SunStar
+ January 10, 2021 PHILIPPINE Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) Director Marlita Carlos said the recently commercialized plant growth promoter of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is effective in helping rice crops resist tungro disease and leaf blight.
Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter (PGP), which the DOST had been promoting for farming applications after it was proven to be compatible with different cropping systems, helps develop rice resistance against rice tungro virus and bacterial leaf blight.
Rice tungro disease is caused by the combination of two viruses, which are transmitted by leafhoppers. It causes leaf discoloration, stunted growth, reduced tiller numbers and sterile or partly filled grains.