Zamboanga City, The Philippines
1 October 2010
Have you ever heard of the newly introduced Open-Pollinated corn variety (OPV) that is high in protein, lysine and tryptophan? Now, it is one of the most popular corn varieties in the production of grits for human food: IBP Var. 6.
The IBP Variety 6 was developed by the Institute of Plant Breeding (IBP) University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna (UPLB).
It has a national yield potential of 5.4t/ha and can even yield higher when employed with recommended cultural management practices due to its tested local adaptability and agronomic performance. This was proven by Mr. Artemio D. Esolana, a corn seed grower of Ilihan, Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte who harvested big corn ears which are comparable to the ears of a hybrid.
Active and accredited corn seed growers in the provinces were provided with registered seeds of the said variety for the production of certified seeds that the farmers can use in the next cropping season. According to Mr. Felizardo M. Salomes, Regional Corn Coordinator of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit 9 (DA-RFU9) "the variety needs to be multiplied and distributed extensively due to its good eating quality and nutritional values which is very ideal for diabetic due to its lower glycemic index."
Anyone who needs a corn variety of this type may contact Mr. Salomes through his cell phone number 09392925986 or at DA-RFU9's landline number (062) 215-4068 or send your inquiries to da9pagadian@yahoo.com.