DA-Crop Biotechnology Center

02/06/2026

𝐃𝐀-𝐂𝐁𝐂 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐀 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫-𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩

Dr. Shyatesa C. Razo-Regino, a Balik Scientist at the Department of Agriculture-Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC), led an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Virus Purification seminar-workshop as part of the Engagement Program for Balik Scientists at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) last May 28.

The activity aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in plant pathogen diagnostics and virus purification techniques that are essential tools for monitoring crop health and managing plant diseases in agricultural systems.

The seminar-workshop, coordinated by Dr. Razo-Regino, was attended by researchers from DA-CBC, Crop Protection Division of PhilRice, and DA-Regional Crop Protection Center III.
Dr. Razo-Regino discussed the fundamental principles and applications of ELISA test including its significance for detecting plant pathogens, purifying viruses, and developing test strips of the lateral flow type.

“The objective is to introduce ELISA to researchers who are not quite familiar with this diagnostic tool. Not only that, ELISA is also a routine procedure for further laboratory procedures like virus purification. Knowing the basics is an important skill, especially for researchers working on plant disease detection,” Dr. Razo-Regino shared.

The workshop also provided participants with practical insights into laboratory techniques used in plant virology research, strengthening their capacity to conduct accurate disease diagnosis and support crop protection efforts.

The Engagement Program for Balik Scientists, through activities such as this seminar-workshop, is part of the Center’s broader strategy to strengthen research capabilities and foster knowledge exchange. These efforts contribute to improving crop protection strategies and enhancing the sustainability of Philippine agriculture. 📸RISantos, JJAMartillana, JAGarcia

28/05/2026

Myth ❌ or Fact ✅

Biotech seeds can help you save money on pesticides.Fact ✅

Because biotech crops like Bt Corn have a "built-in" shield against specific pests, you don't need to buy or spray as many expensive chemical pesticides. This reduces your production costs and keeps more money in your pocket at the end of the season.

26/05/2026

FILL IN THE BLANK:

A "Climate-Resilient" crop is a type of plant that is strong enough to survive extreme _________________ or long periods of drought.

22/05/2026

21/05/2026

Did You Know? 🤔🤔🤔

Standard tomato seeds often fail to grow or develop physical abnormalities when temperatures get too high. However, researchers at the University of Tsukuba have identified a specific gene called SlIAA9 that acts as a "repressor" to a plant's defense system. By disabling this gene, seeds are able to produce higher levels of antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins, allowing them to germinate and grow into healthy seedlings even under extreme heat.

This discovery provides a vital genetic blueprint for creating climate-resilient crops. As global temperatures rise, these "heat-proof" tomatoes will be essential for maintaining food security and supporting our farmers in warmer regions.

Read more at: https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=21790

🍅🌡️

19/05/2026

QUESTION: ❓❓❓

Farmers and fisherfolks face many challenges every day. How do you think modern science like biotechnology can make their hard work a little easier?

18/05/2026

A major milestone for Philippine nutrition and agriculture! 🇵🇭🌾

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has officially issued a biosafety permit for the commercial propagation of HIZ039 rice, developed by PhilRice! This healthier rice alternative is genetically engineered with genes from rice and Asian wild apple to boost iron and zinc levels.

Read more at:

The Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry has issued a biosafety permit for the commercial propagation of HIZ039 rice, which is owned and licensed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

15/05/2026

Myth ❌ or Fact ✅

Crop biotechnology can help protect our environment. Fact ✅

Because these crops have "built-in" protection against pests, farmers don't need to spray as many chemicals. This means cleaner air and healthier soil for everyone!

14/05/2026

The 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 – 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝘂𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿, in partnership with 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 – 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿, invites you to:

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟬𝟮 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵: 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀

🗓 May 15, 2026 (Friday)
⏰ 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
💻 Via Zoom

Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdasv4WaBZrSeA5GL5w6QKokzi0SiOgV2MH9uEvZSPd88YUJw/viewform

Interested participants may scan the QR code on the poster or use the link in the comments to join the event.

We look forward to your active participation.

13/05/2026

FILL IN THE BLANKS:

_________________ and _________________ are the backbones of our country, working every day to ensure we have food on our tables.