RDE Programs

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

• Development of State-of-the-Art for Abaca Technologies
• Development of Abaca Information System
• Establishment of Knowledge Product Services and 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

• Seedpiece Production and Distribution
• Technical Assistance
• Information Support Services