PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

MODULE 4: PLANT GROWTH FACTORS AND LATEST TREND IN CROP SCIENCE

This module discusses how the environment and genetic makeup of plant
affects its performance and the latest technology in crop science

By the end of the module four, the learner should be able to:
1. Examine the external and internal factors affecting the crop
2. Have knowledge on trends in crop science
3. Understand each lesson

Lesson 1: Factors affecting Crop

 Biotic
 Abiotic(Environment)
 Genetic Factor

Lesson 2: Trends in Crop Science

1|Page
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

DIRECTION TO LEARNERS
1. This learning material is not for sale and exclusive only to students enrolled on
this subject. Strictly, do not reproduce!
2. Answer the quick assessment test in every end of the lesson before proceeding
to next lesson.
3. Quick assessment test and learning activities shall be compiled and submitted
during the face to face meeting.
4. Every student is required to have their personal emails.
5. If you have any queries about the topics you can email your instructor at
[email protected] or message me directly at messenger (user
name: Lloyd Adrian Lucena).
6. Supplemental lessons, videos, quizzes, long exams and updates will be posted
to our FB group (CACC 101 BSA 1). Feel free to add yourself.
7. Quizzes and Long Examinations will be uploaded in the google documents
through our FB group.
8. For limited face-to-face:
Protocols on the prevention of the spread of Corona virus shall be strictly
observed:

a. Always wear your facemask.

b. Observe one-meter physical distancing.
c. Use your own ballpen.
d. Sanitize often.

1. Follow your scheduled time.

2. Bring with you your requirements to be submitted.

2|Page
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

LESSON 1: FACTORS AFFECTING THE CROP

INTRODUCTION
Plant growth factors control or influence plant characteristics similarly as
adaptation. In general, there are two factors affecting plant growth and
development: genetic and environmental. The genetic factor is additionally called
internal factor because the premise of plant expression (the gene) is found within the
cell. The environmental factor is taken into account external, and refers to all or any
factors, biotic and abiotic, other than the genetic factor. Both plant growth factors
interact in various ways. The genetic factor determines the character of a plant, but
the extent to which this is often expressed is influenced by the environment.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE
At the end of the lesson you are expected to:
1. Determine the different environmental factors affecting the crop;
2. Determine the biotic factors affecting the crop
3. Know the interaction of genotype and environment

CONTENT
Genotype refers to the set of characters within the plant that it inherited from its
parents. It gives the potential of the plant. Expressed in in a different way, it sets the
bounds within which the plant will perform. The environment determines to what
degree the potential of the plant are going to be expressed. The plant cannot perform
beyond the bounds set by its genetic makeup regardless of how favorable the
environment is. Other than the separate effects of genotype and environment, they
even have an interaction effect or combined effect. The above is typically expressed
as:

Y = f [G + E + (G x E)]

The equation states that the performance (Y) of a crop may be a function of
genotype (G), environment (E) and therefore the interaction of genotype and
environment (G x E).

I. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTOR

An environment is the sum of the conditions that surround and influence an

organism. The environment of a plant includes, among others, the soil in which it
grows, the amount of sunlight and rain it receives, the temperature of the air
surrounding it, and the animals that eat it.
3|Page
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

The term environment broadly demonstrates the environment of an individual

physical structure or a community of life forms, extending on up to the entire
biosphere, the zone of the soil that's ready to maintain life. By surroundings is implied
all the nonliving and living things that play any part in an organism's presence, from
soil and discuss to what the living being nourishes on and therefore the living beings
which will nourish thereon. The other components working on the body, like heat and
light and gravitation, conjure its environment still.
Two Broad Groups of Environmental Factors
Biotic factors of the environment are those that possess life, or the living
environmental factors. Examples are insects, microorganisms, man, and plants.
Abiotic factors of the environment are those that do not possess life, or the
non-living environmental factors. Examples are soil, and the elements of climate and
weather.

Biotic Factors
Beneficial organisms
1. Pollinators- Like gymnosperms, many angiosperms depend on wind to carry
pollen from one plant to another. Flowers of these plants usually have small
sepals and petals. Wind is a random pollinator. There's no way to anticipate
the course or separate a pollen with travel. To guarantee that pollen grain
comes to another plant, wind-pollinated plant delivers colossal sums of pollen.
Animals are much more effective than wind as carriers of pollen and plants
that are pollinated by creatures frequently give nourishment for these
creatures. Among the creature pollinators include beetles, bees, wasps,
butterflies, moths, flies, birds and bats.

Butterfly and Bee

Image Source: https://texasprairie.org/prairies-and-pollinators/

2. Decomposers- comprise generally of heterotrophic microscopic organisms and

fungi that get vitality by breaking down natural remains or items of other life
forms; the activities cycle basic compounds back to autotrophs. In a nourishment
chain the decomposers speaks to the terminal of the chain.
4|Page
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

Earthworm
Image Source: https://lomavistafarm.org/october-2013-knowing-and-appreciating-
your-local-friendly-decomposers/

3. Natural pest enemies- these consist of organisms that are non-destructive to

crops but help keep down the population of destructive insects, arachnid pests
as well as pathogens. Examples are ladybird beetles that bolster on aphids,
wasps that nourish on the larval organize of a few insects, and Bacillus
thuringensis that assault the larval arrange of a few insects. A few carnivorous
bugs which don't influence crops nourish on more destructive mites just like the
red insect bug. A few organisms have been appeared to control the nematode
populace within the soil.

Lady Bug eating aphids

Image Source: https://plantcaretoday.com/what-ladybugs-eat.html

Pests
1. Insect Pests- these are six-legged creatures with a pair of antennae and a pair of
wings. Both the adult and the larval stage may feed on plants either by biting,
sucking or rasping.

5|Page
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

Aphids as example of insect pest

Image Source: https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-
prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/981/aphids-radu-bercan-102522-
1524579121.jpg?resize=480:*
2. Pathogens- these are living organisms that induces diseases in plants. Some
pathogens include some bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Downy Mildew in grapes

Image Source:
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/Portals/0/Gardening/Gardening%20Help/i
mages/Pests/Downy_Mildew_of_Grapes200.jpg
3. Weeds- these are plants which are growing where they are not wanted. Weeds
compete for light, water and nutrients. They yield reduction due to weeds could
even exceed the destruction caused by insects and pathogens. Because their
effects are not immediately visible we tend to ignore their presence.

Weeds in rice field

Image Source: https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/many-beautiful-weed-grasses-
grow-rice-fields-interfere-farming-rural-thailand-beautiful-grass-weeds-rice-
114738298.jpg
6|Page
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

4. Vertebrate and invertebrate pests- those belonging to this group include rodents,
birds, bats and monkeys while the invertebrates will include slugs and snails and
nematodes.

Slug eating crop

Image Source: https://www.futurity.org/wp/wp-
content/uploads/2014/12/slug_eating_1170.jpg

ABIOTIC FACTOR
Climate and Weather Defined
Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere over short periods of time.
Climate refers to all weather conditions that characterize a particular region over a
period of time.
Weather can alter from hour to hour, from day to day, from month to month,
or indeed from year to year. Climates alter gradually over hundreds or thousands of a
long time or more.
As a factor within the common environment, climate influences world designs
of vegetation, soils, and water resources. Climate decides an area's appropriateness
for agriculture.

1. Temperature

Temperature is a measure of intensity of heat energy. The range of

temperature for maximum growth of most of the agricultural plants is between 15 and
40ºC. The temperature of a place is largely determined by its distance from the
equator (latitude) and altitude. It influences distribution of crop plants and
vegetation. Germination, growth and development of crops are highly influenced by
temperature. Affects leaf production, expansion and flowering. Physical and chemical
processes within the plants are governed by air temperature. Diffusion rates of gases
and liquids changes with temperature. Solubility of different substances in plant is
dependent on temperature. The minimum, maximum (above which crop growth
ceases) and optimum temperature of individual’s plant is called as cardinal
temperature.
7|Page
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

Some crop with its minimum, optimum and maximum temperature

2. Solar Radiation

Solar radiation is radiant energy from the sun. Radiant energy (or radiation) is a
form of energy that is emitted or propagated through space. It is said to be
electromagnetic and is propagated in the form of waves. It also behaves like a stream
of particles. Radiant energy that we can see is light.

8|Page
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

For a plant, radiation is a source of energy (photoenergetic effects) and a

stimulus regulating development (photocybernetic effects), but it can also cause
injury (photodestructive effects).
In photoenergetic processes, the energy provided by absorption of radiation
serves to drive metabolic reactions or causes chemical transformations, in a manner
directly dependent on the amount of quanta absorbed.
In photocybernetic processes receptor substances are chemically altered
following uptake of radiation quanta, and this alteration affects the control of
metabolism, growth, and development. Important factors here are the timing,
duration, and direction of incidence and spectral composition of the light.
Photodestructive effects occur with extremely high-intensity visible radiation
or are caused by UV. In both cases photoenergetic processes are also involved. The
damage brought about by intense light consists primarily of photooxidation of
chlorophyll pigments. UV below 300 nm causes not only photooxidation, but also
photodestruction of nucleic acids and protein bodies, and acute damage to
protoplasm.

Kinds of Plants Based on Light Requirement

Heliophytes – sun-loving plants
Sciophytes – shade-loving plants
Sun-loving plants that can tolerate shade are called shade-tolerant plants or
facultative sciophytes.

3. Air Pressure
Atmospheric pressure is the weight of the atmosphere over a unit area. It is
commonly measured with a mercury barometer. Meteorologists express atmospheric
pressure in millibars or inches of mercury. Average atmospheric pressure at sea level
is about 1,013 millibars (30.4 in). Barometrical pressure drops as elevation increases.
It moreover drops when a cyclone approaches a zone.
4. Wind

Wind is the movement of air. It arises because of differences in temperature

and atmospheric pressure between nearby regions of the earth. Wind speed is
measured utilizing an anemometer, whereas a wind vane shows course. Winds tend to
blow from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Upper atmosphere winds,
which blow from 80 to 160 km/hr, help push weather systems around the globe.

Effects of Wind
Transpiration increases with wind speed up to a certain point, beyond which
either it does not increase or it decreases slightly at high wind speed. In general, the
effect is greatest for an isolated tall crop. If the cover is complete and the canopy
surface is more or less even and smooth, the effect of wind on transpiration is usually
small, certainly less important than the effect of solar radiation.
9|Page
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

Carbon dioxide uptake increases up to a wind speed of 167 cm/sec, above

which there is no further increase. Wind increases mechanical turbulence and makes
the CO2 concentration gradient between the leaf and the surrounding air steeper.
Both of these favor greater CO2 diffusion into the leaf. The result is an increase in the
rate of photosynthesis.
High wind speeds are destructive to plant development. Leaves mechanically
harmed by wind have a decreased capacity for photosynthesis and translocation. Solid
wind interferes with typical fertilization, comes about in lodging, and cause grain
shattering.
Since strong wind increases transpiration and decreases dry matter production,
the efficiency of water use is reduced.
From the above considerations, it can be concluded that moderate wind speed
is best for plant growth. However, the optimal wind speed will vary with species and
environment.
Wind also influences the rate of pests and diseases. Strong wind makes a
difference the multiplication and spread of microbes and organisms. A wind speed of
22 cm/sec can carry a pathogen as far as 66 meters from the origin.

5. Humidity
Water is present in the atmosphere in the form of invisible water vapour,
normally known as humidity. Relative humidity is ratio between the amount of
moisture present in the air to the saturation capacity of the air at a particular
temperature.

Effects of Humidity

Humidity affects plant water relations. Low relative humidity increases

transpiration rate. If the water supply of the crop is adequate, this is not a problem
and may even be beneficial In any case, where water supply is restricted, a high
transpiration rate can result in imperceptible drought (or inside water stress)
diminishing growth and yield, or to the wilting of plants with its more serious
destructive impacts.
High relative humidity prolongs the shelf life of perishables such as fruits,
vegetables and cut flowers. On the other hand, durables such as grains, which are
stored at low moisture content, require low relative humidity to maintain quality.
Humidity also affects pest and disease incidence. The rice brown planthopper
is known to flourish beneath high relative stickiness. Most fungal diseases moreover
require high relative humidity particularly at night.

6. Precipitation

Precipitation includes all water which falls from atmosphere such as rainfall,
snow, hail, fog and dew. Rainfall one of the most important factor influences the
vegetation of a place. Total precipitation in amount and distribution greatly affects
the choice of a cultivated species in a place. In heavy and evenly distributed rainfall

10 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

areas, crops like rice in plains and tea, coffee and rubber in Western Ghats are grown.
Low and uneven distribution of rainfall is common in dryland farming where drought
resistance crops like pearl millet, sorghum and minor millets are grown. In desert
areas grasses and shrubs are common where hot desert climate exists Though the
rainfall has major influence on yield of crops, yields are not always directly
proportional to the amount of Precipitation as excess above optimum reduces the
yields Distribution of rainfall is more important than total rainfall to have longer
growing period especially in dry lands.

7. Cloudiness

Clouds form when air cools below its dew point. The dew point is the
temperature at which air becomes saturated, or filled with moisture.
Clouds come in a variety of forms, and not all of them produce precipitation.
Wispy cirrus clouds usually signal fair weather. A blanket-like cover of nimbostratus
clouds produces steady, extended precipitation. Enormous cumulonimbus clouds
release heavy downpours; often they produce thunderstorms and sometimes
tornadoes as well.
Clouds can also affect the amount of sunlight reaching the earth’s surface and
the amount of heat lost from the atmosphere. Cloudy days as a rule are cooler than
clear ones. The opposite is true at night because clouds act as a blanket, keeping the
earth warm.

Classification of Climate

All climates are the product of many factors, including latitude, elevation,
topography, vegetation density, distance from the ocean, and location on a continent.

In the Philippines, the Corona system is the easiest to understand, and is still a
useful guide in crop production. Under this system, there are four types of climate as
follows:

Type 1. Two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April, and wet the
rest of the year. Hence, the dry season lasts for 3-7 months. Strictly speaking, a dry
month should be understood as a month with less than 50 mm of rain, while a wet
month has 100 mm or more of rain. This type of climate prevails on the western parts
of the islands of Luzon, Mindoro, Negros, and Palawan.

Type 2. No dry season, with a very pronounced maximum rain period from
November to January. This prevails in Catanduanes, Sorsogon, the eastern part of
Albay, the eastern and northern parts of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur; a great
portion of the eastern part of Quezon, Samar, eastern Leyte; and a great portion of
eastern Mindanao.

Type 3. This is the Intermediate A type. Seasons not very pronounced:

relatively dry from November to April and relatively wet for the rest of the year. No
11 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

very pronounced maximum rain period, with a short dry season lasting only from one
to three months. Regions with this type of climate are the western part of Cagayan
Valley, Isabela and Nueva Ecija; the eastern portion of the Mountain Province,
Southern Quezon, Masbate, Romblon, northeastern Panay, eastern Negros, central
and southern Cebu; part of northern Mindanao, and most of eastern Palawan.

Type 4. This is the Intermediate B type. Rain is more or less evenly distributed
or rather, no very pronounced maximum rain period, and no dry season. Both cyclonic
and northeastern monsoon rains as well as thunderstorm rains are experienced in
these regions without a single dry month during the year. Areas with this type of
climate are the Batanes Islands, northeastern Luzon, the southwestern part of
Camarines Norte, the western parts of Camarines Sur and Albay, Quezon, eastern
Mindoro, Marinduque, western Leyte, northern Cebu, Bohol, and most of central,
eastern, and southern Mindanao.

Corona Classification of Climate

Uploaded by Andrea Monica Ortiz
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Regional-climate-map-of-the-
Philippines_fig1_267153187

12 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

EDAPHIC FACTORS (soil)

The edaphic factor includes the physical, chemical, and biological properties of
sol that result from biologic and geologic phenomena (N. Rajakaruna, R.S. Boyd)
1. Soil moisture
• Water is a principal constituent of growing plant which it extracts from soil
• Water is essential for photosynthesis
• The moisture range between field capacity and permanent wilting point is available
to plants.
• Available moisture will be more in clay soil than sandy soil
• Soil water helps in chemical and biological activities of soil including mineralization
• It influences the soil environment Eg. it moderates the soil temperature from
extremes
• Nutrient availability and mobility increases with increase in soil moisture content.

2. Soil air
• Aeration of soil is absolutely essential for the absorption of water by roots
• Germination is inhibited in the absence of oxygen
• O2 is required for respiration of roots and microorganisms.
• Soil air is essential for nutrient availability of the soil by breaking down insoluble
mineral to soluble salts
• For proper decomposition of organic matter
• Potato, tobacco, cotton linseed, tea and legumes need higher O2 in soil air
• Rice requires low level of O2 and can tolerate water logged (absence of O2)
condition.

3. Soil temperature
• It affects the physical and chemical processes going on in the soil.
• It influences the rate of absorption of water and solutes (nutrients)
• It affects the germination of seeds and growth rate of underground portions of the
crops like tapioca, sweet potato.
• Soil temperature controls the microbial activity and processes involved in the
nutrient availability
• Cold soils are not conducive for rapid growth of most of agricultural crops

4. Soil mineral matter

• The mineral content of soil is derived from the weathering of rocks and minerals as
particles of different sizes.
• These are the sources of plant nutrients
eg; Ca, Mg, S, Mn, Fe, K etc

5. Soil Organic matter

• It supplies all the major, minor and micro nutrients to crops
• It improves the texture of the soil
• It increases the water holding capacity of the soil,
• It is a source of food for most microorganisms

13 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

• Organic acids released during decomposition of organic matter enables

mineralisation process thus releasing unavailable plant nutrients

6. Soil organisms:
• The raw organic matter in the soil is decomposed by different microorganisms which
in turn releases the plant nutrients
• Atmospheric nitrogen is fixed by microbes in the soil and is available to crop plants
through symbiotic (Rhizobium) or non-symbiotic (Azospirillum) association

7. Soil reaction (pH)

• Soil reaction is the pH (hydrogen ion concentration) of the soil.
• Soil pH affects crop growth and neutral soils with pH 7.0 are best for growth of most
of the crops
• Soils may be acidic (<7.0), neutral (=7.0), saline and alkaline (>7.0)
• Soils with low pH is injurious to plants due high toxicity of Fe and Al.
• Low pH also interferes with availability of other plant nutrients.

II. GENETIC FACTORS AFFECTING THE CROP

The phenotype of an individual is decided by its genotype and also the influence of
environment, expressed as:

Phenotype = Genotype + Environment.

The soundness of cultivar performance over environment is stricken by the genotype

and hereditary relationship.
Genetic Factors – These are the components/factors that affect crop production
which is because of the genotypic differences among individual within a population.

Variety- is employed loosely in crop science to talk over with a named group of plants
within a selected cultivated species which may be distinguished by a personality or
group of characters. It doesn't conform to the usage in taxonomic botany and to avoid
the confusion which will arise, the term cultivar) short for cultivated variety) is
commonly used.
• If propagated by vegetative means they're often brought up as clones;
• If by seed (under specified conditions) are called lines;

Genotype x Environment Interaction

Cultivars of crops are developed beneath a large extend of conditions. They’re

uncovered to distinctive soil types, soil fertility levels, moisture levels, temperatures,
and social practices. All of the factors experienced in creating a edit may be
portrayed collectively because the environment. When cultivars are compared in
numerous environments, their execution relative to every other might not be the
identical. Changes within the relative performance of genotypes over diverse
situations are alluded to as genotype environment interaction.
14 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

Predictable - occurring systematic manner or

under human control such as soil type, planting
dates.
Environmental
variables
Unpredictable - fluctuating inconsistently
including rainfall, temperature, relative
humidity.
Some of the recommended crop varieties in the Philippines

Crop Varieties Crop Varieties

Cereals Corn
Rice PSB Rc 1 IPB 602 G (glutinous)
PSB Rc 50 IPB Lagkitan
PSB Rc 74 UPCA Var 1
PSB Rc 26H (Magat) IPB EWH 2002
PSB Rc 72 H Pioneer 6181
(Meztisa)
PSB Rc 76H (Panay)

Rootcrops
Sweet Potato UPL, SP 8 Cassava Lakan 2
UPL, SP 10 Lakan 3
Lakan 4
Sultan 3

Vegetables
Eggplant Batangas Long Tomato Marikit
Purple
Bulakena Improve Pope
Dumaguete Maligaya
Jackpot
Long Purple Baguio Beans Berde 21
Tanuan KS
Llamado Squash Rizalina (A 193-1-1)
Mara

Asparagus UC 157 Upo Tambuli

1042-1

Bush Sitao Sumilang (UPLBS-3) Garlic Ilocos White

CBD2 (PSB BS-1) Tan Bolters
CBD3 (PSB BS-2) Dingras Red
CBD 3-4-2 Red Creole

15 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

CBD-100 Yellow Granex

Native Lasona
Grain Legumes
Soybean CES-434 Peanut BPI-P9
Clark-63 EG-Bunch
PI-114 CES-101
TK-5 UPL-PN2 (Moket)
UPLB-Sy-2 UPL-On4 (Biyaya)
CLSU Superpeanut

Fruits
Durian UPLB Gold Mango Carabao(Lamao strain)
Lacson Dos Pico
Puyat Solo
Chanee
Monthong Pineapple Smooth Cayenne
Kanyao Red Spanish
Kramdumtong Queen
Manee Putee

Coconut San Ramon Citrus Calamansi

Laguna Pummelo
Mawa hybrid Mandarin
Makapuno

Banana Dwarf Cavendish Rambutan Maharlika

Lakatan Seematjan
Latundan Seenjonja
Saba Rongrien
Bungulan

Lanzones Paete Pili Peňafrancia No.3

Mindanao Masarawag No. 3
Duku Tabiguian No. 3
Tabiguian No. 4

Ornamentals
Roses Gabriela Chrysanthemum Reagan Sunny
Raphaela Puma
Grand Gala Relance
Tineke Pink Liniker
Golden Times Ellen Van Langen
Bliss Jaguar Red
Vivalde Royal Target
16 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

Lara

Anthurium Kaumana Baby Aster Monte Cassino

Nitta Blue Wonder
Chandler Ozaki Pink Cloud
Baguio White
Gloria Angara

Mussaenda Doňa Aurora Medinilla Medinilla magnifica

Doňa Luz Medinilla Preciosa
Doňa Eva Medinilla Pendula
Doňa Hilaria
Ginang Imelda Fern Fish tail fern
Boston fern
Palm Manila Palm Bird’s-nest fern
Chamaedora Palm Leatherleaf fern
Pinangga Palm Staghon fern
Red Palm
Orchids UH Series (Dendrobium)
Dracaena Dracaena Sonia (D)
sanderiana
Goseffiana Christieara Malibu Gold
Integeneric hybrid (IH)
D. Marginata Kagawara Book Rubb (IH)
D. marginata Mokara Chark Kuan
‘tricolor’ (Multigeneric hybrid
(MH)
Walter Oumae
Aglonema Aglonema Silver
Anniversary
Aglonema Silver
Queen
Aglonema Manila
Pride
Aglonema Sterling
Aglonema Black
Majesty

17 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

QUICK ASSESSMENT

1. Differentiate abiotic and biotic group of environment and list down its
example
2. Briefly discuss the Environment and Genotype Interaction

REFERENCE
Canare J., Dela Cruz Q. 2019, Factors affecting Crop Production
(Environment).Agriculture Licensure Examination Reviewer (Lecture Manual and
Review Questions) in Crop Science. Central Luzon State University, Science City of
Munoz, Nueva Ecija. pg 69-90
Dela Cruz Q., Tapic R. 2019, Factors affecting Crop Production (Genotype).Agriculture
Licensure Examination Reviewer (Lecture Manual and Review Questions) in Crop
Science. Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija. pg 91-95
Sagun, A.V. 2012. Lecture Manual on Crop Science 101 Principles of Crop Production.
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-North La Union Campus, Bacnotan, La
Union
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Houda_Kawas/post/ecological_and_physiologi
cal_factors_in_induce_and_genetic_resistance/attachment/59d6472679197b80779a20
f2/AS%3A461293476945924%401486992343427/download/lec09.pdf

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/edaphic-
factors#:~:text=There%20are%20certain%20edaphic%2C%20climatic,%2C%20MO%2C%20
CO%20and%20B

https://www.cropsreview.com/abiotic-factors.html

https://www.cropsreview.com/biotic-factors.html

18 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

LESSON 2: TRENDS IN CROP SCIENCE

INTRODUCTION
Lesson 2 gives us overview on the latest trends in Philippine Agriculture

LEARNING OBJECTIVE
At the end of the lesson you are expected to:
1. Know the latest trend in agriculture

CONTENT
Within the past decade, scientific research has made a significant contribute to
increasing the world’s food supplies. The greater use of fertilizers and the
introduction of new varieties of crops, but there is this new technology called
Biotechnology.
Biotechnology is technology that utilizes biological systems, living organisms
or parts of this to develop or create different products. Biotechnology refers to any
technology that uses living organisms, or parts of organisms, to make or modify a
product, to improve plants, animals or microbes, or develop substances for specific
use.
With the development of genetic engineering in the 1970s, research in
biotechnology (and other related areas such as medicine, biology etc.) developed
rapidly because of the new possibility to make changes in the organisms' genetic
material (DNA).
Today, biotechnology covers many different disciplines (e.g. genetics,
biochemistry, molecular biology, etc.). New technologies and products are developed
every year within the areas of e.g. medicine (development of new medicines and
therapies), agriculture (development of genetically modified plants, biofuels, and
biological treatment) or industrial biotechnology (production of chemicals, paper,
textiles and food).

I. WHAT IS AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY?

Agricultural biotechnology is a collection of scientific techniques used to

improve plants, animals and microorganisms.

Based on an understanding of DNA, researchers have created arrangements to

extend agricultural efficiency. Beginning from the ability to recognize genes which
will bestow points of interest on certain crops, and the capacity to work with such
characteristics very precisely, biotechnology improves breeders’ capacity to form
19 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

enhancements in crops and animals. Biotechnology empowers changes that are not
conceivable with conventional crossing of related species alone.

II. HOW IS AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY USED?

Genetic engineering: Scientists have learned how to move genes from one organism to
another. This has been called genetic modification (GM), genetic engineering (GE) or
genetic improvement (GI). Regardless of the name, the process allows the transfer of
useful characteristics (such as resistance to a disease) into a plant, animal or
microorganism by inserting genes (DNA) from another organism. For all intents and
purposes all crops progressed with exchanged DNA (regularly called GM crops or
GMOs) to date have been created to help agriculturists to extend efficiency by
lessening crop damage from weeds, diseases or insects.

Molecular markers: Traditional breeding involves selection of individual plants or

animals based on visible or measurable traits. By examining the DNA of an organism,
scientists can use molecular markers to select plants or animals that possess a
desirable gene, even in the absence of a visible trait. Thus, breeding is more precise
and efficient.

Molecular diagnostics: Molecular diagnostics are methods to detect genes or gene

products that are very precise and specific. Molecular diagnostics are used in
agriculture to more accurately diagnose crop/livestock diseases.

Vaccines: Biotechnology-derived vaccines are used in livestock and humans. They may
be cheaper, better and/or safer than traditional vaccines. They are also stable at
room temperature, and do not need refrigerated storage; this is an important
advantage for smallholders in tropical countries. Some are new vaccines, which offer
protection for the first time against some infectious illnesses.

Tissue culture: Tissue culture is the regeneration of plants in the laboratory from
disease-free plant parts. This technique allows for the reproduction of disease-free
planting material for crops.

III. BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines remains a regional biotechnology leader, having been the first
Asian country to allow the planting of a genetically engineered (GE) crop (Bt corn in
2003), and is moving forward on a regulatory framework for GE animals. A change in
GE plant regulations as embodied in Department of Agriculture (DA) Administrative
Order No. 8 (DA-AO 8) to the Joint Department Circular (JDC) in April 15, 2016 has
resulted in the slow processing of biosafety applications. There have been no major
trade disruptions, but the delay in approvals has the potential to disrupt U.S trade. It
likewise may gradually erode the country’s GE leadership status in the region. The
Philippines was the 12th largest market for U.S. agricultural and related products by
value in 2017 with exports reaching $2.7 billion. It was the largest U.S. soybean meal
20 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

market with nearly $750 million in sales. The Philippines was also the 12th largest
market by value for U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products, most of which
contain GE-derived ingredients, at $964 million in 2017. For 2018, exports are on
track to surpass 2017 levels, with soybean meal sales reaching record levels. Since its
introduction in 2003, GE corn area planted has reached over 5.9 million hectares.
From April 2016 to March 2017, GE corn was planted on an estimated 655,000
hectares, relatively flat compared to the previous year’s level. According to contacts,
GE corn plantings would be higher if the use of counterfeit GE seeds were calculated.
(https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/report/downloadreportbyfilename?filena
me=Agricultural%20Biotechnology%20Annual_Manila_Philippines_10-24-2018.pdf)

Philippine Development of GMO

1. Bt Eggplant
- The Institute of Plant Breeding of the University of the Philippines at Los
Banos (IPB-UPLB) is responsible for the development of the Bt eggplant. The
Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company donated the Bt eggplant technology through a
royalty-free sublicense agreement facilitated by Sathguru Management Consultants
and Cornell University (through the U.S. Agency for International Development-
Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project II or USAID-ABSP 2.

Image Source: https://geneticliteracyproject.org/wp-

content/uploads/2020/10/screenshot-questions-and-answers-about-the-fruit-and-
shoot-borer-resistant-eggplant-bt-talong-the-first-filip-.jpg
2. Golden Rice
- The beta-carotene-enriched riceproject of Philippine Rice Research Institute
(PhilRice).It is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through a grant to
the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

21 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

Image Source: https://images.newscientist.com/wp-

content/uploads/2019/12/31162233/rtx12n8e.jpg
3. Bt Cotton
-Bt cotton is an insect-resistant transgenic crop designed to combat cotton
bollworm. This crop requires low level of pesticide to be sprayed on it resulting to
more environmental benefits. Bt cotton targets to address the issues with pests while
increasing yields and delivering higher profits for farmers. The Philippine Fiber
Industry Development Administration is promoting the cotton technology.

Image Source: https://allianceforscience.cornell.edu/wp-

content/uploads/oldsite/1509801_740809272703596_1877739241277753339_n.jpg

22 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

4. Papaya ring spot virus-resistance project

- The Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) at the University of the Philippines at Los
Baños (UPLB)

Papaya ring spot virus

Image Source: https://alchetron.com/cdn/papaya-ringspot-virus-c97a523e-a5cb-
4bc1-91a8-22357feb33b-resize-750.jpeg

IV. Biosafety and Food Safety Issues

1. Toxicity
-Most chemicals of primary metabolism (for example, those involved in the
formation of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and nucleic acids) are shared between
animals and plants and are therefore unlikely to be toxic. Perceived risks associated
with alterations of plant compounds arise mainly from alterations of plant-specific
molecules, popularly known as plant natural products and technically named
secondary metabolites.
2. Possible allergenicity
-Unintended changes in the concentrations of secondary metabolites can result
from conventional breeding (Sinden and Webb, 1972; Hellenas et al., 1995). In some
cases, conventionally bred varieties have been taken off the market because of
unusually high concentrations of a toxic compound, as in the case of a Swedish potato
variety that was banned from sale in the 1980s because of high concentrations of
glycoalkaloids (Hellenas et al., 1995).

23 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

3. New antibiotic markers

- Concern has been expressed that the release of these markers in GM plants
may result in an increase in the rate of antibiotic resistance in human pathogens.
4. Possible creation of superweeds
- Weeds are becoming resistant to glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup.
These superweeds were spawned by overuse of the chemical on fields planted with
herbicide-resistant crops, mostly GMO corn and soybeans from Monsanto. To combat
superweeds, farmers have been spraying more and more of the chemical and are
looking to new, more powerful chemicals and chemical mixtures.
5. Creation of new human crop plant and animal pathogens.
6. Resistance management for insect resistant GM crops
- Bt crops are supposed to be grown with refuges of non-GM crops and plants to
reduce the likelihood of the targeted pests developing resistance (meaning that they
are no longer killed by the toxin produced in the plant). Despite this, resistant pests
have been found in the US and in India. In China, there have been reports of surges in
other types of pest that are not affected by the toxin produced by Bt cotton.
7. Possible deleterious effect of pesticide crops on non-target beneficial organism/-
effect on non-target organisms
- The use of some GM crops can have negative impacts on non-target organisms
and on soil and water ecosystems.
8. Biosafety and capability of regulatory bodies for biotechnology products.
9. Harmonization of biosafety guidelines.

QUICK ASSESSMENT

1. Define the biotechnology

2. Discuss the progress of the use of GMO in the Philippines
3. Discuss the different issues on biotechnology

24 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

REFERENCES
https://www.ntnu.edu/ibt/about-us/what-is-
biotechnology#:~:text=Biotechnology%20is%20technology%20that%20utilizes,to%20prod
uce%20the%20desired%20product).
http://absp2.cornell.edu/resources/briefs/documents/warp_briefs_eng_scr.pdf
https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/report/downloadreportbyfilename?filenam
e=Agricultural%20Biotechnology%20Annual_Manila_Philippines_10-24-2018.pdf
http://biotech.da.gov.ph/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424534/
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(05)70241-
3/fulltext
https://www.ewg.org/agmag/2016/03/epa-watchdog-investigate-monsanto-gmos-
and-superweeds
http://www.genewatch.org/sub-568238
https://cban.ca/gmos/issues/environmental-impacts/

25 | P a g e
 PRINCIPLES OF CROP SCIENCE/MODULE 4 2020

SUMMATIVE TEST
I. Identification. Write your answer on the space provided before each
number.
______________________1. Is the sum of the conditions that surround and influence
an organism.
______________________2. Refers to the state of the atmosphere over short periods
of time.
______________________3. Refers to all weather conditions that characterize a
particular region over a period of time.
______________________4. Refers to any technology that uses living organisms, or
parts of organisms, to make or modify a product, to improve plants, animals or
microbes, or develop substances for specific use.
______________________5. These consist of organisms that are non-destructive to
crops but help keep down the population of destructive insects, arachnid pests as well
as pathogens.
______________________6. Is responsible for the development of the Bt eggplant
______________________7. The first GMO crop allowed to use in the Philippines
______________________8. The beta-carotene-enriched rice project of PhilRice
______________________9. Comprise generally of heterotrophic microscopic
organisms and fungi that get vitality by breaking down natural remains or items of
other life forms
______________________10. Decided by its genotype and also the influence of
environment

II. Enumeration

11-14 GMO products in the Philippine

15-23 Biosafety and Food Safety Issues
24-25 Examples how biotechnology is used

III. Essay

26- 30 Discuss the Environment and Genotype Interaction

26 | P a g e