Indigenous seed, knowledge and rice production practices of the Maranaos in Mapantao, Lumba-Bayabao, Lanao Del Sur

Issue Date

8-2007

Abstract

A community's seeds and seed system are keys to cultural knowledge and may open avenues to sustainable agriculture and development. A study was conducted in the Maranao area of Mapantao, Lumba Bayabao, Lanao de Sur to evaluate rice agronomic practices in the context of the area's bio-physical and socio-cultural characteristics, including rituals and associated beliefs. Storability and other seed characteristics, as well as crop field performance were assessed using four local farmer-developed varieties (traditional or introduced). Seeds collected from farmers were stored up to six months under ambient conditions in both Mapantao and UPLB, and in a 13°C chamber at UPLB. Field performances were assessed in Mapantao under three production practices: use of synthetic fertilizer (244-44-44), modified Mapantao practice (112 kg N/ha manure from carabao and cow) and control or no fertilizer. Mapantao is on a valley near Lanao Lake, with rainfall that is favorable for lowland rice and a yearly average temperature of 23°C. The soil has high organic matter (4%). Rice farmers are mostly tenants, resource-poor; and they do two croppings using formal varieties and chemical production system. The younger farmers have stronger inclination towards modern agricultural practices than older farmers who, on the other hand, still know (but mostly no longer practice or use) traditional systems. Seed quality from farmers was high. Seed dormancies were generally short or non-existent. After six months of storage, germination levels from all storage treatments were still high (75-90%). Germination under ambient UPLB (28°C) was the lowest. Mapantao gave generally 10% higher seed germinability than cold storage. Overall, the two traditional varieties 'Lantik' and 'Kotong,' were poorer storers than 'AG5' and 'M12-22B5.' Seed (grain) yields from all production practices were relatively high compared to the national rice yield average. 'Lantik' (glutinous white) and 'Kotong' (glutinous black), produced the highest (6.6 t/ha) and lowest (3.9 t/ha) yields. Modified Mapantao gave the lowest yields (4.5 t/ha). The yield from control or no fertilizer application (5.1 t/ha) was not significantly different from synthetic fertilizer treatment (5.6 t/ha). Among the yield determination taken, only filled grain percentage and spikelet number were positively, but only moderately, associated with yield.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463x

Volume

32

Issue

2

Page

77-92

Document Type

Article

Frequency

tri-quarterly

Physical Description

tables, graph, map

Language

English

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