Genomic Profiling and Comparative Transcriptomic Analyses of NSIC-Registered Abaca Germplasm: Abuab, Inosa and Tangongon (Short Project Title: Abaca Omics Program)

​

Project Leader: Leny C. Galvez Ph.D.

Project Co-leader: Cris Francis C. Barbosa

​

PhilFIDA is mandated to promote the growth and development of the Philippine fiber industry in all aspects including research.   In response to the worldwide demand for fiber supply and sustainability in abaca production, the importance of the genetic information and gene expressions of abaca cannot be overemphasized.  This program has two phases.  The first phase will focus on the elucidation of genetic basis of good agronomic traits and transcriptomic analysis.  The output of which will serve as a molecular toolbox for breeding for varietal improvement using the most recent breeding technique which will be undertaken as Phase II. This proposal however, only covers the Phase I of the program as the Phase 2 activities are highly dependent on the molecular toolbox that will be developed in the phase I. 

 

This Project is expected to deliver the following output:

(1) QTLs associated with good agronomic traits and disease resistance;

(2) Markers for genetic variations associated with good agronomic traits and disease resistance;

(3) Morphology- and genetics-based mobile application for varietal identification;

(4) Assembled and annotated abaca transcriptome;

(5)Database of abaca transcriptome and analysis data;

(6) Differential gene expression data;             

(7) Molecular markers/ fingerprints representing desirable traits in each test variety

(8) Scientific publications; and (9) Policy recommendation for stakeholders

​