Sex: Female
Education:

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture, University of Illinois
  • Master of Science in Genetics, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 1981
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 1977

Field of Specialization:
Plants
Maize
Plant Biology
Plant Biotechnology
Plant Molecular Biology
Plant Breeding
Plant Genetics
Transgenics

Researches:

Article title: Morphological and Molecular Analyses of Leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Infesting Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) in Luzon Island, Philippines
Authors: Mark Gabriel S. Sagarbarria, Lourdes D. Taylo, Desiree M. Hautea
Publication title: Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology 23(2), December 2019

Abstract:
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is the leading vegetable grown and consumed in the Philippines, and the eggplant leafhopper is one of its most important insect pests. Nine local populations of leafhopper infesting eggplants were collected from major eggplant growing areas in Luzon Island to determine if these populations are constituted singly or by different species and to assess the level of variability among them. Morphological analysis of the adult male abdominal and genital traits and partial mitochondrial COI gene sequence identified the eggplant leafhopper populations in Luzon Island as belonging to Amrasca (=Sundapteryx) biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera:Cicadelliae). Observed male specimens exhibited modifications in the pregenital abdominal tergites VII and VIII that were previously reported to not be found in other Amrasca species. Principal Component Analysis of four morphometric genital traits revealed high similarity among the leafhopper populations regardless of eggplant production areas. Partial COI sequence analysis idenfitied 11 sequence variants (haplotypes), with one predominant haplotype. Overall, the leafhopper populations from Luzon Island exhibited moderate haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity, indicating low genetic diversity. Topologies from a maximum likelihood tree indicate all eleven haplotypes cluster in a single clade with other A. biguttula infesting cotton and potato in India, but the Philippine population forms a separate subgroup although with weak bootstrap support. Further analysis with the Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) method classified the different haplotypes into a single GMYC entity.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Identity and genetic structure of eggplant fruit and shoot borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera:Crambidae) populations in the Philippines inferred from morphological traits and COI sequence data
Authors: Mark Gabriel Sagarbarria, John Carlo M. Marasigan, Lourdes D. Taylo, Desiree M. Hautea
Publication title: Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology 21(3), July 2018

Abstract:
Morphological and molecular analysis of 15 Philippine populations of eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB), Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée were conducted to determine if these populations are constituted singly by L. orbonalis or by different species and to assess the level of variability among them. Morphometric analysis of five genital traits of 850 male adult EFSB from field populations and analysis of the COI gene sequence of 879 F1 EFSB larvae from 15 main eggplant-producing provinces identified all individuals as belonging to L. orbonalis. Principal Component Analysis of five morphometric genital characters revealed high similarity among the EFSB populations regardless of geographic location. Thirteen (13) sequence variants (haplotypes) were identified, with one haplotype predominant and widespread throughout the country. The remaining haplotypes occurred rarely and differed from the widespread haplotype by one mutation. Overall, the EFSB populations from Philippines exhibited low nucleotide and haplotype diversity, indicating low genetic diversity. Topologies from a maximum likelihood tree indicate all thirteen haplotypes cluster in a single clade with EFSB populations from India and other South-East Asian countries. Further analysis with the Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) method classified the different haplotypes into a single GMYC entity. Combined with morphometric analysis, differences between haplotypes are not suggestive of any subspecies. Negative values of Tajima's D and Fu's Fs tests combined with the phylogenetic analysis and overall low genetic diversity of Philippine populations support the hypothesis that EFSB is not endemic but introduced to the Philippines.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Assessing Potential Impact of Bt Eggplants on Non-Target Arthropods in the Philippines
Authors: Mario V. Navasero, Randolph N. Candano, Desiree M. Hautea, Randy A. Hautea,Frank A. Shotkoski, Anthony M. Shelton
Publication title: PLoS ONE 11(10):e0165190, October 2016

Abstract:
Studies on potential adverse effects of genetically engineered crops are part of an environmental risk assessment that is required prior to the commercial release of these crops. Of particular concern are non-target organisms (NTOs) that provide important ecosystem services. Here, we report on studies conducted in the Philippines over three cropping seasons with Bt eggplants expressing Cry1Ac for control of the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB), Leucinodes orbonalis, to examine potential effects on field abundance, community composition, structure and biodiversity of NTO's, particularly non-target arthropod (NTA) communities. We document that many arthropod taxa are associated with Bt eggplants and their non-Bt comparators and that the number of taxa and their densities varied within season and across trials. However, we found few significant differences in seasonal mean densities of arthropod taxa between Bt and non-Bt eggplants. As expected, a lower abundance of lepidopteran pests was detected in Bt eggplants. Higher abundance of a few nontarget herbivores was detected in non-Bt eggplants as were a few non-target beneficial that might control them. Principal Response Curve (PRC) analyses showed no statistically significant impact of Bt eggplants on overall arthropod communities through time in any season. Furthermore, we found no significant adverse impacts of Bt eggplants on species abundance, diversity and community dynamics, particularly for beneficial NTAs. These results support our previous studies documenting that Bt eggplants can effectively and selectively control the main pest of eggplant in Asia, the EFSB. The present study adds that it can do so without adverse effects on NTAs. Thus, Bt eggplants can be a foundational component for controlling EFSB in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program and dramatically reduce dependence on conventional insecticides.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/pen3tep2

Article title: 'Sikat' and 'Sulit', New F 1 Hybrid Varieties of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Hautea, D. M. Taylo, L. D.; Quilloy, R. B. Narciso, J. O. Mostoles, M. D. J. Bravo, C. R. Salas, R. A. Navasero, M. V. Hautea, R. A.
Publication title: Philippine Journal of Crop Science 41(2): 46-54

Abstract:
Two new UPLB eggplant F1 hybrids, 'Sikat' (NSIC 2015 Eg 05H) and 'Sulit' (NSIC 2015 Eg06H) were developed and approved for national commercial cultivation by the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) in 2015. The eggplant F1 hybrids were evaluated in 15 field trials across 6 sites in the Philippines under the National Cooperative Testing for Vegetable during CY 2011-2014. 'Sikat' and 'Sulit' demonstrated significantly higher than or comparable yield potential (total and marketable yield) with the commercial hybrid check in 14/15 trials for at least one cropping season. Marketable yield advantage of 'Sikat' and 'Sulit' over the check variety ranged from 32.35-133.05% and 7.47-55.99%, respectively. Morphologically, 'Sikat' has erect to prostate growth habit and plant height at initial harvest of 46-96 cm. Fruits are medium size in length (15-22 cm), 3.32-4.37 cm in diameter, purple and cylindrical with rounded apex. 'Sulit' has comparable plant height (43-92 cm) and growth habit to 'Sikat'. Fruits of 'Sulit' are longer (19-28 cm) than 'Sikat', 2.96-3.90 cm in diameter, purple and cylindrical with protruded fruit apex. Both hybrids were observed to have comparable field reactions to natural infestation of eggplant arthropod pests and field infection by bacterial wilt and fruit rot.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Field Performance of Bt Eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) in the Philippines: Cry1Ac Expression and Control of the Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée)
Authors: Desiree M. Hautea, Lourdes D. Taylo, Anna Pauleen L. Masanga, Maria Luz J. Sison1, Josefina O. Narciso, et al.
Publication title: PLoS ONE 11(6):e0157498, June 2016

Abstract:
Plants expressing Cry proteins from the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), have become a major tactic for controlling insect pests in maize and cotton globally. However, there are few Bt vegetable crops. Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a popular vegetable grown throughout Asia that is heavily treated with insecticides to control the eggplant fruit and shoot borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (EFSB). Herein we provide the first publicly available data on field performance in Asia of eggplant engineered to produce the Cry1Ac protein. Replicated field trials with five Bt eggplant open-pollinated (OP) lines from transformation event EE-1 and their non-Bt comparators were conducted over three cropping seasons in the Philippines from 2010–2012. Field trials documented levels of Cry1Ac protein expressed in plants and evaluated their efficacy against the primary target pest, EFSB. Cry1Ac concentrations ranged from 0.75–24.7 ppm dry weight with the highest in the terminal leaves (or shoots) and the lowest in the roots. Cry1Ac levels significantly increased from the vegetative to the reproductive stage. Bt eggplant lines demonstrated excellent control of EFSB. Pairwise analysis of means detected highly significant differences between Bt eggplant lines and their non-Bt comparators for all field efficacy parameters tested. Bt eggplant lines demonstrated high levels of control of EFSB shoot damage (98.6–100%) and fruit damage (98.1–99.7%) and reduced EFSB larval infestation (95.8–99.3%) under the most severe pest pressure during trial 2. Moths that emerged from larvae collected from Bt plants in the field and reared in their Bt eggplant hosts did not produce viable eggs or offspring. These results demonstrate that Bt eggplant lines containing Cry1Ac event EE-1 provide outstanding control of EFSB and can dramatically reduce the need for conventional insecticides.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/z95cceft

Article title: Use of Artificial Infestation for Field Bioefficacy Assessment of Bt Eggplant Against the Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Lourdes Taylo, Maria Luz Josue Sison, Desiree Hautea
Publication title: Philippine Agricultural Scientist 99(1):119-126, March 2016

Abstract:
Nineteen (19) BC3F1 lines consisting of 10 selections from BC2F1 Mara x event 'EE-1' and 9 selections from BC2F1 DLP x event 'EE-1' were evaluated in a single confined field trial to assess the field resistance of Bt eggplants and non-Bt eggplant comparators against local populations of eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB) under natural and artificial infestations. This study was conducted not as a requirement by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) but in response to biosafety regulator suggestions to do artificial infestation. Artificial infestation of EFSB neonates was done 3 and 5 wk after transplanting (WAT). Mean damage by EFSB measured in terms of percentage infested shoots, percentage fruits with holes and EFSB larvae, and larval count was significantly higher in Bt negative plants compared with Bt positive plants. However, the damage in both artificially infested and naturally infested rows for the BC3F1 DLP x EE-1 and Mara x EE-1 Bt positive plants as well as in the Bt negative plants were comparable, suggesting that artificial infestation of EFSB was no longer necessary to augment the natural field population of the insect pest already present in high number in the trial site.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Map Construction Of Simple Sequence Repeat Developed For Introgression Philippine Downy Mildew Resistance Gene In Maize
Authors: Dedi Ruswandi, Desiree Hautea, A. M. Salazar, R. M. Lantican, et al.
Publication title: Zuriat 12(2), September 2015

Abstract:
Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) is an important DNA markers for mapping plant genomes particularly in mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL). To identify and map SSR markers for introgression resistance gene against Peronosclerospora philippinensis in maize, the parental materials (P 345 and Pi 23) together with 142 genotypes of BC1F1 of Pi 23 ×P 345 population were used. A total of 50 SSR markers were genotyped. However, only thirty-three markers were integrated into a molecular map together with RFLP and RGA markers. A molecular map of SSR was successfully constructed together with RFLP and RGA into 10 chromosomes. It covered a total map length of 1822 cM with an average distance of 18.22 cM between markers.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping Of Philippine Downy Mildew Resistance Gene In Maize (Zea Mays L.)
Authors: Dedi Ruswandi, Desiree Hautea, Azucena Carpena, R. M. Lantican, et al.
Publication title: Zuriat 13(1), September 2015

Abstract:
An experiment to locate QTL conferring resistance against Peronosclerospora philippinensis causing Philippine downy mildew was observed in a BC1F2 population developed from a cross between the susceptible inbred line Pi 23 and the resistant inbred line P 345. Phenotypic data were collected in Los Baños, UPLB for disease incidence. A total of four regions were associated with disease incidence. Some of QTL associated with disease incidence have been reported previously, and the remaining QTL are described here for the first time. The results on QTL analysis using molecular markers also agree with the previous study using classical generation mean analysis of the cross combination Pi 23 x P 345.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Components of Quantitative Resistance to Philippine Downy Mildew In Maize
Authors: Dedi Ruswandi, A. D. Raymundo, R. M. Lantican, Desiree Hautea, et al.
Publication title:

Abstract:
Resistance to Philippine downy mildew (Peronosclerospora philippinensis) was observed in a BC1F2 population developed from a cross between the susceptible inbred line Pi 23 and the resistant inbred line P 345. Five components of resistance namely, disease incidence, disease severity, onset of systemic symptoms, the-area- underdisease-progress- curve (AUDPC), and rate of downy mildew development affected host resistance reactions. All components were significantly correlated. The adult plant resistant reaction was evident in resistant progenies showing prolonged onset of systemic symptoms. Transgressive segregation that exceeded the high and low parent values was also observed for all components of quantitative resistance to Philippine downy mildew.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/vzzpt88d

Article title: Genetic Analysis of Components of Resistance to Philippine Downy Mildew In Maize
Authors: Dedi Ruswandi, Azucena Carpena
Publication title: Zuriat 13(2), September 2015

Abstract:
The genetics of resistance to Philippine downy mildew in maize (Zea mays L.) caused by Peronosclerospora philippinensis was studied in progeny derived from crosses between the resistant inbred P 345 and susceptible inbred Pi 17 and Pi 23. Plant generations used in this study were the PS (susceptible lines Pi 17 and Pi 23); PR (P 345); extensively F1, F2; F3; BS and BR. Plants at three leaf stages were artificially inoculated and evaluated for components of resistance, namely: disease incidence, disease severity, onset of systemic symptom, area under disease progress curve, and rate of downy mildew development. Analysis of generation means indicate that additive- dominance with epistasis gene effect play important role in all components of resistance to Philippines downy mildew.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2hd4e9rh

Article title: Genetic diversity analysis of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and related wild species in the philippines using morphological and SSR markers
Authors: Xavier Caguiat and Desiree Hautea
Publication title: SABRAO journal of breeding and genetics 46(2):183-201, December 2014

Abstract:
Results of the first genetic diversity assessment of Philippine eggplant germplasm collection consisting of accessions of Solanum melongena L. and related wild species using morphological traits and molecular markers is reported in this paper. Thirty-two accessions, representing 30% of the available collection of local landraces, improved cultivars and crop wild relatives (CWR) held in the national genebank were differentiated based on 39 morphological trait descriptors and 41 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. Ten out of the 39 morphological traits accounted for high phenotypic differences among the accessions. SSR polymorphism survey revealed that 33 out of the 41 SSR primer pairs (80.48%) detected variation among the accessions and the number of alleles ranged from 2 to 8 with a mean of 4.3 alleles per marker. The morphological trait and SSR data were analyzed as separate and combined data sets using principal component analysis (PCA) and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis. Similar results were obtained from the 3 data sets. Landraces, cultivars and crop wild relatives (CWR) were clearly differentiated. However, analysis of all 3 data sets did not distinguish the S. melongena landraces based on geographic areas of collection. CWRs were the most diverse group, followed by the landraces, while the improved cultivars were the least diverse. This study provided significant information for the need to increase the present eggplant collection and to widen the genetic diversity of currently cultivated eggplant varieties in the Philippines. © Society for the Advancement of Breeding Research in Asia and Oceania (SABRAO) 2014.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/52v4wasv

Article title: "Tanglaw" and "Tanyag" - New NSIC-Approved UPLB Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Hybrids for Commercial Cultivation in Luzon
Authors: Desiree M. Hautea, Reynaldo B. Quilloy, Lourdes D. Taylo, Josefina O. Narciso, Maria Dulce J. Mostoles, et al.
Publication title: Crop Protection Newsletter 39(1):67-73, April 2014

Abstract:
Two new eggplant F-1 hybrid varieties named "Tanglaw" (NSIC 2013 Eg03H) and "Tanyag" (NSIC 2013 Eg02H) developed by the Crop Science Cluster-Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines Los Banos were approved for commercial cultivation in Luzon by the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) on October 18, 2013. These eggplant F-1 hybrids were evaluated under the National Cooperative Testing for Vegetable during CY 2012-2013. "Tanglaw" and "Tanyag" equalled and surpassed during the WS and DS, respectively, the marketable yield potential of the commercial hybrid check, Morena, The two new hybrids possess purple, elongated, and medium-length fruits (19 cm), flower 2-3 days earlier and have more fruits per kg than the check. The field reactions against sucking arthropod pests were resistant to moderately resistant. The availability of comparable eggplant F-1 hybrids from the public sector could provide eggplant farmers in Luzon a wider selection of good seeds at more affordable prices.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2tauws5p

Article title: Genetic Analysis of Components of Resistance and Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping of Philippine Downy Mildew Resistance Gene in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Dedi Ruswandi, Azucena Carpena, R.M. Lantican, Desiree Hautea, et al.
Publication title: Asian Journal of Agricultural Research 8(3):136-149, March 2014

Abstract:
Downy mildew caused by Peronosclerospora philippinensis (Weston) Shaw is one of the most persistent diseases encountered by maize producers in the Philippines. Improved durable resistant host plant could provide an effective way of both increasing and stabilizing corn production in affected areas. An extensive research to study the genetics of downy mildew resistance in maize against the UPLB isolate pathogen using generation mean analysis and to locate QTL conferring resistance against P. philippinensis causing Philippine downy mildew were done. The genetics of resistance to P. philippinensis was studied in progenies derived from crosses between the resistant inbred P 345 and Nei 9008 and susceptible inbred Pi 17 and Pi 23. Plant generations used in this study were the Ps (susceptible lines); PR (resistant lines); F1, F2, F3, Bs and BR. Analysis of generation means indicates that additive-dominance gene effect plays an important role in all components of resistance in all crosses involving Nei 9008. On the other hand, additive-dominance with epistatic gene effect plays an important role for all components of resistance involving P 345. QTL conferring resistance against P. philippinensis was observed in a BC1F2 population developed from a cross between Pi 23 and P 345. QTL analysis of the different components of resistance showed that a total of twenty-seven regions distributed in nine chromosomes of the maize genome were associated in varying degrees with resistance to P. philippinensis. Four regions located in chromosomes 1, 5, 6 and 8 were associated with disease incidence and disease severity. Results suggest that it may be possible to incorporate QTLs of various components of resistance into the elite inbred line Pi 23 using marker aided selection.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/uy6tmm8c

Article title: Inheritance and Expression of cry1Ac Gene in Bt Eggplant Backcross Populations in the Philippines
Authors: Roanne R. Ripalda, Desiree M. Hautea, Josefina O. Narciso and Alma O. Canama
Publication title: Philippine Journal of Science 37(3), December 2012

Abstract:
The inheritance and expression of cry1Ac gene, isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in backcross lines derived from hybridization of Bt eggplant event 'EE-1' with two non-Bt Philippine genotypes were investigated using event-specific PCR analysis and lateral flow immunoassay or gene strip test. Segregation ratio of the cry1Ac transgene sequences and its expressed protein in majority of backcross F 1 and F 2 lines tested fit the expected 1:1 and 3:1 Mendelian phenotypic ratio, respectively, for a single dominant gene. In addition, the observed segregation ratio remained stable over three successive sexual generations. The PCR analysis and gene strip test results indicated that the cry1Ac gene from 'EE-1' has remained stably integrated in the genome of the backcross progenies and faithfully transmitted and expressed as a single dominant gene through sexual reproduction. Quantitative ELISA was also used to determine the level of Cry1Ac protein expression in different eggplant tissues of Bt-positive BC 3 F 1 lines grown under confined field conditions. Higher levels of Cry1Ac protein were detected in the flowers and terminal leaves than in the immature fruits and stem, while the lowest levels were found in the roots. Genotype and parental background effects on the level of Cry1Ac protein expression were also assessed. Cry1Ac concentrations in all eggplant tissues analyzed were significantly different between the two crosses. This study demonstrated that Bt cry1Ac gene from 'EE-1' can be stably inherited and expressed through conventional backcrossing with Philippine varieties.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/nf69rssv

Article title: Assessing the Responses of Tolerant Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Varieties to Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRSV) Infection and Establishment of Symptom Severity Rating Scale for Resistance Screening
Authors: April N. Alviar, Filomena Sta. Cruz, Desiree Hautea
Publication title: Crop Protection Newsletter 37(2):20-28, April 2012

Abstract:
Sinta, a popular papaya hybrid and its female parental line Cariflora are considered Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) tolerant varieties because although these varieties can be infected, the yields are not significantly reduced. However, the responses of Sinta and Cariflora whether resistance or tolerance to PRSV infection, have not yet been assessed and characterized. Knowledge on the responses of any variety to virus infection is important in designing strategies for the development and deployment of virus resistant varieties. Responses to;PRSV infection was determined by comparing the development of PRSV infection on Sinta and Cariflora with the susceptible variety, Solo. Two-month old healthy seedlings were mechanically inoculated with PRSV, and the development of infection was observed weekly for 8 weeks under screenhouse conditions. Disease development was compared based on disease onset, disease progress, disease incidence, symptom severity, and virus titre in plant. Sinta had delayed disease onset and reduced symptom severity, while Cariflora had delayed onset, lower Area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), reduced disease incidence, and reduced symptom severity. However, there was no significant decrease of virus titre as measured by Enyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay in both varieties, indicating that these two varieties are indeed tolerant but not resistant. Based on disease index, Sinta and Cariflora were considered as moderately-tolerant. A symptom severity rating scale for resistance screening was established in this study. The rating scale represented the pattern of symptom development indicating different degrees of symptom severity starting from mottling, then mosaic, followed by mosaic accompanied by leaf deformation, and lastly by mosaic accompanied with leaf deformation and shoe stringing. The method and the parameters measured for PRSV resistance/tolerance screening under screenhouse conditions are discussed.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/yt99rsdn

Article title: Yield and Response of First and Ratoon Crops of Eggplant (Solanum melongena) to the Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) under an Integrated Pest Management System
Authors: Cyrose Suzie C. Silvosa, Eufemio T. Rasco Jr., Reynaldo G. Abad, Desiree M. Hautea, Jerby Anne M. Basilio, et al.
Publication title: Banwa 9(1-2), 2012

Abstract:
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a highly valued crop with an average production of 10 t·ha–1 and contributes to nearly PhP2 billion in the Philippine economy using conventional farming methods. An integrated pest management system was designed to control the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB) for increased productivity with reduction on harmful pesticide inputs. Under a split plot in randomized complete block design, two eggplant varieties, i.e., hybrid Banate King F1 (BK) and open-pollinated Dumaguete Long Purple (DLP), were tested under four different pesticide treatments, namely, (1) control–no pesticide, (2) organic–Bird’s chilli extract, (3) synthetic–spinosad + flubendiamide, and (4) combination–Bird’s chilli extract + spinosad + flubendiamide. After data was obtained, the first crops were ratooned and tested under the same IPM system. Data on yield and EFSB damage of the ratoon crops were compared with the first crop as influenced by eggplant variety and pesticide treatment. All plants were grown on plots covered with polyethylene mulch sheets under a uniform fertilization and fungicide regimen. Multiple cropping with regular field sanitation and inspection were also incorporated in the IPM system. Results indicate that BK is a superior variety over DLP with a gross yield of about 40 t·ha–1 and a marketable yield of about 20 t·ha–1 in 22 harvests. Ratoon crops produced lower yield than first crops with only 2 t·ha–1 in 12 harvests. Among the pesticide treatments, synthetic or combination treatments are superior over the control (no pesticide) or organic treatments. Use of open-pollinated DLP and chilli spray is inferior to hybrid and synthetic or combination sprays. Chilli spray also tends to nullify the effectiveness of synthetic pesticides when used in combination. The designed IPM system produced higher yield than conventional methods, but all treatments only provided moderate control over EFSB damage with average yield losses of about 50% in first crops and about 60% in ratoon crops.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/2n343hvm

Article title: Molecular Mapping of Resistance to Bacterial Stalk Rot (Pectobacterium chrysanthemi pv. zeae Burk., McFad. and Dim.) in Tropical White Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Alma O. Canama and Desiree Hautea
Publication title: Philippine Agricultural Scientist 93(4), March 2011

Abstract:
We present the results of the first molecular mapping work on resistance to bacterial stalk rot (BSR) caused by Pectobacterium chrysanthemi pv. zeae Burk., McFad. and Dim. in tropical white maize. Molecular marker analysis of the P8 (BSR-susceptible) and YIF62 (BSR-resistant) parental inbred lines generated a total of 102 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and resistance gene analog (RGA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA markers. Using the F(2) population of P8 x YIF62, we constructed a genetic linkage map consisting of 77 (35 SSR, 34 AFLP, 8 RGA) markers covering a distance of 932.8 cM with approximately 12.1 cM marker density, which is about 54% of the total map length of the maize standard map. Using the F(2) linkage map and phenotyping data from F(2:3) progenies, we identified a major genomic region located in chromosome 2 which was associated with resistance to BSR. The genomic region showed additive genetic effects which accounted for approximately 26% of the variation observed in BSR resistance.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Changes in Symptoms, Disease Incidence and Virus Level During the Development of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) Infection in Papaya (Carica papaya L.)
Authors: Filomena Sta. Cruz, Kristine Erika L. Decena, Jaira M. Tanada, Desiree Hautea, et al.
Publication title: Crop Protection Newsletter 34(3):11-20, December 2009

Abstract:
The dynamics of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) infection including the conditions affecting disease development in a susceptible papaya variety and the resulting changes in symptoms, incidence of infection and virus level through time were determined in order to establish a standard and reliable method for assessing PRSV resistance in papaya. 'Solo' papaya seedlings of different ages were mechanically inoculated under different disease pressure (virus inoculum dilution). Two-month old seedlings inoculated with 1:5 inoculum dilution had disease onset at 7 days post inoculation (dpi) when 70% of the plants had symptoms, and were confirmed positive to PRSV in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Symptoms appeared on the newly emerged leaves above the point of inoculation where the first youngest fully-developed leaf had early symptoms of mottling. The mottling symptom developed into mosaic at 15 dpi; then the mosaic became severe and vein banding appeared on the youngest fully-developed leaf at 20 dpi. At 25 dpi, most of the leaves had severe mosaic and became deformed with shoe stringing symptom at 30 dpi. The incidence of infection became 100% starting at 10 dpi and did not change until 30 dpi. Based on ELISA absorbance value, virus accumulated in a cyclic-like manner resulting to changes in virus levels through time after inoculation. Absorbance value increased from 5 to 10 dpi, peaked at 15 dpi, then decreased at 20 dpi until 25 dpi, and increased again at 30 dpi. Higher inoculum dilution and older seedling at inoculation could reduce incidence of infection. Four- and 6-month old seedlings inoculated with 1:5 inoculum dilution had lower disease incidence of 45 and 20%, respectively, compared with 100% infection in the inoculated 2-month old seedlings. Incidence was further reduced with higher inoculum dilutions of 1:25 and 1:50. The PRSV was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) but not by ELISA in asymptomatic samples collected at 5 dpi when virus level was presumably low. The expected 850 bp fragment of PRSV coat protein gene was amplified in total RNA from asymptomatic samples. There was no close association found between virus level and symptom severity.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Cross-species amplification of Shorea Microsatellite DNA Markers in Parashorea malaanonan (Dipterocarpaceae)
Authors: Myralyn A. Abasolo, Edwino S. Fernando, Teresita H. Borromeo, and Desiree M. Hautea
Publication title: Philippine Journal of Science 138(1):23-28, June 2009

Abstract:
Sixteen (16) microsatellite DNA markers previously developed for two Bornean species of Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae), viz. 5 from Shorea curtisii (Shc) and 11 from Shorea leprosula (Sle), were tested on Philippine Parashorea malaanonan for cross-species amplification. Initially, these loci were tested in Parashorea malaanonan from the Makiling Forest Reserve on Luzon Island. All five Shc loci had amplification products, three (3) were polymorphic and two (2) were non-polymorphic. Of the 11 Sle loci, five (5) were polymorphic, three (3) were non-polymorphic, two (2) did not have amplification products, and one (1) had multiple bands. Four loci were further tested on individuals of Parashorea malaanonan from a plantation on Leyte Island. High levels of genetic variability were observed. Cross-transferability was 75%. Expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.39 to 0.82. Results indicate potential use of these markers derived from Shorea in studies of genetic diversity assessments in Parashorea malaanonan.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/6433r4jp

Article title: Detection of Mixed Virus Infection with Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) in Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Grown in Luzon, Philippines
Authors: Filomena Sta. Cruz, Jaira M. Tanada, Paul Rommel V. Elvira, Lolita M. Dolores, et al.
Publication title: Crop Protection Newsletter 34(1):62-74

Abstract:
The occurrence of mixed infection of other viruses with Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) was determined by conducting a survey of papaya virus diseases in farmers' fields in 31 sites located in four papaya growing provinces in southern Luzon such as Laguna, Cavite, Batangas and Quezon; and in three provinces in central Luzon such as Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac. Virus infection was assessed based on symptoms, virus detection and virus transmission test. Out of 848 plants observed in the survey sites in southern Luzon, 70% had virus symptoms, while 30% did not show virus-like symptom. Generally, plants had symptoms of mosaic, leaf deformation, yellow-green leaf discoloration, oily streaks on petioles and ringspot on fruits. Among the 512 field-collected samples from all sites surveyed, 48 or about 9% reacted positively to Papaya mosaic virus (PapMV), 15 or 3% to Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), and 331 or 65% to PRSV in Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Among the 48 PapMV-positive samples, 24 were PRSV-positive, while 6 of 15 ZYMV-positive samples were also PRSV-positive. However, Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis did not detect the presence of PapMV, ZYMV and Papaya leaf distortion mosaic virus (PLDMV) in field-collected samples. The transmissibility of PapMV and ZYMV tested in two serial passages of mechanical inoculation into healthy papaya seedlings, showed that at the first passage, 4% of inoculated papaya using virus source from field-collected samples reacted positively to PapMV in ELISA, while 7% to ZYMV. However, viruses were not detected in RT-PCR. Back-inoculated papaya in the second passage did not react positively to PapMV and ZYMV in both ELISA and RT-PCR. Although PapMV and ZYMV were detected in ELISA, the presence of the virus was not confirmed in RT-PCR and virus transmission test, together with PLDMV. Knowledge on the occurrence of mixed infection of other viruses with PRSV in non transgenic papaya would be useful in assessing the biosafety of PRSV-resistant transgenic papaya conferred using PRSV genes; and in formulating effective disease management.
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Article title: Transpiration rate and stomatal parameters of transgenic papaya conferred with papaya ringspot virus resistance
Authors: Pompe C. Sta. Cruz, Ann Mylalulex Magnaye, Pablito Magdalita, Desiree Hautea, et al.
Publication title: Asia Life Sciences 18(1):111-120

Abstract:
A Biosafety Level 2 (BL2) greenhouse study was conducted at the Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines Los Banos, College, Laguna, Philippines from June 2007 to April 2008, to determine if the conferment of papaya (Carica papaya L.) ringspot virus (PRSV) resistance will affect the transpirational water loss of transgenic lines (132-2.9-13.27-7, 124-3.9-21.30-9 and 132-2.17-12.37), with reference to the non-transgenic control ('Solo 7-8' from Davao, Philippines). Comparative parameters were transpiration rate; stomatal conductance and stomatal density. Transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were measured at 1.5, 3, 5 and 9 months after planting (MAP). Stomatal density was measured at 9 MAP. Total green leaf area and specific leaf area were also measured at 1.5, 3 and 5 MAP. Transpiration rates and stomatal conductance did not differ among transgenic lines and between transgenic lines and non-transgenic control at 1.5, 3 and 5 MAP. Stomatal density and transpiration rate as well as stomatal density and conductance were loosely related. These are consistent with the insignificant differences in stomatal density, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance of the papaya transgenic lines and non-transgenic control. The conferment of PRSV resistance did not affect the instantaneous amount of water transpired on per unit leaf area-basis, and the water conducting property of stomates in transgenic lines. The insignificant difference in leaf area (total green leaf area) and leaf thickness (specific leaf area) further strengthened the insignificant differences observed in transpirational water loss between transgenic lines and non-transgenic control. The results imply that the water use of the transgenic lines was not altered.
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Article title: Bioengineered crops as tools for international development: Opportunities and strategic considerations
Authors: Peter Gregory, Robert H. Potter, Frank A. Shotkoski, Desiree Hautea, K. V. Raman, Vijay Vijayaraghavan, William H. Lesser, George Norto, W. Ronnie Coffman
Publication title: Experimental Agriculture 44(03):277 - 299, July 2008

Abstract:
Crop bioengineering provides unique and dramatic opportunities for international agricultural development. However, we consider the technology not as a ‘silver bullet’ or panacea for crop improvement in the developing world but as an increasingly important tool that can be used to complement conventional methods of crop improvement. The number of bioengineered crops ready for commercial release in developing countries is expected to expand considerably in the next few years. But the multi-national life sciences companies that are leading the research, development and commercialization of bioengineered crops focus primarily on major crops that have high commercial value and extensive international markets.These companies also hold proprietary gene technology for many other crops of extreme importance to subsistence and resource-poor farmers but do not pursue product development and commercialization because of low anticipated returns. Such crops have traditionally been overlooked and are sometimes referred to as ‘orphan crops’ because of the relative lack of research and development applied to them. We propose a strategy for the development and delivery of bioengineered crops, including orphan crops, for developing countries. Consulting local public and private sector stakeholders to determine their highest priority needs for agricultural products is the first step. This ensures local stakeholder buy-in and that we do not invest in technology that is unlikely to be adopted. Next, the feasibility of developing and delivering the product is assessed. If the result is positive, the work is organized into ‘product commercialization packages’(PCPs) that integrate all elements of the research, development and commercialization processes. The main elements of each PCP include (i) technology development; (ii) policy-related issues such as intellectual property and licensing, as well as gaining regulatory approval by the relevant national authorities; (iii)providing public information to producers and consumers about the benefits, risks and correct management of these new products; and (iv) establishing, or verifying, the existence of marketing and distribution mechanisms to provide farmers access to planting material. Our strategy involves integration of needs-based capacity building, socio-economic impact studies and product stewardship into each PCP. Whenever appropriate, opportunities are sought to create public–private partnerships to help leverage public funds,help absorb development costs and provide a broader distribution channel. To illustrate how our strategy is being translated into action we include, as a case study, examples of work by the US Agency forInternational Development-funded, Cornell University-led Agricultural Biotechnology Support ProjectII on the research, development and delivery of bioengineered fruit and shoot-borer-resistant eggplant varieties (Solanum melanogena) for South and Southeast Asia
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Article title: Host resistance and pathogen conidial characteristics across locations of Philippine corn downy mildew
Authors: C.B. Pascual, Bienvenido Jr. Calilung, N. Bituin, A.D. Raymundo, et al.
Publication title: Philippine Agricultural Scientist 88(4):489-494

Abstract:
The performance of 28 maize inbred lines from the Centre Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo (CIMMYT) and the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) of the University of the Philippines Los Banos was assessed for resistance to the downy mildew pathogen, Peronosclerospora philippinensis (Weston) Shaw, at different geographic locations. Epidemiological parameters of resistance were also investigated. Two inbreds, i. e. Nei 9008 and P345C4S2B46-2-2-1-2-B-B-B, exhibited a high degree of resistance in the experimental farm of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and in Koronadal, Cotabato. Some resistant lines in UPLB became less resistant in Koronadal. For the components of resistance that were investigated, significant differences were observed among the entries. The percentage of the incidence of disease was lower in the resistant lines; area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) values and the rate of disease incidence were also lower. Differences in conidial size and shape among downy mildew pathogen populations in the different locations using susceptible trap lines were detected. The results suggested that location and genotype affected conidial size and shape. Higher spore germination in Koronadal than in UPLB could be due to more favorable environmental conditions for germination, i.e., heavier dew formation during the early morning in Koronadal.
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