This is the cover of the March 2011 issue of Agriculture Magazine which is now off the press and is available in leading bookstores and outlets of the Manila Bulletin nationwide.

 MANILA, Philippines – The March issue of Agriculture Magazine features an extensive report on the “Field Evaluation of Antica for Management of Rice Bacterial Leaf Blight and Tungro.” Evelyn B. Gergon and Gracia B. Amar of the Philippine Rice Research Institute made the report.

They have got very encouraging results in their evaluation of Antica, an organic fungicide with bactericidal properties developed by Engr. Gigi Zaballero of Ahcil Laboratories in Cebu City.

In earlier trials in Mindanao, Antica was proven effective in the control of the major diseases of banana, including Moko and Sigatoka diseases, two major maladies of banana.

It has also been proven to be effective in preventing anthracnose in harvested mango fruits.

The PhilRice researchers tried different dosages of Antica on rice plants to control leaf blight, bacterial leaf streak and tungro,. Some plots served as control while other plots were treated with other pesticides usually used to control the diseases. The studies were conducted at the PhilRice station in Nueva Ecija and in Isabela.

Here’s the researchers’ conclusion:

“Based on the results of this study, Antica is effective in reducing the incidence and severity of bacterial leaf blight and bacterial leaf streak of rice. It is also effective in reducing the population of insect pests such as green leafhoppers, brown planthoppers, and white-backed planthoppers without affecting the beneficial insects.

“Its effect on tungro, however, is not conclusive because of low disease incidence during the conduct of the study. In most instances, Antica is effective at very low rate of 5ml/l water. It can also increase the yield of rice. All this were based on one-season data and may need further verification.”

Rita de la Cruz reports about a farming project that has increased profits of Agusan del Sur corn farmers.

This is the Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) project established in Sta. Josefa town. This project does not only focus on basic skills in corn production itself but also on feed formulation and feed milling operation, production of reasonably priced feeds that are readily available, ensuring reasonable income for the farmers and their families.

Then you will read about a manager who made money in rice seed production; Balanga City’s most enterprising farmer; Bicol’s most outstanding mechanical engineer; a bright vegetable growing project that keeps on spreading; improving production efficiency and meat quality in beef; a most impressive international floral show in Taiwan; rice bran oil for beauty products, and many more.