RDE Programs

PROGRAM AREAS

Productivity Improvement

Genetic Resource Enhancement, Characterization, Evaluation, Conservation and Database
Development of High Yielding, Pest Resistant and Stress Tolerant Abaca Varieties with Good Quality Fibers Suited to Specific End Uses
Performance Evaluation of Promising Abaca Accessions and Hybrids
Biotechnology-assisted Development of Abaca Varieties for Resistance to Abaca Bunchy Top Virus (ABTV) and Abaca Mosaic Virus (AMV)
Integrated Pest Management with Emphasis on Biological Control
Integrated Soil and Nutrient Management including Soil Conditioning and Bioremediation
Crop Modeling
Planting Materials Production and Supply System
Management Strategies for Smallholder Abaca Production

Postharvest Processing, Product Development/Improvement and Diversification

Development and/or Improvement of Postharvest Processing and Utilization Technologies

- primary and secondary tools, machines and gadgets

- postharvest storage practices

Development of Technical and Industrial Products from Abaca Fibers and Wastes (non-structural car parts, structural composites, textiles, GEO textile, packaging materials, and substitute for fiberglass)

Information and Knowledge Product Management

Socio-Economics and Policy Research

Environmental and Economic Assessment of Smallholder Abaca-based Farming Systems in the Philippines: A Bioeconomic Modeling Approach

Impact of Pest Management Programs on the Technical, Allocative and Economic Efficiency of Smallholder Abaca Farmers in the Philippines

Policy Alternatives for Improving Productivity and Sustainability of Abaca Production in the Philippines

Enhancing capacity of stakeholders for new approaches to market-driven abaca-based technologies
Analysis of institutional arrangements for effective implementation of extension programs for abaca
Gender and development analysis in the abaca industry

Extension