Research Details

Strengthening the Resilience of Iloco Crop Diversity Through Complementary Conservation Approach

Menisa Antonio, Bjorn S. Santos, Joemel Agreda, Maria Concepcion Birginias, Bella Gervacio

Category

Project

Status

On-going

Duration

Jan 1, 2023 -
Dec 31, 2025

Component Studies

  1. • Establishing Ex Situ Conservation Facilities for Iloco Crop Genetic Resources
  2. • Establishing Community Foodscapes and Seedbanks of Iloco Crop Genetic Resources
  3. • Characterization and Evaluation of Indigenous Food Plant Species

Parent Program

→ Mainstreaming the Sustainable Conservation and Utilization of Iloco Crop Genetic Diversity

Related Projects

  1. • Germplasm Collection, Characterization and Evaluation of Underutilized Root and Tuber Crops
  2. • Leveraging the Potential of Indigenous Fruits in the Ilocos for Food and Nutrition Security

Brief Description

A mechanism to safeguard a wide genepool of crops should be instituted for several purposes, to include i) crop genetic conservation, ii) sustainable seed system which is made readily available, especially for post-crises rehabilitation, and iii) source of raw material for direct utilization in R&D (i.e. varietal selection, breeding, product development etc.), among others. In particular, Project 1 will reinforce the protection of Iloco crop diversity through a complementary ex situ-in situ conservation system thru cold storage facility, botanical garden, field genebak/arboretum, community seed banks, and community gardens.  Likewise, 
it enhances harnessing the potential of identified indigenous food plants for optimum utilization.  

Expected Output

Product – conserved germplasm as seeds and living plants; established seedbanks, botanical garden & field genebank, and community foodscapes 

Publication – 1 paper submitted to journal

Patent – 1 copyright for a coffee table book

Policy – 1 policy brief  (to be submitted to LGUs for the support/integration of community seedbanks and community gardens in municipal agriculture development initiatives)

people services – at least one foodscape & seed saver group organized, at least 15 capacitated housewives/household members & seed savers

places  - at least 5 municipalities assisted

partnerships – 1 MOA with LGUs