Pioneer plans to commercialize Bt corn in RP

Biotechnology research company Pioneer Hi-Bred Philippines Inc. (PHPI) is set to apply for the commercialization of the genetically altered bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

Jet. G. Parma, PHPI country manager said his company will submit its application to the Bureau of Plant Industry after it harvests its Bt corn from the seven locations where it conducted the field tests.

PHPI is confident it will be able to get approval for its plan to commercialize the planting of Bt corn.

"Infestation has been low and you can clearly see the difference. We expects to see a 30-percent yield difference from the wet season harvest," said Parma.

Parma added PHPI will conduct another multi-locational field test for the dry season of cropyear 2003 and will also add another location on top of the seven fields to further back up its claims on the yield difference.

PHPI is a subsidiary of science research firm Du Pont which is currently conducting multi-locational field testing for Asiatic corn borer (ACB) resistant Bt corn.

Bt corn has the proven gene that is resistant to the ACB in other countries such as the US, but the Department of Agriculture required local testing of the technology, including contained testing in a greenhouse, single location field test, and a multi-locational field test. This was mainly to appease sectors that oppose the technology.

Thus, PHPI conducted multi-locational testing in seven sites: Angadanan, Isabela; Echague, Isabela; St. Lucia, Pangasinan; Tigaon Camarines Sur; Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; Wao, Lanao del Sur; and Tampakan, South Cotabato. — Rocel Felix