Rice researchers amass awards

STUDIES on stresstolerant rice, healthy rices, mechanized inbred rice seed production, novelty rice products, and high-technologies by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) were recognized in a scientific gathering led by the Crop Science Society of the Philippines (CSSP), July 2-7.

In the 48th CSSP Scientific Conference, 14 PhilRice studies were awarded in different categories owing to their importance in advancing agricultural sustainability and development in the countryside.

The study Morphological and Dry Matter Yield of Rice Genotypes in Response to Drought Stress and Rewatering at Vegetative Stage by Gem Faustino, Jose Hernandez, Nenita Desamero, and Rolando Cruz won first place in the Crop Physiology and Biochemistry category.

Through the experiment, 8 out of 17 rice genotypes were spotted to have the ability to withstand drought stress during vegetative stage. Plant irrigation was withheld for 20 days and were rewatered for 10 days with 2-3 cm floodwater depth.

“The slow progression of drought stress indicators such as leaf rolling and leaf tip drying were identified to have helped the plant maintain its water status and photosynthetic ability, thereby withstanding the possible effect brought about by lack of irrigation,” said Faustino, research team member.

For the Postharvest Handling, Processing, and Utilization category, Rodel Bulatao, John Paulo Samin, and Paul Jhon Eugenio also garnered first place for their study Encapsulation of Black Rice Bran Anthocyanin-Rich Extract: Optimization and Characterization.

Anthocyanins are known for their benefits specifically in cardiovascular health, and anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The team have identified encapsulation as an effective method to optimize the use of anthocyanins in black rice bran.

“The capsules developed in the study had high phenolic content and strong antioxidant activity; making it a promising material for food and pharmaceutical use,” Bulatao said.