The discovery of drought-resistant rice mutant line “weg1” through root plasticity research highlighted the Exit Report Presentation of Balik Scientist Dr. Nonawin Lucob-Agustin conducted last 23 April 2021 at zoom webinar.

Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora mentioned that the country’s climatic conditions caused risk to rice production, thereby threatening food production.

He added that the expertise of Dr. Lucob-Agustin on root systems architecture by designing genetic improvement and breeding programs of rice varieties adaptable to different environmental stresses shed light on addressing the country’s problem.

Dr. Lucob-Agustin first conducted the genetics and mechanisms of root plasticity research in Japan using the rice mutants, weg1 and plr1; the favorable outcomes of the said research served as her inspiration in evaluating the rice lines in the Philippines.

During her Balik Scientist engagement, Dr. Lucob-Agustin, and her host institution, the Department of Agriculture-Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC), evaluated weg1 rice mutant in drought conditions. The results showed that the mutant developed highly-branched root systems and survived in adverse environmental conditions.

More so, Dr. Lucob-Agustin’s team is currently developing lines with the mutation genes using the weg1 and/or plr1 mutants, this is to develop drought-resistant and high-yielding varieties of rice.

Her short-term engagement also involved conduct of seminars and consultations, assistance in the establishment of a basic molecular laboratory for root studies, identification of research and development projects, areas of collaboration centered on molecular studies of rice and other crop roots.

Dr. Roel R. Suralta of the DA-CBC provided his impression in the just concluded Balik Scientist engagement, “BSP is a venue to advance our knowledge and information to be truly competitive at an international setting, it advanced root plasticity research for breeding climate change resilient rice.”

The exit report was formally closed by Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management and Support Services (ARMSS), he congratulated Dr. Lucob-Agustin on her successful engagement and hoped that she will continue the engagement to the long term.

Dr. Carlos added, “Congratulations. This engagement is another testament to the Filipino’s innate qualities of our kababayans and Filipinos in giving back to the Filipino people.”

Watch the full video of Dr. Lucob-Agustin’s Exit Report Presentation at https://tinyurl.com/BSPERPNLAgustin.