A transcriptome-based analysis of Philippine mango is generating critical molecular insights into anthracnose infection and cecid fly infestation, supporting the development of improved ‘Carabao’ mango varieties with enhanced resistance and fruit quality.
Mango is one of the country’s most economically important fruits, with the ‘Carabao’ being the most widely cultivated and sole export variety.
However, Cabarao mango production and export potential are significantly constrained by pest and disease pressures that reduce fruit quality and marketability.
Among the most damaging are anthracnose disease and cecid fly infestation, which can severely affect postharvest quality and, when unmanaged, result in substantial yield losses.
To address these challenges, the project, “Transcriptome Analysis of Philippine Mangoes in Response to Anthracnose and Cecid Fly Damage,” led by Mr. John Edward L. Felipe of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), investigates gene expression responses of mango under pest and disease stress. The study aims to generate molecular-level data that will support marker development, and guide breeding efforts for improved mango varieties.
The project is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), and was recently evaluated in a project review held at UPLB.
During the review, Science and Technology (S&T) Consultant Ma. Anita M. Bautista commended the team’s progress in molecular characterization and species identification of anthracnose pathogens. She also emphasized the need to generate high-quality and comprehensive data on cecid fly infestation during the project’s extension period.
The activity was led by Crops Research Division (CRD) through its director, Dr. Leilani D. Pelegrina, and Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Mango Sharie Al-Faiha A. Lubang, Program Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Section Head Kristine Joy P. de Guzman, and representatives from CRD and other DOST-PCAARRD units.