Potential of saluyot as source of fabric studied

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is studying the potential of saluyot (jute leaves) as a new source of fabric.

The PTRI said Cochorus olitorius, popularly known as saluyot (Ilokos), tugabang (Bisaya), bush okra (English), jute mallow or Jew’s mallow, jute and nalta, has passed all the prerequisites for textile in terms of fineness, tensile strength, residual gum properties.

“Initial findings on saluyot revealed that it is good for use as clothing fabric,” said Carlos Tomboc, PTRI director.

Known as molokheya in Egypt where it originated, it is widely cultivated in the sub-Sahara wet regions and North Africa’s drier areas.

The Los Baños-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research (PCARRD) of the DOST has published the “Saluyot Production Guide” to promote production of this green leafy vegetable.

In 2006, the 692 hectares planted to saluyot throughout the Philippines produced 1,949 tons, according to the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (DA-BAS).

Top producers are Ilocos, particularly Pangasinan (213 ha), and Western Visayas (154 ha), it said.

Aside from saluyot, the PTRI also introduced maguey and water hyacinth or water lily as new fiber sources.

The PTRI said maguey and water lily are favorable for use as home textiles for curtains, upholstery, table runners, table napkins, and handicrafts, among others.

The PTRI had already introduced abaca, pineapple and banana as raw materials for tropical fabrics.

Aside from developing tropical fabrics, the PTRI also introduced the natural dye technology, sourced from indigenous materials like coconut, mahogany, cogon grass, malathayum.

The institute has identified around 75 indigenous plants as good sources of natural dyes.