planted, only five were<br />
<strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> analysis and <strong>the</strong>se are: Musa tex 50,<br />
Musa tex 51, Lausigon and Abuab. Luno,<br />
Lagonoyon and Socorro were not <strong>in</strong>cluded because<br />
of low survival rate. Figure 4 shows <strong>the</strong><br />
constructed disease progress curve for bunchy-top<br />
<strong>in</strong>fection <strong>in</strong> abaca varities <strong>in</strong> Albay. The computed<br />
percent <strong>in</strong>fection are as follows; Musa tex 50,<br />
31.90%; Lausigon, 25.80%;<br />
Fig. 1. Stunted abaca plant show<strong>in</strong>g rosette arrangement<br />
of stiff, narrow erect leaves and abnormal leaf color<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g early stages of growth.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 36<br />
Fig 2. Disease progress curve for bunchy-top<br />
<strong>in</strong>fection <strong>in</strong> Albay<br />
Musa tex 51, 28.30%; Abuab, 20.4% and <strong>the</strong><br />
lowest was Musa tex 52, 17.7%. Based on <strong>the</strong><br />
constructed disease progress curve, it was Abuab which<br />
showed a flatter progress curve, hence, had <strong>the</strong> highest degree of resistance.<br />
In terms of <strong>in</strong>fection rate, Lausigon had <strong>the</strong> lowest at 0.178 rate, thus had <strong>the</strong> highest degree of<br />
resistance while Abuab showed <strong>the</strong> highest <strong>in</strong>fection rate and <strong>the</strong>refore considered hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> least degree of<br />
resistance. However, <strong>the</strong> appearance of bunchy-top symptoms slowly developed <strong>in</strong> Abuab and <strong>the</strong> degree of<br />
severity was least from 34 to 60 weeks from plant<strong>in</strong>g. Thus, <strong>the</strong> computed AUDPC of Abuab <strong>in</strong> terms of area<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> progress of <strong>the</strong> disease was <strong>the</strong> smallest while Musa tex 50 hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> largest AUDPC (154.00)<br />
had <strong>the</strong> least degree of resistance (Table 1).<br />
After rank<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> Luzon varieties with regard to <strong>the</strong>ir reaction to <strong>the</strong> bunchy-top disease, Abuab,<br />
Lausigon and Musa tex 52 were <strong>the</strong> top three varieties selected for <strong>the</strong> national screen<strong>in</strong>g. However, Musa<br />
tex 52 had poor acceptability to abaca farmers, thus Musa tex 51 was used <strong>in</strong>stead (Table 1)<br />
Table 1. Selection of top three Luzon abaca varieties grown <strong>in</strong> Albay based on <strong>the</strong>ir reaction to bunchy-top<br />
disease<br />
VARIETIES<br />
INFECTION<br />
RATE<br />
AUDPC<br />
DISEASE<br />
INCIDENCE(%)<br />
OVER-ALL<br />
RANKING<br />
Musa tex 50<br />
Musa tex 51<br />
Musa tex 52<br />
Lausigon<br />
Abuab<br />
0.218 (2)<br />
0.249 (4)<br />
0.223 (3)<br />
0.178 (1)<br />
0.318 (5)<br />
154.00 (5)<br />
99.04 (3)<br />
89.18 (2)<br />
128.21 (4)<br />
60.50 (1)<br />
31.90 (5)<br />
28.30 (4)<br />
17.7 (1)<br />
25.80 (3)<br />
20.4 (2)<br />
12 (5)<br />
11 (4)<br />
6 (1)<br />
8 (2)<br />
8 (2)<br />
4.2.1b Davao<br />
In M<strong>in</strong>danao, early bunchy-top symptoms observed<br />
were ve<strong>in</strong> clear<strong>in</strong>g and slight yellow<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> marg<strong>in</strong> of <strong>the</strong><br />
youngest opened leaf. As <strong>the</strong> disease progressed, succeed<strong>in</strong>g<br />
leaves became narrower and smaller, and yellow<strong>in</strong>g of leaf<br />
marg<strong>in</strong>s progressed towards <strong>the</strong> midrib. Also, petioles were<br />
observed to be shorter result<strong>in</strong>g to cluster<strong>in</strong>g of leaves<br />
form<strong>in</strong>g a rosette (Fig 3).<br />
Fig. 3. Bunchy-top symptom <strong>in</strong> abaca <strong>in</strong><br />
Davao<br />
For <strong>the</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao varieties, <strong>in</strong>fection rate of bunchy-top ranged from 0.30 to 0.119 per unit per week<br />
with Magu<strong>in</strong>o hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> lowest rate of <strong>in</strong>fection followed by Magu<strong>in</strong>danao and Kutay-kutay. The highest<br />
<strong>in</strong>fection rate was registered by Igit with 0.119 (Table 2). The plotted area under <strong>the</strong> disease progress curve
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 37<br />
showed that Magu<strong>in</strong>o, Kutay-kutay and Kaunayan showed smaller AUDPC and a flatter disease progress<br />
curve as a result of lower percent <strong>in</strong>fection or disease <strong>in</strong>cidence <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong>se two varieties are<br />
show<strong>in</strong>g degree of resistance <strong>in</strong> terms of <strong>the</strong>ir reaction to <strong>the</strong> bunchy-top disease (Fig 4).<br />
Disease <strong>in</strong>cidence (%)<br />
16<br />
14<br />
12<br />
10<br />
8<br />
6<br />
4<br />
2<br />
0<br />
Bongolanon<br />
Bont ang<br />
Igit<br />
Kaunayan<br />
Kutay-kutay<br />
M agu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Parang<br />
Pula<br />
Puti<br />
Tange<br />
Tangongon<br />
14 18 22 26 30 34 38 42<br />
Weeks after Plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Based on overall rank<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao varieties, <strong>the</strong> top three varieties recommended for <strong>the</strong><br />
national screen<strong>in</strong>g are Magu<strong>in</strong>o, Magu<strong>in</strong>danao and Kutay-kutay. However, Magu<strong>in</strong>o is considered a hybrid<br />
of Magu<strong>in</strong>danao and Inosa and <strong>the</strong> resistance genes could already be present <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> parental l<strong>in</strong>es. Through<br />
proper consultation, Magu<strong>in</strong>o was replaced by a variety <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> next rank which is Bontang but s<strong>in</strong>ce it is also<br />
a hybrid with parental l<strong>in</strong>es of Bongolanon and Tangongon, it was decided that <strong>the</strong> Magu<strong>in</strong>o be replaced by<br />
Kaunayan, which ranked fifth among <strong>the</strong> 12 varieties evaluated (Table 2).<br />
Table 2. Selection of top three M<strong>in</strong>danao abaca varieties grown <strong>in</strong> Davao based on <strong>the</strong>ir reaction<br />
to bunchy-top disease<br />
VARIETIES<br />
AUDPC<br />
INFECTION<br />
RATE<br />
Fig 4. Disease progress curve of<br />
bunchy-top <strong>in</strong>fection <strong>in</strong><br />
Davao<br />
DISEASE<br />
INCIDENCE(%)<br />
OVER-ALL<br />
RANKING<br />
Bongolanon<br />
Bontang<br />
Igit<br />
Kaunayan<br />
Kutay-kutay<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
0.080 (7)<br />
0.070 (4)<br />
0.119 (11)<br />
0.079 (6)<br />
0.069 (3)<br />
0.058 (2)<br />
33.13 (9)<br />
19.65 (5)<br />
58.27 (11)<br />
17.09 (3)<br />
16.88 (2)<br />
17.46 (4)<br />
7.98 (8)<br />
5.20 (3)<br />
14.81 (11)<br />
6.32 (5)<br />
6.25 (4)<br />
3.88 (2)<br />
24 (8)<br />
12 (4)<br />
33 (11)<br />
14 (5)<br />
9 (3)<br />
8 (2)<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Parang<br />
Pula<br />
Puti<br />
Tange<br />
Tangongon<br />
0.031 (1)<br />
0.094 (10)<br />
0.077 (5)<br />
0.091 (9)<br />
0.077 (5)<br />
0.082 (8)<br />
10.11 (1)<br />
30.91 (8)<br />
26.25 (6)<br />
43.75 (10)<br />
26.25 (6)<br />
26.95 (7)<br />
2.56 (1)<br />
8.82 (9)<br />
7.50 (7)<br />
10.0 (10)<br />
7.50 (7)<br />
6.69 (6)<br />
3 (1)<br />
27 (9)<br />
18 (6)<br />
29 (10)<br />
18 (6)<br />
21 (7)<br />
4.2.2 For <strong>the</strong> Mosaic Trial<br />
4.2.2a .Albay<br />
Manifestations of Abaca Mosaic Disease (AMD) caused by abaca mosaic virus (AbaMV) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Bicol Region is characterized by <strong>the</strong> presence of light yellowish streaks on petioles which come <strong>in</strong> various<br />
shapes and sizes. The pseudostem show mottl<strong>in</strong>g, and are usually th<strong>in</strong> and slender and <strong>the</strong> number of suckers<br />
are reduced. Alternate greenish and yellowish streaks appears <strong>in</strong> young and older leaves (Fig 5).
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 38<br />
Fig. 5. Typical symptoms of <strong>the</strong> abaca mosaic disease <strong>in</strong> Albay<br />
The mosaic trial for Luzon varieties was also held <strong>in</strong> Tabiguian, Tabaco, Albay s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> location is<br />
also identified as a hotspot for abaca and bract mosaic diseases. Results of screen<strong>in</strong>g of five varieties (Musa<br />
tex 50, Musa tex 51, Musa tex 52, Lausigon and Abuab) for resistance to mosaic as shown by disease<br />
progress curve <strong>in</strong>dicated Lausigon hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> lowest percentage of <strong>in</strong>fection and flatter curve while Musa tex<br />
50 had <strong>the</strong> highest percentage of <strong>in</strong>fection (Fig 6). With regards to <strong>in</strong>fection rate, AUDPC and disease<br />
<strong>in</strong>cidence, Abuab, Lausigon and Musa tex 51 ranked 1, 2 and 3 <strong>in</strong>terchangeably (Table 3).<br />
Fig 6. Disease progress curve of <strong>the</strong> mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection <strong>in</strong> Albay<br />
Based on overall rank<strong>in</strong>g of Luzon varieties with regard to <strong>the</strong>ir reaction to abaca mosaic and bract<br />
mosaic diseases, <strong>the</strong> top three varieties are Lausigon, Abuab and Musa tex 51.<br />
Table 3. Selection of top three Luzon abaca varieties grown <strong>in</strong> Albay based on <strong>the</strong>ir reaction to<br />
abaca mosaic and bract mosaic diseases<br />
VARIETIES<br />
INFECTION<br />
RATE<br />
AUDPC<br />
DISEASE<br />
INCIDENCE(%)<br />
OVER-ALL<br />
RANKING<br />
Musa tex 50<br />
Musa tex 51<br />
Musa tex 52<br />
Lausigon<br />
Abuab<br />
0.4149 (5)<br />
-0.3317 (3)<br />
0.0206 (4)<br />
-0.4030 (1)<br />
-0.3279 (2)<br />
120.8470 (5)<br />
32.5200 (3)<br />
41.0940 (4)<br />
30.0000 (2)<br />
29.1600 (1)<br />
36.3 (5)<br />
11.4 (2)<br />
15.2 (4)<br />
8.9 (1)<br />
12.3 (3)<br />
15 (5)<br />
8 (3)<br />
12 (4)<br />
4 (1)<br />
6 (2)
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 39<br />
4.2.2b Leyte<br />
In <strong>the</strong> Visayas, field screen<strong>in</strong>g of sixteen (16) abaca varieties for abaca mosaic resistance was<br />
conducted <strong>in</strong> Barangay Liberty <strong>in</strong> Hilongos, Leyte from April to December 1999. But frequent flood<strong>in</strong>g<br />
occurred <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area caus<strong>in</strong>g high mortality <strong>in</strong> some experimental plants which resulted to high variability <strong>in</strong><br />
observations among <strong>the</strong> varieties as reflected <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 44.32% coefficient of variation although replant<strong>in</strong>g was<br />
done. The results were found unreliable, thus, <strong>the</strong> conduct of ano<strong>the</strong>r trial was recommended. Due to time<br />
constra<strong>in</strong>t, a greenhouse screen<strong>in</strong>g was undertaken on varieties which showed possible resistance to <strong>the</strong><br />
disease. Among <strong>the</strong> 16 varieties, <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g seven varieties were chosen for <strong>the</strong> pot experiment; Musa Tex<br />
80, Musa Tex 81, Laylay, Laguis, Lagurhuan, Soglagur, and Inosa. However, <strong>the</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g materials of Musa<br />
Tex 81 were not sufficient for <strong>the</strong> designed experiment, thus M<strong>in</strong>enonga, which ranked fifth was chosen.<br />
The screen<strong>in</strong>g was undertaken <strong>in</strong> March 2000 at EVIRFES, Abuyog, Leyte where<strong>in</strong> 30 suckers for<br />
each variety were planted <strong>in</strong> plastic bags kept <strong>in</strong> a screenhouse. Mosaic-<strong>in</strong>fected plants were, likewise,<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> a separate screenhouse from which aphid vector of <strong>the</strong> AbaMV were allowed to feed for<br />
transmission of <strong>the</strong> virus. A protocol was followed <strong>in</strong> perform<strong>in</strong>g virus transmission by aphid and<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>tenance of <strong>the</strong> experimental setup from which <strong>the</strong> number of plants and percent mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection were<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>red at four observation dates. To determ<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> reactions of <strong>the</strong> varieties to mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection, a measure<br />
of <strong>the</strong>ir resistance was necessary. This was done through virus-<strong>in</strong>dex<strong>in</strong>g us<strong>in</strong>g ELISA of every test plants for<br />
each variety. Leaf samples were collected start<strong>in</strong>g at 30 days post-<strong>in</strong>oculation (dpi) and repeated sampl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
was done at 45, 60, 75 dpi. Selection of <strong>the</strong> top three varieties was based on <strong>the</strong> manifestation of <strong>the</strong> disease<br />
through percent mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection and <strong>the</strong> results of ELISA through <strong>the</strong> mean absorbance values read at 405<br />
nm us<strong>in</strong>g microplate reader (BIORAD, USA) of <strong>the</strong> Plant Virology Laboratory of <strong>the</strong> Department of Plant<br />
Pathology <strong>in</strong> UPLB.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> field screen<strong>in</strong>g conducted <strong>in</strong> Hilongos, Leyte appearance of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itial symptoms such as<br />
whitish streaks along leaf ve<strong>in</strong>s from midrib of <strong>the</strong> leaf marg<strong>in</strong> was observed on <strong>the</strong> third week from plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
while <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> greenhouse screen<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> first symptoms appeared 100 days after <strong>in</strong>oculation. This expla<strong>in</strong>s <strong>the</strong><br />
relative importance of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>oculum pressure that exist under <strong>the</strong> natural condition where<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> abaca actually<br />
exist. However, symptom appearance <strong>in</strong> both experiments which appeared <strong>in</strong> succeed<strong>in</strong>g days were similar.<br />
Manifestation of <strong>the</strong> disease is more pronounced and diverse. In L<strong>in</strong>awaan, leaf curl<strong>in</strong>g was observed while<br />
<strong>in</strong> Lagurhuan, whitish streaks were smaller. In Laylay, white band chlorosis which run across <strong>the</strong> midrib was<br />
evident. In Laguis, yellow to bright orange streaks which run parallel to <strong>the</strong> ve<strong>in</strong> appeared on younger leaves.<br />
Necrotic lesions appeared on petioles <strong>in</strong> all varieties (Fig. 7).<br />
Fig 7. Symptoms of abaca mosaic disease on abaca plants grown <strong>in</strong> Leyte<br />
Results of greenhouse screen<strong>in</strong>g and absorbance values obta<strong>in</strong>ed by ELISA showed that Inosa,<br />
Lagurhuan, L<strong>in</strong>awaan and Laguis showed degree of resistance to abaca mosaic disease than Laylay,<br />
M<strong>in</strong>enonga and Musa Tex 80 (Table 4). Based on <strong>the</strong> results of greenhouse experiment, <strong>the</strong> top three selected<br />
Visayan varieties to be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> national screen<strong>in</strong>g are Inosa, L<strong>in</strong>awaan and Laguis. Lagurhuan was<br />
not chosen because it is not commonly planted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 40<br />
Table 4. Results of greenhouse screen<strong>in</strong>g of seven Visayan varieties for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
resistance to abaca mosaic disease<br />
VARIETIES PERCENT<br />
MOSAIC<br />
INFECTION 1<br />
MEAN<br />
ABSORBANCE 2<br />
Inosa<br />
Laguis<br />
Lagurhuan<br />
Laylay<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan<br />
M<strong>in</strong>enonga<br />
Musa Tex 80<br />
6.25 (1)<br />
12.5 (2)<br />
25.0 (4)<br />
25.0 (4)<br />
12.5 (2)<br />
12.5 (2)<br />
18.75 (3)<br />
(5 Sampl<strong>in</strong>g Dates)<br />
0.296 (1)<br />
0.336 (4)<br />
0.309 (2)<br />
0.403 (5)<br />
0.319 (3)<br />
0.412 (6)<br />
0.430 (7)<br />
1 Obta<strong>in</strong>ed from experimental plants <strong>in</strong>oculated <strong>in</strong> November 2000 and observed<br />
until June 2001. 2 Mean of five sampl<strong>in</strong>gs from January to June 2001.<br />
OVERALL<br />
RANKING<br />
2 (1)<br />
6 (3)<br />
6 (3)<br />
9 (5)<br />
5 (2)<br />
8 (4)<br />
10 (6)<br />
4.2.2c<br />
Davao<br />
In M<strong>in</strong>danao, early symptoms of mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection on varieties were small yellowish streaks which<br />
ran parallel to <strong>the</strong> midrib until <strong>the</strong>y became pronounced. In some plants, <strong>the</strong> streaks became numerous on<br />
newly opened leaves and on petioles giv<strong>in</strong>g rise to alternate dark and yellow bands which run across <strong>the</strong><br />
midrib and showed a mottled appearance.<br />
Fig 8.<br />
Mosaic symptoms on M<strong>in</strong>danao abaca varieties<br />
In Davao, all <strong>the</strong> 12 abaca varieties tested were <strong>in</strong>fected with <strong>the</strong> disease. Among <strong>the</strong> varieties,<br />
Bontang, Tangongon, Magu<strong>in</strong>o and Magu<strong>in</strong>danao showed some degree of resistance to mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection.<br />
Bontang had <strong>the</strong> lowest percentage <strong>in</strong>fection of mosaic virus at 34 weeks after plant<strong>in</strong>g with a mean of 33.8%<br />
followed by Tangongon, Magu<strong>in</strong>o and Magu<strong>in</strong>danao with a mean of 50%, 51.5%, and 68.6%, respectively<br />
(Table 5).<br />
Rate of mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection ranged from 0.1958 to 0.3428 per unit per week with Bontang hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
slowest rate followed by Magu<strong>in</strong>o and Tangongon. Parang recorded <strong>the</strong> highest <strong>in</strong>fection rate (Table 5). In<br />
addition, Bontang, Tangongon and Magu<strong>in</strong>o showed flatter disease progress curves than <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> abaca<br />
varieties. Correspond<strong>in</strong>gly, Bontang, Tangongon and Magu<strong>in</strong>o had smaller values for <strong>the</strong>ir computed area<br />
under <strong>the</strong> disease progress curve (AUDPC) than <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> varieties (Fig 9).
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 41<br />
Disease <strong>in</strong>cidence (%)<br />
100<br />
90<br />
80<br />
70<br />
60<br />
50<br />
40<br />
30<br />
20<br />
10<br />
0<br />
Bongolanon<br />
Bontang<br />
Igit<br />
Kaunayan<br />
Kutay-kutay<br />
M agu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Parang<br />
Pula<br />
Puti<br />
Tange<br />
Tangongon<br />
14 18 22 26 30 34<br />
Weeks after Plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Fig 9 . Disease progress curve for mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection <strong>in</strong> Davao<br />
Based on overall rank<strong>in</strong>g of M<strong>in</strong>danao varieties with regard to <strong>the</strong>ir reaction to abaca mosaic and<br />
bract mosaic diseases, <strong>the</strong> top five (5) varieties are Bontang, Tangongon, Magu<strong>in</strong>o, Bongolanon and<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao. S<strong>in</strong>ce Bontang and Magu<strong>in</strong>o were considered as hybrid, Tangongon, Bongolanon and<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao were chosen. But because disease-free plant<strong>in</strong>g materials for Bongolanon were not enough,<br />
Kaunayan was used <strong>in</strong>stead. S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> objective of <strong>the</strong> study is to come up with ten (10) varieties for <strong>the</strong><br />
national screen<strong>in</strong>g, Kutay-kutay was added <strong>in</strong>stead of Parang because of its acceptability by abaca farmers <strong>in</strong><br />
Jolo.<br />
Table 5. Selection of top three M<strong>in</strong>danao abaca varieties grown <strong>in</strong> Davao based on <strong>the</strong>ir reaction to abaca<br />
mosaic and bract mosaic diseases<br />
VARIETIES<br />
INFECTION<br />
RATE<br />
AUDPC<br />
DISEASE<br />
INCIDENCE(%)<br />
OVER-ALL<br />
RANKING<br />
Bongolanon<br />
Bontang<br />
Igit<br />
Kaunayan<br />
Kutay-kutay<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>o<br />
Parang<br />
Pula<br />
Puti<br />
Tange<br />
Tangongon<br />
0.2454 (5)<br />
0.1958 (1)<br />
0.3144 (11)<br />
0.2487 (6)<br />
0.2388 (4)<br />
0.2685 (9)<br />
0.2212 (2)<br />
0.3428 (12)<br />
0.2551 (7)<br />
0.2823 (10)<br />
0.2646 (8)<br />
0.2294 (3)<br />
200.950 (5)<br />
84.375 (1)<br />
210.510 (7)<br />
201.250 (6)<br />
238.525 (11)<br />
153.315 (4)<br />
134.965 (3)<br />
232.625 (10)<br />
219.470 (8)<br />
256.250 (12)<br />
229.680 (9)<br />
123.735 (2)<br />
78.60 (5)<br />
33.80 (1)<br />
87.30 (10)<br />
85.00 (8)<br />
86.30 (9)<br />
68.60 (4)<br />
51.50 (3)<br />
92.40 (11)<br />
80.90 (7)<br />
95.00 (12)<br />
81.20 (6)<br />
50.00 (2)<br />
15 (4)<br />
3 (1)<br />
28 (10)<br />
20 (6)<br />
24 (9)<br />
17 (5)<br />
8 (3)<br />
33 (11)<br />
22 (7)<br />
34 (12)<br />
23 (8)<br />
7 (2)<br />
4.3 Results of <strong>the</strong> evaluation of varieties <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> national screen<strong>in</strong>g trials<br />
The national screen<strong>in</strong>g trials were established <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same locations where <strong>the</strong> regional screen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
were undertaken. Among <strong>the</strong> top ten (10) abaca varieties selected from <strong>the</strong> three regional trials, only eight (8)<br />
varieties were considered for exchange because of <strong>the</strong> failure to get <strong>the</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g materials of Kaunayan and<br />
Kutay-kutay from <strong>the</strong> seaport of Zamboanga City due to peace and political crisis <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> time<br />
of exchange. The eight (8) selected disease-free varieties were successfully planted <strong>in</strong> Albay, Leyte and<br />
Davao observed for <strong>the</strong>ir reaction to disease and allowed to mature to get fiber yield. Similar to <strong>the</strong> regional<br />
trials, two (2) sites were selected for <strong>the</strong> national screen<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> selected varieties for <strong>the</strong>ir reaction to<br />
bunchy-top and mosaic diseases. In Leyte, one site was chosen for <strong>the</strong> mosaic trial and <strong>in</strong> Davao, 2 sites for<br />
bunch-top and mosaic trial were also established.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 42<br />
4.3.1 For <strong>the</strong> bunchy-top trial<br />
In Albay, results of <strong>the</strong> screen<strong>in</strong>g trial showed that all <strong>the</strong> varieties had very low disease <strong>in</strong>cidence<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> first n<strong>in</strong>e (9) months and slowly <strong>in</strong>creased 14 months after. Tangongon has <strong>the</strong> highest disease<br />
<strong>in</strong>cidence followed by Lausigon and Laguis. Magu<strong>in</strong>danao was <strong>the</strong> last variety which succumbed to <strong>the</strong><br />
disease and had <strong>the</strong> least AUDPC while <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> varieties exhibited vary<strong>in</strong>g degrees of <strong>in</strong>fection. The<br />
growth stage of <strong>the</strong> abaca plant was severely affected by bunchy-top <strong>in</strong>fection as shown by <strong>the</strong> delayed sword<br />
sucker stage on <strong>the</strong> 9 th month <strong>in</strong>stead of maiden to palm sucker stage (Fig 10).<br />
Fig 10. Disease progress curve of bunchy-top <strong>in</strong>fection on<br />
eight selected varieties 31 MAP screened <strong>in</strong> Albay<br />
In Davao, although eight (8) varieties were planted <strong>in</strong> Bago-Oshiro, survival rate of <strong>the</strong> Bicol<br />
varieties were low which resulted to high mortality. Thus, <strong>the</strong> trial proceeded with six varities only namely,<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan, Laguis, Inosa, Magu<strong>in</strong>danao, Tangongon and Musa tex 51. Unlike <strong>in</strong> Albay, <strong>the</strong> eight varieties<br />
varied <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir reaction to bunchy-top disease. Symptom appearance was delayed for almost n<strong>in</strong>e months from<br />
which disease <strong>in</strong>cidence occurred only on <strong>the</strong> 14 th month. However, <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>fection <strong>in</strong> Davao was almost similar<br />
to Albay with Musa Tex 51 hav<strong>in</strong>g 41.35% <strong>in</strong>fection while Tangongon <strong>in</strong> Albay had 45.66% (Fig. 11).<br />
Fig. 11. Disease progress curve of bunchy-top <strong>in</strong>fection on<br />
six (6) selected varieties screened <strong>in</strong> Davao<br />
Incidence of bunchy-top on eight (8) varieties and <strong>the</strong> factors which contributed to <strong>the</strong> severity of<br />
<strong>in</strong>fection 31 months after plant<strong>in</strong>g were analyzed with regression analysis. Computed r 2 for <strong>the</strong> factors which<br />
determ<strong>in</strong>ed percent disease <strong>in</strong>cidence such as <strong>in</strong>fection rate, AUDPC, <strong>in</strong>cubation time <strong>in</strong> both location were
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 43<br />
significant contribut<strong>in</strong>g 69.82% and 89.86% <strong>in</strong> Albay and Davao, respectively. High correlation of 83.56 %<br />
and 94.79% between <strong>the</strong> three factors and disease <strong>in</strong>cidence <strong>in</strong> both locations were also observed (Table 6).<br />
Table 6. Regression statistics for <strong>the</strong> factors <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> development of<br />
bunchy-top disease <strong>in</strong> selected abaca varieties <strong>in</strong> Albay and Davao<br />
Parameter estimates Albay Davao<br />
Multiple R 0.8356 0.9479<br />
R square 0.6982 0.8986<br />
Intercept -20.1893 5.8687<br />
Incubation period 0.0800 -0.0704<br />
Infection rate 247.7716 85.8492<br />
AUDPC 0.0441 0.0505<br />
Observations 31 24<br />
To assess <strong>the</strong> direct and <strong>in</strong>direct contributions of multiple, often correlated factors such as <strong>in</strong>fection<br />
rate, AUDPC and <strong>in</strong>cubation time on disease <strong>in</strong>cidence, correlation analysis was done which <strong>in</strong>dicated<br />
col<strong>in</strong>earity among predictors which is expressed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> equation Yƒ = a + bx 1 + b x 2 + bx 3 where Yƒ<br />
represents disease <strong>in</strong>cidence of <strong>the</strong> variety, a is regression coefficient; bx 1 is mean <strong>in</strong>cubation time after after<br />
emergence; bx 2 is mean <strong>in</strong>fection rate after 30 months after plant<strong>in</strong>g; and bx 3 is mean AUDPC after 30<br />
months after plant<strong>in</strong>g. The results were used to rank <strong>the</strong> varieties for <strong>the</strong>ir degree of resistance. In Albay,<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao, Inosa and Abuab ranked 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd respectively, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir degree of resistance to <strong>the</strong><br />
bunchy-top <strong>in</strong>fection while Magu<strong>in</strong>danao, Laguis and L<strong>in</strong>awaan ranked 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd <strong>in</strong> Davao (Table 7 &<br />
8).<br />
Table 7. Selection of varieties for degree of resistance to bunchy-top disease <strong>in</strong> Albay<br />
Variety Intercep<br />
t<br />
X 1 Mean<br />
Incubation<br />
X 2 Mean<br />
Infectio<br />
n rate<br />
X 3 Mean<br />
AUDPC<br />
Lausigon 0.08 40 247.77 0.1716 0.0441 494.805<br />
- 3.2 42.517<br />
20.1893<br />
4<br />
Abuab 0.08 25 247.77 0.1259 0.0441 343.71<br />
-<br />
31.194<br />
20.1893<br />
2<br />
MT51 0.08 17 247.77 0.1091 0.0441 533.74<br />
-<br />
20.1893<br />
Inosa 0.08 27 247.77 0.0933 0.0441 433.32<br />
-<br />
23.116<br />
20.1893<br />
9<br />
Laguis 0.08 19 247.77 0.1618 0.0441 487.69<br />
-<br />
40.089<br />
20.1893<br />
2<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan 0.08 23 247.77 0.1198 0.0441 422.63<br />
-<br />
29.682<br />
20.1893<br />
8<br />
Tangongon 0.08 36.75 247.77 0.1082 0.0441 707.98<br />
-<br />
26.808<br />
20.1893<br />
7<br />
21.8209 47.3489 8<br />
15.1576 28.1625 3<br />
27.031 23.5379 31.7403 5<br />
19.1094 24.1970 2<br />
21.5071 42.9270 7<br />
18.637 29.9715 4<br />
31.2219 40.7813 6<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao 0.08 33.5 247.77 0.0897 0.0441 342.87<br />
-<br />
20.1893<br />
22.237<br />
3<br />
15.1205 19.8486 1<br />
Y<br />
Ran<br />
k
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 44<br />
Table 8. Selection of varieties for degree of resistance to bunchy-top disease <strong>in</strong> Davao<br />
Variety Intercept X 1 Mean X 2 Mean X 3 Mean Y Rank<br />
Incubation<br />
Infection<br />
rate<br />
AUDPC<br />
Musa Tex 51 -<br />
36 85.8492 0.1 0.0506 592.74<br />
0.0704<br />
5.8687 -<br />
8.5849 29.9834 41.8998 6<br />
2.5373<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan -<br />
58 85.8492 0.13 0.0506 167.06<br />
0.0705<br />
5.8687 -<br />
11.1604 8.450 21.3919 3<br />
4.0878<br />
Laguis -<br />
50 85.8492 0.062 0.0506 266.58<br />
0.0705<br />
5.8687 -<br />
5.3226 13.4848 21.1522 2<br />
3.5239<br />
Inosa -<br />
67 85.8492 0.142 0.0506 207.79<br />
0.0705<br />
5.8687 -<br />
12.1905 10.5109 23.8481 4<br />
4.7221<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao -<br />
48 85.8492 0.064 0.0506 212.31<br />
0.0704<br />
5.8687 -<br />
5.4943 10.7395 18.7196 1<br />
3.3830<br />
Tangongon -<br />
39 85.8492 0.101 0.0506 386.03<br />
0.0705<br />
-<br />
2.7487<br />
8.6707 19.5271 31.3179 5<br />
50<br />
45<br />
40<br />
Ydisease <strong>in</strong>cidence<br />
35<br />
30<br />
25<br />
20<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
Albay<br />
Location<br />
Davao<br />
Fig 12.<br />
MT51 Inosa L<strong>in</strong>awaan<br />
Laguis M agu<strong>in</strong>danao Tangongon<br />
Reaction of six selected abaca varieties to<br />
bunchy-top <strong>in</strong>fection <strong>in</strong> two locations<br />
Among <strong>the</strong> six (6) varieties planted <strong>in</strong> Albay and Davao, Magu<strong>in</strong>danao possessed a more stable<br />
degree of resistance to bunchy-top <strong>in</strong>fection as shown by computed Y disease <strong>in</strong>cidence equation which was<br />
considered as <strong>the</strong> selection <strong>in</strong>dex. It ranked 1 st <strong>in</strong> both location hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> least value of 19.848 and 18.719<br />
for Albay and Davao respectively. The reactions of Musa Tex and Tangongon were also consistent hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
less degree of resistance when planted <strong>in</strong> both locations while <strong>the</strong> Visayan varieties, L<strong>in</strong>awaan, Laguis and<br />
Inosa had vary<strong>in</strong>g reaction (Fig 12).
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 45<br />
4.3.2 For <strong>the</strong> mosaic trial<br />
Similar symptoms of <strong>the</strong> mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection which appeared <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> regional screen<strong>in</strong>g were observed<br />
on <strong>the</strong> eight varieties screened <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> national trial. However, with <strong>the</strong> new <strong>in</strong>formation ga<strong>the</strong>red <strong>in</strong> year 2000<br />
with regard to <strong>the</strong> emergence of <strong>the</strong> bract mosaic disease <strong>in</strong> abaca (BrMD) caused by bract mosaic potyvirus<br />
(BrMV), data on <strong>the</strong> symptomatology were additionally observed and documented (Sharman et al. 2000;<br />
Villajuan-Abgona et al., 2000). Detection by virus-<strong>in</strong>dex<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> said disease by ELISA was also<br />
undertaken us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> available BBrMV antiserum to <strong>the</strong> disease. The disease is associated with alternate<br />
green and yellowish dots and dashes along m<strong>in</strong>or ve<strong>in</strong>s; <strong>the</strong> older leaves show alternate green and yellow<br />
streaks or sp<strong>in</strong>dle-shaped lesions; leaves may show broad chlorotic stripes where bases have necrotic edges<br />
which are usually torn; young leaves may show str<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g and deformation with raised leaf ve<strong>in</strong>s (Fig.13).<br />
Deformed leaves<br />
Alternate<br />
dots and dashes<br />
Fig. 13. Mosaic symptoms<br />
associated with<br />
bract mosaic virus<br />
(BrMV).<br />
Chlorotic streaks on<br />
petioles<br />
Raised ve<strong>in</strong>s<br />
In Albay, results of <strong>the</strong> screen<strong>in</strong>g trial showed that Abuab had <strong>the</strong> least percent mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection at<br />
18.42% followed by L<strong>in</strong>awaan (19.59%) and Musa Tex 51 (21.19%). Likewise, Abuab had <strong>the</strong> smallest<br />
AUDPC compared to L<strong>in</strong>awaan and Musa tex 51 (Fig 14.)<br />
Fig 14. Disease progress curve for mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection<br />
<strong>in</strong> abaca varieties grown <strong>in</strong> Albay.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 46<br />
Screen<strong>in</strong>g trial <strong>in</strong> Leyte showed that varieties Laguis, Inosa and Tangongon were least affected by mosaic<br />
<strong>in</strong>fection recorded as 18.3%, 23.3% and 30%, respectively. The result was <strong>in</strong> correlation with <strong>the</strong>ir reaction<br />
to <strong>the</strong> disease based on <strong>in</strong>fection rate, <strong>in</strong>cubation period and AUDPC (Fig 15).<br />
Fig 15. Disease progress curve for mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection<br />
<strong>in</strong> abaca varieties grown <strong>in</strong> Leyte.<br />
In Davao, Tangongon was least affected by <strong>the</strong> disease hav<strong>in</strong>g 65.48% followed by Inosa (77.01%)<br />
and Laguis (77.15%) among <strong>the</strong> varieties which succumbed to <strong>the</strong> disease at a much earlier period (14MAP).<br />
The highest percent mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection was exhibited by Musa Tex 51 at 86.36% as well as <strong>the</strong> biggest<br />
AUDPC (Fig 16).<br />
Fig 16. Disease progress curve for mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection<br />
<strong>in</strong> abaca varieties grown <strong>in</strong> Davao.<br />
Results of <strong>the</strong> ANOVA for <strong>the</strong> varieties screened <strong>in</strong> Albay showed that <strong>in</strong>fection rate, <strong>in</strong>cubation<br />
period and AUDPC significantly contributed to <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>cidence of <strong>the</strong> mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection based on <strong>the</strong> result of<br />
regression analysis. The computed coefficient of determ<strong>in</strong>ation (r 2 ) also <strong>in</strong>dicated 81.93%, 65.49% and<br />
63.83% contribution of <strong>the</strong> factors which affected disease <strong>in</strong>cidence <strong>in</strong> Albay , Leyte and Davao (Table 9).
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 47<br />
Table 9 . Regression statistics for <strong>the</strong> factors <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> development of mosaic diseases<br />
<strong>in</strong> selected abaca varieties planted <strong>in</strong> Albay, Leyte and Davao<br />
Parameter estimates Albay Leyte Davao<br />
Multiple R 0.9052 0.80927 0.7989<br />
R square 0.8193 0.65492 0.6383<br />
Intercept -13.6544 -12.8776 44.8567<br />
Incubation period 0.1306 0.2589 -0.3411<br />
Infection rate 330.7603 246.8405 33.5568<br />
AUDPC 0.0051 0.0823 0.05868<br />
Observations 31 31 24<br />
Table 10. Selection of varieties for degree of resistance to mosaic diseases <strong>in</strong> Albay,<br />
Leyte and Davao based on <strong>the</strong> computed Y disease <strong>in</strong>cidence.<br />
Variety Albay Leyte Davao<br />
Lausigon 30.8962 (6) 35.2844 (6)<br />
Abuab 17.2462 (1) 28.8193 (2)<br />
MT51 20.5395 (3) 50.4519 (8) 85.3640 (6)<br />
Inosa 34.7080 (7) 30.7355 (3) 75.2018 (2)<br />
Laguis 27.7080 (5) 20.9717 (1) 75.6789 (3)<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan 17.9872 (2) 33.1844 (4) 79.4187 (5)<br />
Tangongon 35.7445 (8) 33.9737 (5) 70.5298 (1)<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao 26.5756 (4) 41.8678 (70 79.2397 (4)<br />
%YL = Yield of healthy plants (fiber yield <strong>in</strong> agronomic trial) – yield of<br />
diseased plants/ Yield of healthy plants x 100<br />
Among <strong>the</strong> varieties grown <strong>in</strong> Albay, <strong>the</strong> least yield loss due to bunchy-top was obta<strong>in</strong>ed by Laguis<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g 48.15% , followed by L<strong>in</strong>awaan and Musa Tex hav<strong>in</strong>g 52.3% and 57.06%, respectively(Table 11).<br />
For <strong>the</strong> mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection, varieties Laguis, Inosa and Tangongon ranked first, second and third hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
48.15%, 50.05% and 58.85%, respectively (Table 12).<br />
Table 11. Bunchy-top <strong>in</strong>fection versus yield loss (Albay)<br />
Variety Potential yield<br />
(kg/Ha/yr) 1<br />
Computed yield<br />
(kg/Ha/yr)<br />
Lausigon<br />
1,803<br />
242.16<br />
Abuab<br />
1,723<br />
538.88<br />
Musa tex 51<br />
2,084<br />
819.84<br />
Inosa<br />
1,320<br />
509.17<br />
Laguis<br />
1,075<br />
557.36<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan<br />
1,270<br />
629.69<br />
Tangongon<br />
1,590<br />
541.13<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
2,100<br />
729.88<br />
1 Results of several agronomic trials us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> specified varieties.<br />
Bunchy-top Yield loss (%)<br />
<strong>in</strong>cidence (%) 2<br />
42.93<br />
30.00<br />
29.18<br />
24.01<br />
44.06<br />
31.55<br />
43.94<br />
20.06<br />
2 Data taken 30 MAP<br />
86.57<br />
68.72<br />
57.06<br />
59.91<br />
48.15<br />
52.30<br />
65.97<br />
62.14
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 48<br />
Table 12.<br />
Mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection versus yield loss (Albay)<br />
Variety Potential yield<br />
(kg/Ha/yr)*<br />
Computed yield<br />
(kg/Ha/yr)<br />
Lausigon<br />
Abuab<br />
Musa tex 51<br />
Inosa<br />
Laguis<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan<br />
Tangongon<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
1,803<br />
1,723<br />
2,084<br />
1,320<br />
1,075<br />
1,270<br />
1,590<br />
2,100<br />
630.13<br />
436.88<br />
353.94<br />
634.40<br />
572.75<br />
539.89<br />
654.20<br />
639.21<br />
1 Results of several agronomic trials us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> specified varieties.<br />
Mosaic <strong>in</strong>cidence<br />
(%)<br />
31.54<br />
18.42<br />
21.19<br />
40.57<br />
21.92<br />
19.59<br />
34.57<br />
26.82<br />
2 Data taken 30 MAP<br />
Yield loss (%)<br />
65.05<br />
74.64<br />
82.57<br />
50.05<br />
46.72<br />
59.10<br />
58.85<br />
69.56<br />
Table 13. Mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection versus yield loss (Leyte)<br />
Variety Potential yield<br />
(kg/Ha/yr)*<br />
Computed yield<br />
(kg/Ha/yr)<br />
Mosaic <strong>in</strong>cidence<br />
(%)<br />
Yield loss (%)<br />
Lausigon<br />
Abuab<br />
Musa tex 51<br />
Inosa<br />
Laguis<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan<br />
Tangongon<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
1,803<br />
1,723<br />
2,084<br />
1,320<br />
1,075<br />
1,270<br />
1,590<br />
2,100<br />
174.6<br />
243.0<br />
140.4<br />
571.2<br />
372.2<br />
845.9<br />
667.8<br />
288.3<br />
41.7<br />
37.4<br />
45.0<br />
23.3<br />
18.3<br />
38.0<br />
30.0<br />
41.6<br />
90.3<br />
85.9<br />
93.3<br />
56.7<br />
65.4<br />
33.4<br />
86.3<br />
58.0<br />
1 Results of several agronomic trials us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> specified varieties.<br />
2 Data taken 31 MAP<br />
For <strong>the</strong> abaca varieties grown <strong>in</strong> Leyte, computation of yield loss due to mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection showed<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan, Inosa and Laguis hav<strong>in</strong>g 33.4% to 65.4%. Though <strong>the</strong> three varieties were <strong>in</strong>digenous <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
location, resistance to <strong>the</strong> disease was relatively low (Table 13).<br />
High mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> six (6) varieties planted <strong>in</strong> Davao resulted to a complete loss <strong>in</strong><br />
experimental plants thus unable to get matured plants that will yield <strong>the</strong> fiber. This phenomenon could be a<br />
result of a virulent stra<strong>in</strong> of abaca mosaic and bract mosaic viruses which caused <strong>the</strong> disease. Not even <strong>the</strong><br />
M<strong>in</strong>danao varieties were able to withstand <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>oculum pressure, although Tangongon which had 65.48%<br />
<strong>in</strong>fection was <strong>the</strong> least affected among <strong>the</strong> varieties (Table 14).<br />
Table 14. Bunchy-top <strong>in</strong>fection versus yield loss (Davao)<br />
Variety Potential yield<br />
(kg/Ha/yr) 1<br />
Computed yield<br />
(kg/Ha/yr)<br />
Musa tex 51<br />
2,084<br />
252.8<br />
Inosa<br />
1,320<br />
523.6<br />
Laguis<br />
1,075<br />
440.0<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan<br />
1,270<br />
564.8<br />
Tangongon<br />
1,500<br />
380.8<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
2,100<br />
723.2<br />
Bunchy-top Yield loss (%)<br />
<strong>in</strong>cidence (%) 2<br />
38.57<br />
17.83<br />
16.78<br />
13.94<br />
27.57<br />
16.43<br />
87.87<br />
58.8<br />
59.07<br />
57.21<br />
76.05<br />
65.56
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 49<br />
1 Results of several agronomic trials us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> specified varieties.<br />
2 Data taken 27 MAP<br />
Table 15. Mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection versus yield loss (Davao)<br />
Variety Potential yield<br />
(kg/Ha/yr) 1<br />
Computed<br />
yield<br />
(kg/Ha/yr)<br />
Musa tex 51<br />
Inosa<br />
Laguis<br />
2,084<br />
1,320<br />
1,075<br />
No fiber yield<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce all <strong>the</strong><br />
varieties<br />
succumbed to<br />
Mosaic<br />
<strong>in</strong>cidence<br />
(%) 2 Yield loss (%)<br />
86.36<br />
77.01<br />
77.15<br />
100% yield loss<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce no<br />
harvestable stalk<br />
rema<strong>in</strong>ed. Disease<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan<br />
Tangongon<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
1,270<br />
1,500<br />
2,100<br />
<strong>the</strong> disease. 78.40<br />
65.48<br />
84.42<br />
<strong>in</strong>cidence was high<br />
even at an early<br />
stage of growth<br />
(14MAP)<br />
1 Results of several agronomic trials us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> specified varieties.<br />
2 Data taken 14 MAP<br />
5. Conclusion and Recommendations<br />
There was no extensive field screen<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>in</strong>digenous abaca varieties/stra<strong>in</strong> that had been conducted<br />
to determ<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong>ir resistance to <strong>the</strong> viral diseases. The activities undertaken <strong>in</strong> this project resulted to<br />
assessment of field reactions of varieties to <strong>the</strong> bunchy-top and mosaic <strong>in</strong>fection which were <strong>the</strong> basis for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir selection to be adopted/recommended to <strong>the</strong> farmers. The abaca varieties which possessed relative<br />
degree of resistance were identified ei<strong>the</strong>r to be planted <strong>in</strong> specific location or be adapted <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r abacagrow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
areas. For <strong>in</strong>stance, <strong>the</strong> Abuab variety which is a Bicol variety can be planted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Visayas s<strong>in</strong>ce it<br />
possesses degree of resistance to mosaic both <strong>in</strong> Bicol and Leyte. It is also true for o<strong>the</strong>r varieties such as<br />
Laguis, L<strong>in</strong>awaan, Inosa and Magu<strong>in</strong>danao. The regresssion and correlation analysis which supported <strong>the</strong><br />
symptomatology method of disease assessment had validated <strong>the</strong> reactions of <strong>the</strong> varieties to <strong>the</strong> two viral<br />
diseases of great importance. Although, yield loss estimates can also be useful <strong>in</strong> measur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> degree of<br />
resistance, this was not considered <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> selection <strong>in</strong>dex, but utilized <strong>in</strong> correlat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> disease <strong>in</strong>cidence as a<br />
predictor of yield loss. It was also a known fact that agro-climatic conditions are contributory factors to yield<br />
loss. The follow<strong>in</strong>g varieties with resistance to mosaic which can be recommended for commercial plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
are as follows:<br />
Region V- Abuab, L<strong>in</strong>awaan, Musa Tex 51<br />
Region VIII – Laguis, Abuab and Inosa<br />
Region XI - Tangongon, Inosa and Laguis<br />
While those varieties with resistance to bunchy-top which can be recommended for commercial plant<strong>in</strong>g are:<br />
Region V - Magu<strong>in</strong>danao, Inosa, Musa Tex 51<br />
Region XI – Magu<strong>in</strong>danao, Laguis and L<strong>in</strong>awaan
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 50
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 51<br />
B.2 Adaptability of Selected Abaca (Musa textilis nee) Varieties Under Different<br />
Agro-climatic Conditions <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es 2<br />
ABSTRACT<br />
Eight (8) selected abaca varieties were assessed for <strong>the</strong>ir adaptability<br />
<strong>in</strong> three (3) locations <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. The entries were. Musa tex 51, Abuab<br />
and Lausigon from Bicol, Inosa, L<strong>in</strong>awaan and Laguis from Visayas,<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao and Tangongon from M<strong>in</strong>danao. These were grown <strong>in</strong> Labo,<br />
Camar<strong>in</strong>es Norte, <strong>in</strong> Abuyog, Leyte and <strong>in</strong> Mawab, Compostela Valley.<br />
The <strong>in</strong>teraction effect of location and entry on fiber yield was<br />
significant. The varieties responded differently to location;. In Bicol, Inosa was<br />
<strong>the</strong> top yielder while <strong>in</strong> Leyte, it was Magu<strong>in</strong>danao. If <strong>the</strong> trend on harvest<br />
would cont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> succeed<strong>in</strong>g harvests, Inosa and Magu<strong>in</strong>danao shall be<br />
recommended for Bicol and Leyte, respectively.<br />
A significant l<strong>in</strong>ear correlation was observed between number of<br />
harvestable stalks and <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g agronomic characters: number of stalks,<br />
number of leafsheaths and stalk base & middle diameter. It also revealed that<br />
with respect to dry fiber content, stalk length had positive effect as opposed to<br />
number of stalks per hill and stalk top diameter which had both <strong>in</strong>verse effect.<br />
Key words: adaptability, abaca, Musa textilis Nee, Manila hemp, agro-climatic conditions, Philipp<strong>in</strong>es<br />
2 Paper presented dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> International Dissem<strong>in</strong>ation Sem<strong>in</strong>ar of <strong>the</strong> CFC-UNIDO assisted<br />
project Abaca—Improvement of Fiber Extraction and Identification of Higher Yield<strong>in</strong>g Varieties<br />
held on 19 October 2004 at Renaissance New World Hotel, Makati City, Philipp<strong>in</strong>es.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 52<br />
1. Introduction<br />
The Philipp<strong>in</strong>es is located sou<strong>the</strong>ast of Asia with an almost north to south orientation extend<strong>in</strong>g over<br />
13° (4.07 °N to 21.5 °N from 117 °E to 127 °E longitude). Its humid and tropical climate provides an<br />
environment much favored by abaca (Figure 1). Although <strong>the</strong> country’s climate can be generally classified<br />
as wet and dry, <strong>the</strong> climate over any particular locality varies due to climatic controls such as topography,<br />
geography, prevail<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>in</strong>d regimes, nor<strong>the</strong>ast and sou<strong>the</strong>ast monsoons and North Pacific trade act<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
various <strong>in</strong>tensities (PAG-ASA, 1992).<br />
Be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>digenous to <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es, abaca has been found grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> all types of soil and climates<br />
of <strong>the</strong> country although it has been observed to be most productive and commercially grown <strong>in</strong> only three<br />
regions of <strong>the</strong> country: <strong>the</strong> Bicol Pen<strong>in</strong>sula, <strong>the</strong> Eastern Visayan Islands of Leyte and Samar and <strong>the</strong><br />
peripheral and Eastern areas of <strong>the</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao Island (Tabora and Santos, 1978). This led observers to<br />
conclude that abaca grows best under certa<strong>in</strong> types of soils and climates.<br />
Abaca is endemic to <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. Be<strong>in</strong>g so, <strong>the</strong> country holds <strong>the</strong> largest number of abaca<br />
germplasm, perhaps, as many as 200 varieties, of which about 20 are cultivated commercially. Ow<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong><br />
wide range of climates exist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country, adaptation of abaca has always been believed to be locationspecific.<br />
For <strong>in</strong>stance, Bicol varieties are observed to have shorter and slimmer stalks and better anchorage<br />
and <strong>the</strong>refore, more typhoon resistant than varieties found <strong>in</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao.<br />
The Philipp<strong>in</strong>e government is currently undertak<strong>in</strong>g a program on <strong>the</strong> rehabilitation and expansion of<br />
abaca areas <strong>in</strong> all abaca produc<strong>in</strong>g regions. However, <strong>the</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ued presence of viral diseases <strong>in</strong> almost all<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g areas and <strong>the</strong> difficulty of eradicat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m casts doubts over <strong>the</strong> possibility of ever achiev<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
objectives of <strong>the</strong> program. An option be<strong>in</strong>g considered seriously is implement<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> program <strong>in</strong> nontraditional<br />
areas where <strong>the</strong> diseases are absent. A constra<strong>in</strong>t that this option will likely face would be <strong>the</strong><br />
identification of suitable varieties consider<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> observed specificity to location. Hence, <strong>in</strong>formation on <strong>the</strong><br />
adaptability of high yield<strong>in</strong>g varieties to different locations would provide a sound basis for recommendation.<br />
2. Objectives<br />
Figure 1. An abaca plant and fiber<br />
a. To determ<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> relative performance <strong>in</strong> terms of fiber yield of high yield<strong>in</strong>g abaca varieties<br />
identified from three abaca-grow<strong>in</strong>g regions <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country; and<br />
b. To provide a basis for mak<strong>in</strong>g sound variety recommendations for <strong>the</strong> country or for specific<br />
regions.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 53<br />
3. Methodology<br />
This research project evaluated <strong>the</strong> performance of 8 abaca varieties <strong>in</strong> three grow<strong>in</strong>g regions <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>es (Figure 2 & 3). These were:<br />
Location<br />
Bicol (Masalong, Labo, Camar<strong>in</strong>es<br />
Norte)<br />
Leyte (Lourdes, Bal<strong>in</strong>sasayao,<br />
Abuyog, Leyte)<br />
M<strong>in</strong>danao (Nueva Visaya, Mawab,<br />
Compostela Valley)<br />
Entry<br />
Abuab (Check variety)<br />
Musa tex 51 (Bicol entry)<br />
Lausigon (Bicol entry)<br />
Inosa (Visayan entry)<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan (Visayan entry)<br />
Laguis (Visayan entry)<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao (M<strong>in</strong>danao entry)<br />
Tangongon (M<strong>in</strong>danao entry)<br />
Abuab<br />
Musa tex 51<br />
Lausigon<br />
Inosa (Check variety)<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan<br />
Laguis<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
Tangongon<br />
Inosa<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan<br />
Laguis<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
Tangongon (Check variety)<br />
A<br />
B<br />
Figure 2. Location map of <strong>the</strong> test sites<br />
C<br />
Figure 3. Experimental sites: A—Labo;<br />
B—Abuyog; C– Mawab
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 54<br />
These entries (Figure 4) were selected follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> protocol described <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> study conducted by VillaJuan-<br />
Abgona, et al. (2004) which screened varieties from major abaca produc<strong>in</strong>g regions for yields and reaction to<br />
diseases.<br />
A B C D E F G H<br />
Figure 4. Test entries: A– Abuab; B – Musa tex 51; C — Lausigon; D – Inosa; E –<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan; F– Laguis; G– Tangongon; H– Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
The experiments <strong>in</strong> Labo, Camar<strong>in</strong>es Norte and Abuyog, Leyte were established <strong>in</strong> December 2001, while <strong>the</strong><br />
one <strong>in</strong> Compostela Valley was established <strong>in</strong> December 2002. Virus-free abaca seedpieces conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 2-3<br />
eyebuds were used as plant<strong>in</strong>g materials <strong>in</strong> Labo and Abuyog whilst 3-month old bagged abaca plants grown<br />
from virus-free seedpieces were used <strong>in</strong> Mawab.<br />
Good agricultural practices were applied uniformly <strong>in</strong> all experimental sites (Annex A).<br />
The experiment was laid out <strong>in</strong> randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications.<br />
An experimental plot consisted of 6 7-hill rows, spaced at 2.5 m between rows and 2.0 m between hills.<br />
Data on number of stalks per hill, number of stalks harvested, stalk dimension, number of leaf<br />
sheaths and dry fiber yield were ga<strong>the</strong>red from 20 completely bordered abaca hills <strong>in</strong> a plot. The fiber yield<br />
per hectare and per cent fiber recovery were also computed (Annex B). These data were taken at harvest, and<br />
currently, Labo had undertaken 3 harvests, Abuyog had 2 and Mawab had 1.<br />
4. Results and Discussion<br />
4.1 Description of location<br />
Masalong, Labo, Camar<strong>in</strong>es Norte<br />
The area was pla<strong>in</strong> to slightly roll<strong>in</strong>g with a soil that was clayey loam, rich <strong>in</strong> phosphorus, deficient<br />
<strong>in</strong> both nitrogen and potassium (K), and slightly acidic (pH of 6.5). Belong<strong>in</strong>g to Type II Climate and hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a monthly average ra<strong>in</strong>fall of 224.2 mm, it had no dry season but with a very pronounced maximum ra<strong>in</strong> from<br />
November to February.<br />
Sitio Lourdes, Bal<strong>in</strong>sasayao, Abuyog, Leyte<br />
The area was hilly and undulat<strong>in</strong>g. Its soil was silt loam, hav<strong>in</strong>g a pH of 6.0, and conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 3%<br />
organic matter (OM), 43 ppm phosphorus (P) and a sufficient level of K. Like Labo, it belonged to Type II<br />
Climate with a monthly average ra<strong>in</strong>fall of 250.0 mm.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 55<br />
Nueva Visaya, Mawab, Compostela Valley<br />
Situated near <strong>the</strong> foot of extremely undulat<strong>in</strong>g Mount Oro, <strong>the</strong> experimental area was generally pla<strong>in</strong><br />
with a soil that was heavy and silty clay, slightly acidic (pH of 5.8) and conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 1.25% OM, 6 ppm P and<br />
576.42 ppm K. Its climate, classified under Type IV had nei<strong>the</strong>r dry season nor a very pronounced ra<strong>in</strong>y<br />
period. For <strong>the</strong> period December 2001 to July 2004, <strong>the</strong> area had a monthly average ra<strong>in</strong>fall of 533.9 mm.<br />
4.2 Effect of variety x location on fiber yield<br />
To determ<strong>in</strong>e whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> varieties responded differentially to <strong>the</strong> locations, a comb<strong>in</strong>ed analysis<br />
was conducted. Prior to this, a Levene’s test was done to ascerta<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> homogeneity of <strong>the</strong> error variances of<br />
<strong>the</strong> locations.<br />
The Levene’s test showed that adequate homogeneity was obta<strong>in</strong>ed for fiber yield (see Table 1) thus,<br />
a comb<strong>in</strong>ed analysis of variance would be valid. The comb<strong>in</strong>ed analysis of variance for yield is presented <strong>in</strong><br />
Table 2.<br />
A comb<strong>in</strong>ed analysis of location and variety was done which <strong>in</strong>volved Labo and Abuyog as <strong>the</strong><br />
locations and Abuab, Musa tex 51, Lausigon, Inosa, L<strong>in</strong>awaan, Laguis, Magu<strong>in</strong>danao and Tangongon as <strong>the</strong><br />
varieties.<br />
It should be noted that <strong>the</strong> Mawab experiment was excluded from <strong>the</strong> comb<strong>in</strong>ed analysis of variance<br />
because <strong>the</strong> results were too <strong>in</strong>adequate from which to derive valid conclusions as <strong>the</strong> experiment was still at<br />
its early stage. In fact, too early to discrim<strong>in</strong>ate among <strong>the</strong> varieties. With only a s<strong>in</strong>gle harvest, results<br />
showed no significant difference among varieties.<br />
Table 1 . Levene’s test for homogeneity of yield variance.<br />
Source of Degrees of<br />
Mean<br />
F value<br />
Pr > F<br />
Variations Freedom<br />
Square<br />
Location 2 1.9888 0.26 0.7704<br />
Error 89 7.6019<br />
Table 2. Comb<strong>in</strong>ed analysis of variance for Abuyog and Labo.<br />
Source of Variations Degree of Freedom Mean Squares<br />
Location 1 9920.08<br />
Block (Location) 6 27243.90<br />
Variety 7 81272.62*<br />
Location * Variety 7 29502.66**<br />
Error 38 28330.20<br />
The <strong>in</strong>teraction effect of location and entry on fiber yield was highly significant (Figure 5). This<br />
could be gleaned from <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>tersect<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>es of responses for Inosa and Magu<strong>in</strong>danao. Significant <strong>in</strong>teraction<br />
effect was also observed <strong>in</strong> Laguis. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, no <strong>in</strong>teraction with location was demonstrated by<br />
Abuab, Tangongon and L<strong>in</strong>awaan as shown by <strong>the</strong> three parallel l<strong>in</strong>es correspond<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong>se varieties.<br />
This significant <strong>in</strong>teraction effect would imply that <strong>the</strong> varieties responded differently to <strong>the</strong> two<br />
locations; some varieties performed better <strong>in</strong> one location than <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r location.<br />
In Labo, <strong>the</strong> Visayan variety Inosa (Figure 6) was <strong>the</strong> top yielder (846 kg/ha/harvest) followed by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Bicol entry, Musa tex 51 (545 kg/ha/harvest) and ano<strong>the</strong>r Visayan variety, L<strong>in</strong>awaan (544 kg/ha/harvest).<br />
Compared with <strong>the</strong> check variety Abuab, <strong>the</strong> yield of Inosa was more than two-fold. The high yield of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
3 varieties could be attributed to <strong>the</strong>ir number of harvestable stalks per hill (Table 3); all of <strong>the</strong>m had 1.5<br />
harvestable stalks which were significantly more than <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> entries.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 56<br />
Figure 6. Inosa, a Visayan variety,<br />
grown <strong>in</strong> Labo, Cams. Norte<br />
Variety x Location Interaction for Yield<br />
900<br />
800<br />
846<br />
804<br />
Es timate d M e an<br />
Yield/Harvest, kg/ha<br />
700<br />
600<br />
500<br />
400<br />
300<br />
544<br />
423<br />
333<br />
351<br />
276<br />
576<br />
511<br />
474<br />
406<br />
363<br />
317<br />
Abuab<br />
Inosa<br />
Laguis<br />
Lausigon<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan<br />
Musa tex 51<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
Tangongon<br />
200<br />
100<br />
-<br />
Labo<br />
Location<br />
Abuyog<br />
Figure 5. Differential responses of varieties <strong>in</strong> Labo and Abuyog.<br />
Note: CV = 35.22%; F test = Highly significant; R-square = 0.6149; Data were derived from<br />
<strong>the</strong> means of 3 harvests <strong>in</strong> Labo, and of 2 harvests <strong>in</strong> Abuyog.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 57<br />
Table 3. Comb<strong>in</strong>ed analysis of 2 locations and 8 entries on number of harvested stalks.<br />
Number of Harvestable Stalks<br />
Entry Labo Abuyog<br />
Abuab 1.2 b 1.0 a<br />
Inosa 1.5 a 1.0 a<br />
Laguis 1.2 b 1.2 a<br />
Lausigon 1.1 b 1.1 a<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan 1.4 a 1.0 a<br />
Musa tex 51 1.5 a 1.0 a<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao 1.0 b 1.0 a<br />
Tangongon 1.0 b 1.0 a<br />
Locn *<br />
Entry *<br />
Locn * Entry *<br />
CV (%) 12.26<br />
In a column, means followed by a common letter are not significantly different at LSD 5% level<br />
On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, <strong>the</strong> low yielders were <strong>the</strong> M<strong>in</strong>danao varieties Magu<strong>in</strong>danao (351 kg/ha/harvest)<br />
and Tangongon (423 kg/ha/harvest), Abuab (357 kg/ha/harvest) and <strong>the</strong> Visayan Laguis (276 kg/ha/harvest).<br />
Meanwhile, <strong>the</strong> two poor performers <strong>in</strong> Labo were, however, <strong>the</strong> top yielders <strong>in</strong> Abuyog;<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao (Figure 7), a M<strong>in</strong>danao variety, adapted well to Abuyog and significantly gave <strong>the</strong> highest fiber<br />
yield (804 kg/ha/harvest), which was comparable to Laguis (511 kg/ha/harvest). The yield of Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
was actually more than twice <strong>the</strong> yield of Inosa , <strong>the</strong> check variety for <strong>the</strong> region. The high yield of<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao could be attributed to its high dry fiber content of 393 g/stalk (Table 4) ow<strong>in</strong>g to its long stalks<br />
measur<strong>in</strong>g 305 cm (Table 5). If <strong>the</strong> trend would cont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> succeed<strong>in</strong>g harvests, Inosa and Magu<strong>in</strong>danao<br />
shall be recommended for Bicol and Leyte, respectively.<br />
Table 4. Comb<strong>in</strong>ed analysis of 2<br />
locations and 8 entries on dry fiber content (g).<br />
Dry fiber stalk, g<br />
Entry Labo Abuyog<br />
Abuab 120 a 198 bc<br />
Inosa 166 a 159 c<br />
Laguis 124 a 213 bc<br />
Lausigon 137 a 166 c<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan 146 a 273 b<br />
Musa Tex 51 124 a 213 bc<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao 173 a 393 a<br />
Tangongon 190 a 255 b<br />
Figure 7. Magu<strong>in</strong>danao, a M<strong>in</strong>danao variety and a<br />
top yielder <strong>in</strong> Abuyog.<br />
Locn<br />
Entry<br />
Locn * Entry<br />
CV (%)<br />
In a column, means followed by a common letter<br />
are not significantly different at LSD 5% level.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 58<br />
Table 5. Comb<strong>in</strong>ed analysis of 2 locations and 8 entries on stalk length (cm).<br />
Stalk length (cm)<br />
Entry Labo Abuyog<br />
Abuab 198 b 252 bc<br />
Inosa 257 a 213 c<br />
Laguis 242 ab 240 bc<br />
Lausigon 249 a 241 bc<br />
L<strong>in</strong>awaan 268 a 278 ab<br />
Musa Tex 51 243 a 246 bc<br />
Magu<strong>in</strong>danao 248 a 305 a<br />
Tangongon 238 ab 222 c<br />
Locn<br />
NS<br />
Entry *<br />
Locn * Entry *<br />
CV (%) 11.73<br />
In a column, means followed by a common letter are not significantly different at LSD 5%<br />
level.<br />
4.3 Relationship of yield components<br />
The estimated fiber yield per hectare was computed from <strong>the</strong> number of harvestable stalks and dry<br />
fiber content. To better understand <strong>the</strong> relationship of <strong>the</strong>se yield determ<strong>in</strong>ants among agronomic and plant<br />
characters, correlation and regression analysis was conducted. The variables used for this analysis were<br />
limited to observations that were <strong>in</strong>dependently observed to ensure statistical validity of <strong>the</strong> results. The<br />
relationship among variables, while <strong>the</strong>y may not be directly useful to <strong>the</strong> farmers, could be of <strong>in</strong>terest to<br />
abaca researchers.<br />
Number of harvestable stalks<br />
Number of harvestable stalks had positive correlation with number of stalks (r=0.49457) while a<br />
negative correlation was observed with number of leaf sheaths (r=-0.32975), stalk base diameter (r=-0.40368)<br />
and stalk middle diameter (r= -0.2438) (Table 6). This would suggest that as <strong>the</strong> number of stalks <strong>in</strong> a<br />
hill <strong>in</strong>creases, <strong>the</strong> number of harvestable stalks likewise <strong>in</strong>creases. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, as <strong>the</strong> stalk girth<br />
<strong>in</strong>creases, <strong>the</strong> number of harvestable stalks decreases.<br />
Table 6. Correlation of harvestable stalks with o<strong>the</strong>r agronomic characters.<br />
Characters<br />
Correlation<br />
Coefficient (r)<br />
Probability<br />
P > [t]<br />
Number of Stalks 0.49
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 59<br />
Dry fiber content<br />
Multiple regression analysis showed <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>ear dependency of dry fiber content with stalks characters<br />
(Table 7).<br />
Number of stalks, stalk weight and stalk length were <strong>the</strong> significant factors determ<strong>in</strong>ed dry fiber<br />
content. The R 2 of <strong>the</strong> regression equation was 70% <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g a substantial proportion of <strong>the</strong> variation <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> dry fiber content that could be expla<strong>in</strong>ed by <strong>the</strong> three yield components. The values of <strong>the</strong> partial<br />
regression coefficients showed that number of stalks has an <strong>in</strong>verse effect on dry fiber content, b= - 9.57 as<br />
opposed to stalk length, b= 6.12, and stalk weight, b= 1.16. These would imply that <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> number of<br />
stalks generally results to a 9.57 reduction <strong>in</strong> fiber content while a unit <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> each of stalk length and<br />
stalk weight results to <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> fiber content by as much as 6.12 and 1.16, respectively. This would also<br />
suggest that too many stalks may not be advantageous as <strong>the</strong> stalks tend to be smaller, slimmer and shorter<br />
with less fiber.<br />
Table 7. Regression analysis of dry fiber content with o<strong>the</strong>r agronomic characters.<br />
Variable<br />
Partial regression coefficient<br />
(b)<br />
Probability<br />
Pr > [t]<br />
Intercept -291.82637
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 60<br />
V. Dissem<strong>in</strong>ation of Project Results<br />
The ma<strong>in</strong> objective of Component C is <strong>the</strong> dissem<strong>in</strong>ation of <strong>the</strong> results of <strong>the</strong> project<br />
through <strong>the</strong> hold<strong>in</strong>g of regional and <strong>in</strong>ternational dissem<strong>in</strong>ation sem<strong>in</strong>ars and <strong>the</strong> production of <strong>the</strong><br />
Farmers’ Manual on Abaca.<br />
1. Production of Farmers’ Manual on Abaca<br />
The Manual is envisioned to serve as a guide for farmers on how to obta<strong>in</strong> higher<br />
fiber yield <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir abaca plantations to <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong>ir farm <strong>in</strong>come. The Manual conta<strong>in</strong>s<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation on <strong>the</strong> proper establishment and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance of abaca plantations,<br />
recommended high yield<strong>in</strong>g abaca varieties, detection and control of pests and diseases,<br />
proper harvest<strong>in</strong>g methods and different methods of extract<strong>in</strong>g abaca fiber.<br />
The Manual will be <strong>in</strong> English and <strong>in</strong> Filip<strong>in</strong>o and <strong>in</strong> two (2) local dialects (Bikol<br />
and Cebuano). The drafts have already been presented to <strong>the</strong> farmers dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> regional<br />
sem<strong>in</strong>ars and subsequently revised to <strong>in</strong>corporate <strong>the</strong> suggestions made on how best to<br />
improve <strong>the</strong> contents of <strong>the</strong> Manual.<br />
Pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Manual is f<strong>in</strong>anced by <strong>the</strong> Project fund and is expected to be<br />
completed before <strong>the</strong> end of 2004. The Manual will be distributed to abaca farmers <strong>in</strong><br />
Bicol, Visayas and M<strong>in</strong>danao.<br />
2. Dissem<strong>in</strong>ation Sem<strong>in</strong>ars<br />
The organization of an <strong>in</strong>ternational dissem<strong>in</strong>ation sem<strong>in</strong>ar to present <strong>the</strong> results of<br />
Components A and B was one of <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> objectives of Component C. To reach a much<br />
larger number of abaca farmers who are <strong>the</strong> ultimate beneficiaries, regional dissem<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
sem<strong>in</strong>ars were also held <strong>in</strong> three major produc<strong>in</strong>g prov<strong>in</strong>ces <strong>in</strong> Bicol, Visayas and<br />
M<strong>in</strong>danao. The follow<strong>in</strong>g were <strong>the</strong> results of <strong>the</strong> sem<strong>in</strong>ars:<br />
2.1 Regional Dissem<strong>in</strong>ation Sem<strong>in</strong>ars<br />
The regional dissem<strong>in</strong>ation sem<strong>in</strong>ars were held <strong>in</strong> Legaspi City, Albay on<br />
September 21, 2004; Sogod, Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Leyte on September 29, 2004; and Davao City on<br />
October 4, 2004.<br />
Participants to <strong>the</strong> regional sem<strong>in</strong>ars were mostly abaca farmers and<br />
representatives from <strong>the</strong> local government units who are supportive of <strong>the</strong> abaca <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir respective regions. A total of 379 participants attended <strong>the</strong> regional dissem<strong>in</strong>ations<br />
sem<strong>in</strong>ars – 103 <strong>in</strong> Legaspi City, 135 <strong>in</strong> Sogod, Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Leyte and 141 <strong>in</strong> Davao City. The<br />
abaca farmers actively participated dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> open forum and showed great <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
developed mach<strong>in</strong>es and <strong>the</strong> recommended abaca varieties. Actual demonstrations on <strong>the</strong><br />
use of <strong>the</strong> decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e were made dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> sem<strong>in</strong>ars. The follow<strong>in</strong>g were <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
general comments suggestions on <strong>the</strong> topics presented:<br />
Mechanical tuxer. The mach<strong>in</strong>e is good as it eases <strong>the</strong> tuxy<strong>in</strong>g process and <strong>the</strong>re is no need for<br />
more workers. However, <strong>the</strong> cost of <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e is high and because it is big, it is only good <strong>in</strong> flat<br />
areas and not suitable <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mounta<strong>in</strong>ous areas where most of <strong>the</strong> abaca plantations are located.<br />
They suggested that <strong>the</strong> tuxer be made smaller, to make it lighter and cheaper and to make it fuelefficient.<br />
Auto-fed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e. The mach<strong>in</strong>e is good, safe to use, production capacity is high as<br />
more abaca fiber can be stripped compared to <strong>the</strong> traditional stripp<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e. The resultant fibers,<br />
although good <strong>in</strong> terms of quality, are however short. The mach<strong>in</strong>e is big and very expensive and<br />
can be used only <strong>in</strong> plantation-type abaca farms and not <strong>in</strong> small abaca farms <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mounta<strong>in</strong>s.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 61<br />
Suggestions were made to make <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e smaller or portable that <strong>the</strong> farmers could br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m to<br />
<strong>the</strong> mounta<strong>in</strong>s and to develop mach<strong>in</strong>es that are affordable to farmers.<br />
Screen<strong>in</strong>g of varieties for resistance to virus diseases. The research results are very helpful to <strong>the</strong><br />
farmers as <strong>the</strong>y gave <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong>formation on what abaca varieties <strong>the</strong>y will have to plant <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
respective areas that will reduce if not solve <strong>the</strong> problem of abaca diseases. Some farmers however,<br />
showed reluctance to change <strong>the</strong> varieties already planted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir farms. Recommendations were<br />
made to cont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>the</strong> research to <strong>in</strong>clude o<strong>the</strong>r varieties <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir localities that might also be diseaseresistant<br />
and to develop varieties that are not only disease-resistant but also high-yield<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Yield trial of selected higher yield<strong>in</strong>g varieties. The results also proved useful to <strong>the</strong> farmers as <strong>the</strong>y<br />
provided <strong>the</strong>m knowledge on which abaca varieties are high-yield<strong>in</strong>g and could help <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
<strong>in</strong>come from abaca farm<strong>in</strong>g. The farmers expressed <strong>the</strong>ir thanks for <strong>the</strong> researches that were<br />
conducted and for conduct<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> dissem<strong>in</strong>ation sem<strong>in</strong>ar for <strong>the</strong>m. Suggestions were also made to<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>the</strong> research to <strong>in</strong>clude o<strong>the</strong>r abaca varieties <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir localities. The also requested that<br />
FIDA provide <strong>the</strong>m with plant<strong>in</strong>g materials that are disease-free, disease-resistant and are highyield<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
2.2 International Dissem<strong>in</strong>ation Sem<strong>in</strong>ar<br />
The <strong>in</strong>ternational dissem<strong>in</strong>ation sem<strong>in</strong>ar was held on October 19, 200 <strong>in</strong> Makati<br />
City, Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. It was attended by 149 participants represent<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> abaca <strong>in</strong>dustry sectors<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> abaca fiber process<strong>in</strong>g, manufactur<strong>in</strong>g and market<strong>in</strong>g, research <strong>in</strong>stitutions,<br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational development organizations, government agencies, <strong>in</strong>ternational and local<br />
f<strong>in</strong>anc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stitutions, policy-mak<strong>in</strong>g bodies, <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong>vestors <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
manufacturers and delegates from Ecuador, <strong>the</strong> only o<strong>the</strong>r abaca produc<strong>in</strong>g country.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> sem<strong>in</strong>ar, <strong>the</strong> results of Component A and Component B were presented<br />
by <strong>the</strong> respective researchers as well as <strong>the</strong> problems encountered <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> course of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
implementation. The representative of Corporacion de Abacaleros de Ecuador (CADE), <strong>the</strong><br />
project’s collaborat<strong>in</strong>g company <strong>in</strong> Ecuador, which jo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> project <strong>in</strong> only <strong>in</strong> July 2003,<br />
presented <strong>the</strong> results of <strong>the</strong> auto-fed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e shipped to Ecuador <strong>in</strong> May 2004.<br />
Resource persons from o<strong>the</strong>r agencies that are also implement<strong>in</strong>g projects on abaca<br />
also presented <strong>the</strong> results of <strong>the</strong>ir projects on abaca, such as <strong>the</strong> R & D on abaca fiber for<br />
textile for which a breakthrough has been made for <strong>the</strong> use of abaca for tropical fabrics.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r representative from Ecuador presented an overview of <strong>the</strong> abaca <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong> that<br />
country.<br />
The outputs of <strong>the</strong> regional sem<strong>in</strong>ars were likewise presented dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>ternational dissem<strong>in</strong>ation sem<strong>in</strong>ar as well as a brief summary of <strong>the</strong> contents of <strong>the</strong> Farmers’<br />
Manual on Abaca. Actual demonstrations on <strong>the</strong> operations of <strong>the</strong> mechanical tuxer and <strong>the</strong><br />
auto-fed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e were shown dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> sem<strong>in</strong>ar.<br />
Some key questions and issues were raised dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> open forums on <strong>the</strong> results of <strong>the</strong><br />
project that were presented. Suggestions were also made on <strong>the</strong> future directions of research<br />
to be made. These <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
Mechanical tuxer. Although <strong>the</strong> field test <strong>in</strong>dicated that <strong>the</strong> tuxer can produces more tuxies<br />
than <strong>the</strong> traditional tuxy<strong>in</strong>g tools, it requires more man-hour and appears to be more<br />
expensive with <strong>the</strong> added cost of fuel and depreciation. Future research must be focused on<br />
develop<strong>in</strong>g a mach<strong>in</strong>e that is more efficient and affordable to farmers.<br />
Auto-fed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e. The mach<strong>in</strong>e lacks portability as it is too large for <strong>the</strong><br />
small farmers. Although it has profit advantage because of higher fiber recovery of 3.3%<br />
compared to <strong>the</strong> use of <strong>the</strong> stripp<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e, it is not easily affordable to small farmers as<br />
<strong>the</strong> cost is too expensive. The labor requirement to run <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e is too high and this
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 62<br />
<strong>in</strong>creases <strong>the</strong> labor cost. The after sales service and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance of <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e is also too<br />
expensive.<br />
There is, however, room for improvement <strong>in</strong> terms of design and construction of<br />
<strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>e which will allow for longer fibers to be produced, at <strong>the</strong> same time, provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
an effective mechanism <strong>in</strong> separat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> different grades/layers of decorticated fiber.<br />
Researches could be made to develop a simple to operate, low-cost, portable mach<strong>in</strong>e and<br />
to look <strong>in</strong>to ways of harness<strong>in</strong>g alternative power sources. Investors and large farm owners<br />
should be encouraged to <strong>in</strong>vest <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry, especially <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fabrication of better<br />
designed, more efficient mach<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
Identification and field-test<strong>in</strong>g of varieties. In <strong>the</strong> analysis of data, site specificity of<br />
disease <strong>in</strong>cidence and agro-economic characteristics should be taken <strong>in</strong>to account for better<br />
comparison across location. The presentation of data should <strong>in</strong>clude footnotes that would<br />
clearly expla<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> context of <strong>the</strong> data be<strong>in</strong>g presented, as <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> case of number of harvests.<br />
Suggestions were made that subsequent researches should focus on a limited<br />
number of varieties to be considered <strong>in</strong> a specific area for better analysis, and <strong>the</strong>refore,<br />
better recommendation. Screen<strong>in</strong>g of various agronomic and disease-resistance<br />
characteristics of <strong>the</strong> hundreds of varieties should be cont<strong>in</strong>ued. Also, an active breed<strong>in</strong>g<br />
program that aims to comb<strong>in</strong>e as many desirable traits from many varieties must be done as<br />
well as <strong>in</strong>tensive study of <strong>the</strong> behavior of viruses, with particular focus on <strong>the</strong>ir ability to<br />
quickly mutate.<br />
From <strong>the</strong> presentations, <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g lessons can be learned:<br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>e experience<br />
• If <strong>the</strong> goal were to improve efficiency, <strong>the</strong>n attention should be directed at<br />
improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> technical design and performance reliability of <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
• Potential high yield<strong>in</strong>g as well as disease-resistant abaca varieties are locationspecific.<br />
• Farmers generally prefer <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>es to be portable, fuel efficient and<br />
affordable.<br />
Ecuador experience<br />
• There is promise <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> use of <strong>the</strong> auto-fed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field<br />
especially by middle-size and large farms, although fur<strong>the</strong>r improvements <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
design is required to guarantee consistency <strong>in</strong> production output.<br />
• The mach<strong>in</strong>e can be used as well <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r potential fiber sources such as green,<br />
baby and mature bananas.<br />
• There is a possibility <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> use of decorticated fiber <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustrial and artesanal<br />
processes.<br />
• The fiber extraction efficiency can be improved by processes already <strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> traditional mach<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> Ecuador, like <strong>the</strong> use of mechanical squeez<strong>in</strong>g rollers.<br />
• There should be a cont<strong>in</strong>ued exchange of ideas and technology between <strong>the</strong><br />
Philipp<strong>in</strong>es and Ecuador.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 63<br />
Annex A. Inputs Received from CFC<br />
1. Services of Experts<br />
• Engr. Andrew Metianu, <strong>in</strong>ternational expert on mechanical extraction of fiber, for<br />
two months (June-July 1999 and August 2001)<br />
• Engr. Eugene C. Castro, Jr., national expert on mechanical extraction of fiber, for<br />
eleven months (May, June, August and September, 1999 and June–December 2000)<br />
• Dr. Narceo B. Bajet, national expert on plant virology, for four<br />
and a half months (April to September 1999 – 1.0 month; May 2000 to January 2001<br />
– 1.5 months; July 2001 to January 2002 – 1.5 months; April to November 2002 – 0.4<br />
month)<br />
• Dr. Avel<strong>in</strong>o D. Raymundo, national expert on plant epidemiology, for four and a half<br />
months (April to September 1999 – 1.0 month; May 2000 to January 2001 – 1.5<br />
months; July 2001 to January 2002 – 1.5 months; April to November 2002 – 1.7<br />
months)<br />
• Proceso Manguiat, national expert on plant breed<strong>in</strong>g, for three months (March –<br />
November 1999)<br />
• Dr. Consorcia E. Reaño, national expert on plant breed<strong>in</strong>g, for three and a half<br />
months (May 2000 to January 2001 – 2.0 months; September to December 2001 – 1<br />
month; April to November 2002 – 0.5 month)<br />
• Prof. Romeo F. Huelgas, national expert on techno-economic evaluation, for two<br />
months (May 1999 and September 2001)<br />
2. Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gs/study tour for <strong>the</strong> project staff<br />
• Engr. Petronilo B. Jabay and Edgar A. Abriol, on AutoCad<br />
and Mechanical Desktop, <strong>in</strong> Australia (August 16-27, 1999)<br />
• Dr. Remedios VJ. Abgona and Emma O. Oloteo, on Plant Virus Identification,<br />
Detection, Purification and Ellim<strong>in</strong>ation, <strong>in</strong> Australia (May 8-24, 1999)<br />
• Porfirio B. Tafalla, Jr. and Mamerto H. Catiempo, Jr., on Documentation and<br />
Information Management of Plant Genetic Resources, at SEARCA, Los Baños, Laguna<br />
(September 6-10, 1999), <strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>a (September 11-24, 2000) and <strong>in</strong> New Delhi, India<br />
(February5-13, 2001)<br />
• Dr. Aurora G. Peralta, Engr. Petronilo B. Jabay and Fidel S. Josol, study tour <strong>in</strong><br />
Tanzania (November 19-29, 2000)<br />
3. Equipment and <strong>the</strong>ir location<br />
Description Location 1/<br />
International Purchase<br />
1 unit Fiber length analyzer, Kajaani FS Fiber Lab<br />
1 unit Torque transducer Fiber Lab<br />
2 units Microplate reader, Multiskan plus 220 LDL, DDL<br />
v50/60 Hz with Hp pr<strong>in</strong>ter 840C
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 64<br />
2 units Micropipettes LDL, DDL<br />
2 units Homogenizer/blendor LDL, DDL<br />
3 units Digital stirrer, Mirak hotplate ADL, LDL, DDL<br />
2 units Sterilizer LDL, DDL<br />
1 unit pH meter (Benchtop 11) DDL<br />
3 units Titermate multichannel pipette ADL, LDL, DDL<br />
Local Purchase<br />
1 unit Desktop computer with monochrome Fiber Lab<br />
plotter and AutoCad software<br />
1 unit Digital sound level meter Fiber Lab<br />
1 unit RK-60 diesel eng<strong>in</strong>e, Kubota, 5 hp Fiber Lab<br />
1 unit RK-70 diesel eng<strong>in</strong>e, Kubota, 7 hp Fiber Lab<br />
1 unit RK-105 diesel eng<strong>in</strong>e, Kubota, 10 hp Fiber Lab<br />
1 unit D 1703-BBS, Kubota, 37 hp Fiber Lab<br />
1 unit V 1903 –BBS, Kubota, 42 hp Fiber Lab<br />
1 unit Optical tachometer Fiber Lab<br />
1 unit Pla<strong>in</strong> paper copier Fiber Lab<br />
2 units Air-conditioner, Koppel, split type LDL, DDL<br />
2 units Refrigerator LDL, DDL<br />
4 units Computer, with HP pr<strong>in</strong>ter ADL,LDL,DDL,CRD<br />
1 unit Digital camera, Sony Mavica IPS<br />
4. Vehicle, Toyota Land Cruiser, diesel hardtop Fber Lab<br />
with 44 pcs Toyota spare parts<br />
5. Fabricated Mach<strong>in</strong>es Fber Lab<br />
Auto-fed Decorticator<br />
1 unit Study model<br />
2 units Work<strong>in</strong>g models<br />
1 unit Commercial model<br />
1 unit Replacement unit (of <strong>the</strong> unit<br />
shipped to Ecuador)<br />
Mechanical Tuxer<br />
1 unit Study model<br />
2 units Work<strong>in</strong>g models<br />
2 units Commercial models<br />
6. Equipment & Spare Parts Sent to Ecuador<br />
1 unit Auto-fed decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
with 37 hp Kubota eng<strong>in</strong>e (D1703-BBS)<br />
Spare Parts of decorticat<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />
4 pcs Pillow block bear<strong>in</strong>g, 20 mm diameter<br />
4 pcs Pillow block bear<strong>in</strong>g, 25 mm diameter<br />
4 pcs Pillow block bear<strong>in</strong>g, 30 mm diameter<br />
8 pcs Pillow block bear<strong>in</strong>g, 40 mm diameter<br />
4 pcs Pillow block bear<strong>in</strong>g, 50 mm diameter<br />
2 pcs V-Belt, B60<br />
2 pcs V-Belt, B52<br />
2 pcs V-belt, B48
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 65<br />
2 pcs V-belt, B-30<br />
12 pcs Sprocket#40, 16 teeth, 25 mm bore<br />
8 mtrs Roller cha<strong>in</strong>, # 40<br />
18 mtrs Flat belt, 100 mm width x 6mm thick<br />
1 mtr Belt connector, Flat belt<br />
2 pcs Flexible coupl<strong>in</strong>g, 12 mm diameter<br />
70 pcs Roller bear<strong>in</strong>gs, 6202 & 6203<br />
1 pc Gear box, Bell pony PA 18, Ratio 1:20<br />
Legend 1/<br />
ADL -<br />
LDL -<br />
DDL -<br />
CRD -<br />
Fiber Lab -<br />
IPS -<br />
Albay Diagnostic Laboratory, FIDA, Legaspi City<br />
Leyte Diagnostic Laboratory, FIDA, Abuyog, Leyte<br />
Davao Diagnostic Laboratory, FIDA, Davao City<br />
Crop Research Division, FIDA, Quezon City<br />
Fiber Laboratory, Quezon City<br />
Information and Publication Staff, FIDA, Quezon City
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 66
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 67<br />
Annex B. FIDA personnel <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> project<br />
Component A<br />
Component Leader : Dr. Aurora G. Peralta<br />
Staff Members : Engr. Adriano C. Valenzuela<br />
Engr. Petronilo B. Jabay<br />
Engr. Fidel S. Josol<br />
Engr. Warrior Catbagan<br />
Edgar A. Abriol<br />
Romeo de Vera<br />
Epifania VJ. Dalen<br />
Component B<br />
Component Leader : Joseph<strong>in</strong>e B. Regalado<br />
Staff Members : Dr. Remedios VJ. Abgona<br />
Gregorio S. Antaran<br />
Jose L. Catalla<br />
Regional Staff:<br />
Region V<br />
Coord<strong>in</strong>ator : Ramon T. Borromeo<br />
Research Staff : Emma O. Oloteo<br />
Edgardo B. Infante<br />
Region VIII<br />
Coord<strong>in</strong>ator : Porfirio B. Tafalla, Jr.<br />
Research Staff : Victor A. Romero<br />
Agapito Cagabhion<br />
Venerando P. Dadios<br />
Telesforo T. Boyboy<br />
Fe C. Espeña<br />
Region XI<br />
Coord<strong>in</strong>ator : Victor<strong>in</strong>o Q. Agnes<br />
Research Staff : Dr. Olympio B. Macarayan<br />
Mamerto H. Catiempo<br />
Analyn D. Bolivar<br />
Edgar G. Fest<strong>in</strong><br />
Component C<br />
Component Leader : Mystic T. Pelayo<br />
Staff Members : N<strong>in</strong>i P. Clemente<br />
Alexander B. Abes<br />
Project Coord<strong>in</strong>ator : Danilo E. Ocayo<br />
Project Director : Adm<strong>in</strong>istrator Cecilia Gloria J. Soriano
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 68<br />
REFERENCES:<br />
(Component A)<br />
ALLEN, Stewart et al. (1974) Chemical Analysis of Ecological Materials, John Wiley G. B. 1974<br />
ANDES, BC. Et al. (1964). A Study of <strong>the</strong> Methods of Extract<strong>in</strong>g Abaca Fiber. I. Us<strong>in</strong>g Matured Stalks. Phil.<br />
J. Plant Ind. 29 (1-4): 31-45<br />
ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTS, Procedure for Fiber Prote<strong>in</strong>, Fat, Moisture,<br />
Ash, Nitrogen-Free Extract and Gross Energy Content.<br />
BAWAGAN, V.P. (1973) – Process<strong>in</strong>g and Utilization of Perennial Crop Fibers, Presented dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
PCARR Workshop on Abaca and O<strong>the</strong>r Perennial Crops, Sept. 24-29, 1973 at UPLB College,<br />
Laguna.<br />
CASEY, James P. (1960) Pulp and Paper, Chemistry and Chemical Technology. Volume 1, 2 nd edition.<br />
ESAU, K. (1965). Plant Anatomy, 2 nd Edition. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. 767 pp.<br />
FIBER INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (1992). The Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Abaca Industry Report. FIDA,<br />
Makati, Metro Manila<br />
JARMAN, C.G. TABB; C.B. and CANNING, A.J. (1970). Causes and Prevention of Knots <strong>in</strong> tissues made<br />
from decorticated abaca. The Paper Maker. February, 1970.<br />
JENSEN (1960) – Histological Procedures <strong>in</strong> Botanical Microtechnique.<br />
JOHANSEN, D.A. (1940). Plant Microtechnique, 1 st edition, New York and London: Mcgraw-Hill, 523 pp.<br />
JUTE TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH LABORATORIES, India: Procedure for Residual Gum Content.<br />
PERALTA, A.G. (1996). Pulp Produced from Decorticated Abaca Fiber. TAPPI JOURNAL. Vol 79: No. 3<br />
263p<br />
TAPPI TEST METHOD 2000-2001. Kappa Number of Pulp, Laboratory Process<strong>in</strong>g of Pulp, Physical<br />
Test<strong>in</strong>g of Pulp Handsheets. TAPPI PRESS. 2001 edition.<br />
TOMLINSON, P.B. (1969). Anatomy of <strong>the</strong> Monocotyledons (Ed. C.R. Metcalfe). Volume 3,<br />
Commeh<strong>in</strong>ales-Z<strong>in</strong>giberales, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 446 pp.<br />
(Component B)<br />
PAG-ASA. 1992. The climate of <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. Quezon City, Philipp<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
TABORA, P.C. JR. and R. SANTOS. 1978. Soil and climate for abaca production. In: International<br />
Documentation Center on Abaca (ed.) The abaca. UPLB, College, Laguna, Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. pp 60-64.<br />
VILLAJUAN-ABGONA, R., E.O. OLOTEO, V.A.ROMERO, A.D. BOLIVAR, and A.D. RAYMUNDO.<br />
2004. Search for abaca varieties resistant to bunchy-top and mosaic virus disease <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
Paper presented dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> International Dissem<strong>in</strong>ation Sem<strong>in</strong>ar of <strong>the</strong> CFC-UNIDO assisted project<br />
Abaca—Improvement of Fiber Extraction and Identification of Higher Yield<strong>in</strong>g Varieties held on 19<br />
October 2004 at New Word Renaissance Hotel, Makati City, Philipp<strong>in</strong>es.
Ref. No. CFC/FIGHF/09 CFC/UNIDO/FIDA 69<br />
Catiempo M H and O B Macarayan. 2000. Adaptability trial of Musa tex hybrids (Bicol Series) <strong>in</strong> region XI.<br />
Term<strong>in</strong>al Report.<br />
FIDA 2002. Accomplishment Report. Fiber Industry Development Authority. Quezon Avenue, Quezon<br />
City.<br />
FIDA 2003. Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Fiber Industry Statistics (1994-2003). Fiber Industry Development Authority,<br />
Quezon City.<br />
Lomerio EO and EO Oloteo. 2000. Collection, evaluation and characterization of abaca varieties, hybrids<br />
and stra<strong>in</strong>. FIDA 5. Annual Report.<br />
Ocfemia, GO. 1924. Notes on some economic plant diseases new <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>e Islands. Philipp Agric<br />
13(4): 163-166.<br />
Raymundo, A D. 1998. An alternative methodology of screen<strong>in</strong>g for reaction of abaca germplasm to bunchytop<br />
and mosaic viruses In Abaca: Improvement of Fiber Extraction and Idenification of Higher<br />
Yield<strong>in</strong>g Abaca Varieties Component B: Identification and Field Test<strong>in</strong>g of High Yield<strong>in</strong>g Disease<br />
Resistant Varieties. Accomplishment Report.<br />
Romero V A and T Boyboy. 2000. Adaptability trial of Musa tex hybrids (Bicol Series) <strong>in</strong> region VIII In<br />
FIDA In-house Review. Splash Mounta<strong>in</strong> Resort Hotel. June 27-29, 2000.<br />
Sharman M. Gambley CF, Oloteo EO, Abgona RVJ and Thomas JE. 2000. First record of natural <strong>in</strong>fection<br />
of abaca (Musa textilis Nee) with banana bract mosaic potyvirus. Australian Journal of Plant<br />
Pathology.<br />
Villajuan-Abgona R, Oloteo EO and Thomas JE. 2001 Bract mosaic disease <strong>in</strong> abaca (Musa textilis Nee) In<br />
Abstract of Researches for Presentation of <strong>the</strong> Asian Agriculture Congress held <strong>in</strong> West<strong>in</strong> Philipp<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Plaza, Manila, Philipp<strong>in</strong>es. 24-27 April 2001. p150.