Jomar John Isidoro, News, College of Science
Filipino researchers, led by “Balik Scientist” Dr. Christian Joseph Cumagun, achieved a significant breakthrough for the nation’s agricultural sector. For the first time, the pathogen Geotrichum candidum has been officially detected in the Philippines, appearing in local potato crops. This discovery also serves as a crucial early warning for the country’s potato industry, enabling timely preventive measures.
The finding is part of the Department of Science and Technology–PCAARRD’s “Balik Scientist” program, which brought Cumagun, a postdoctoral research scientist from the University of Idaho to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).
Morphological features of the Geotrichum sp. isolate causing rubbery rot: The left panel shows a mature white, powdery to velvety colony with a pale-yellow reverse. The right panels depict hyaline, septate hyphae fragmenting into rectangular to cylindrical arthroconidia (scale bar = 4 µm).
During his visit, Cumagun provided intensive hands-on training to PUP researchers on isolating and characterizing plant pathogens. The initiative, led by the College of Science Dean Dr. Lourdes Alvarez, aimed to strengthen local research capacity to address emerging agricultural challenges. This training led to the breakthrough when a team led by Jomar John Isidoro successfully isolated G. candidum from potato samples—its first official record in the country.
“This finding is a huge step forward for our agricultural research,” said Isidoro. “Dr. Cumagun’s guidance not only gave us the scientific tools to make this discovery but also the confidence to address pressing agricultural issues.” Fellow researcher Jomarie S. Adea echoed the sentiment, calling the mentorship invaluable and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to present their work to the scientific community.
The research was presented at the Philippine Phytopathological Society’s 57th Anniversary and Annual Scientific Conference, where it drew significant interest. Experts say the early identification of G. candidum will enable the development of targeted management strategies to protect potato crops, underscoring the value of the “Balik Scientist” program in bringing home world-class expertise to fortify the country’s food security.
Therefore, the Sintang Paaralan reaffirms its commitment to nation-building by advancing research and innovation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From safeguarding food security (SDG 2 – Zero Hunger) to uplifting communities (SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities), PUP demonstrates that academic excellence is inseparable from social responsibility. With this steadfast dedication, the University continues to serve as a driving force in shaping a sustainable future for the nation.
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