|
Researchers promote technologies
to Bicol pili stakeholders
FPRDI’s Irma I. Palanginan, Senior Science Research Specialist,
and For. Arsenio B. Ella, Scientist III, gave lectures during a
recent Pili Congress on investment opportunities and improved resin
tapping technologies to pili (Canarium sp.) growers, processors
and other stakeholders from the provinces of Camarines Sur, Albay
and Sorsogon.
Ella also shared the results of his research project on 32 “piling
liitan” (Canarium luzonicum) fully-bearing trees in Alabat, Quezon
to ease the Bicolanos’ apprehension that harvesting the resin of
the pili tree reduces nut yield. In Bicol, pili (Canarium ovatum)
is grown primarily for its kernel, an important ingredient in candies
and confectioneries.
Learning the correct methods of tapping pili trees for their resin
can significantly help increase the farmers’ income. Industries
use resin as raw material for paints and varnishes. Resin also gives
toughness and elasticity to products such as plaster, printing ink,
lithographic works and perfume.
Ella’s team plans to conduct experiments on resin tapping and the
use and characterization of the pili resin (a.k.a. Manila elemi)
together with Bicolano pili growers. FPRDI also plans to identify
the disease-producing agent in pili nuts and establish a drying
schedule for the rice hull-fired oven used by local processors.
Aside from the farmers and processors, researchers, professors,
scientists, and other stakeholders from R&D institutes, colleges
and universities, and industries participated in the Congress.
|
