Project Title: Development, packaging, and validation of a portable genotyping assay for abaca varietal identification and fiber-source authentication

Project Leader: Dr. Leny C. Galvez

Project Developer: Cris Francis C. Barbosa

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Executive Summary:

While breeding abaca for stress tolerance and crop productivity are currently being undertaken, the advancement of the Philippine abaca (Musa textilis Née) industry can be further fast-tracked by developing technologies that can be used for authentication of varietal identities. This will help in precision breeding and will ensure mass cultivation of the intended abaca varieties. Moreover, these aforementioned solutions were employed to address gaps in abaca fiber production, but research addressing problems in fiber trade is still lacking. This project shall develop a portable varietal and fiber-source authentication assay that can be used even in resource-limited settings. This will capacitate farmers, field genebank and germplasm managers and personnel, and researchers in the accurate identification of abaca varieties, and will enable authorities in fiber trade regulation to verify the identities of the abaca fibers circulating in the market.