PhilRice experts develop modified dapog method

A new method of producing hybrid rice seedlings that cuts down on the amount of seeds used as well as production has been developed by researchers of PhilRice (Philippine Rice Research Institute).

Called the modified dapog method, it follows the principles of the original dapog method. However, instead of sowing the seeds on banana leaves placed on top of the seedbed, the seeds are sown on top of a double layer of plastic mosquito net, which is used as a lining on top of the soil.

The seeds are spread evenly on the upper layer of plastic net and, hence, the roots of the seedlings would not penetrate deep into the soil.

Thus, instead of pulling the seedlings, all that the farmer needs to do is roll the seedlings together with the upper layer of mosquito net. The lower layer is left on top of the seedbed to remove the carbonated rice hull attached to the roots.

Dr. Rodolfo Escabarte Jr., Dr. John C. de Leon, Evelyn C. Javier and Nori Jose Buhat developed the new method. Escabarte is the branch manager of PhilRice Midsayap, while de Leon and Javier are from the PhilRice Central Experiment Station in the Science City of Muñoz. Buhat is also with PhilRice Midsayap.

The new method requires that the seedlings be transplanted at 10 to 12 days old. This differs greatly from the conventional wetbed method wherein 21-day old seedlings are transplanted. However, extra care and proper management are needed in applying the technology.

The new method needs only P8,000 for a hectare, while the conventional method spends more than P9,000 a hectare. This amount includes the cost of land and seedbed preparation, transplanting and replanting under Midsayap conditions.

Escabarte said that with the modified dapog method, 12 to 15 kg of Mestizo hybrid seeds would be enough for a hectare as long as one to two seedlings are transplanted per hill. In contrast, the wetbed method requires 17 to 20 kg Mestizo hybrid seeds for a hectare.

What’s more, the modified dapog method cuts down on labor cost because smaller seedbed and minimum maintenance are needed. The seedlings are simply rolled from the seedbed before transplanting, thereby eliminating pulling cost and facilitating transport and distribution during transplanting.

Moreover, the short period of raising the seedlings promotes better recovery and growth because of less root damage.

Escabarte emphasized, however, that the new method must be practiced only in irrigated areas with good drainage and which are not prone to golden apple snail attack.

The rice field must be leveled well before transplanting to avoid golden apple snail infestation, as the snail attacks the new transplants in depressed portions of the field.

At least 63 farmers in 11 towns of North and South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat reported having saved at least 13 percent on the total cost of production from land preparation to replanting of missing hills.

What’s more, the new method has enabled them to obtain yields they never experienced all their lives. For instance, Serapin Dabi Jr. of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, 65, harvested 12 tons a hectare from his hybrid rice Mestizo crop. For him, this is already an achievement, considering that 12 tons/ha is not a common occurrence. – Sosimo Ma. Pablico