Category: AGRICULTURE

LAMP for Rapid Detection of Common Pathogens causing disease in Swine

 

LAMP stands for Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification. It is a simple rapid, specific and cost-effective diagnostic tool that is based on the dna amplification method.

The LAMP method is comparable to PCR  (polymerase chain reaction) in terms of sensitivity and specificity. In contrast to PCR however, the LAMP method is less costly and less affected by the presence of non-target DNA and inhibitory contaminants. LAMP does not require sophisticated equipment and reagents. Also, it can be used with simple heating devise such as water bath or heat block. Because of its high specificity and visiual indicators of the presence of a pathogen (Notomi et al, 2000) the LAMP method is considered a potential tool for field diagnosis of swine diseases. Continue reading “LAMP for Rapid Detection of Common Pathogens causing disease in Swine”

Multi commodity solar tunnel Dryer

Multi commodity solar tunnel Dryer (MCSTD)

The Philippine commonly practices sundrying techniques in drying fish products. However, the process is a largely dependent on the weather and is very difficult during the rainy season.

Moreover, the traditional method usually yields products with high microbial load. The exposure to wind and weather is a relatively slow process and results to a bigger losses through spoilage, lack of uniformity in the final product and development of undesirable flavor.

The studying practice of small-scale producers diminishes the quality of the commodities being dried. The practice allows dust, flies and microorganisms to contaminate the products. Aside from its health hazards, the poor quality dried products fail quality standards and are unacceptable for export. Worse, many small-scale processors cannot afford the operation coast of commercial mechanical dryers. Continue reading “Multi commodity solar tunnel Dryer”

Corn Growing

Production Guide on Corn

 

Variety

Hybirds

Open Pollinated Varieties

 

Soil Testing

Soil sample will be collected before plowing for soil analysis. If the soil pH is less than 5.3 limin hould be done to raise the desired soil pH (5.3- 5.5) This will be done one month before planting by broadcasting and followed by plowing to incorporate in the soil.

 

Land Preparation

The land should be thoroughly prepare by two plowings and harrowings.

Minimum tillage is also recommend by one plowing and glyphosphate + ammonium sulfate application

Continue reading “Corn Growing”

Watermelon farming

Watermelon Planting

Cultural Requirements

Land preparation

The field should be thoroughly prepardd by alternate plowing and harrowing. It must be pulverized and leveled. If the soil pH is lower than 5.8 lime is applied one month before sowing at the rate of 3 tons/ha. Furrows are spaced at 1.5 meters apart. Continue reading “Watermelon farming”