Nutrient Utilization Efficiency and Antioxidant Profile of BC2 Abaca (Musa textilis Née) Hybrids

Authors

• Roberto Barba Jr, Catanduanes State University, Virac, Catanduanes; Graduate Research Fellow, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, LagunaFollow
• Antonio Lalusin, Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna

Publication Date

12-1-2025

Abstract

Abaca (Musa textilis Née) is an important fiber crop widely recognized for its superior tensile strength, yet its productivity remains constrained by nutrient inefficiency, poor cropping management, and climatic stresses under manual production systems. Efficient nutrient utilization and an understanding of antioxidant compositions are practically relevant to the productivity of the abaca fiber crop. However, despite the crop’s economic importance, limited studies have examined nutrient uptake dynamics and internal utilization efficiency related to fiber synthesis. This study aimed to demonstrate the nutrient utilization efficiency and antioxidant profiles of BC₂ abaca hybrids in relation to fiber yield and quality. Fiber tissues were analyzed for N, P₂O₅, and K₂O concentrations using colorimetric and atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques, while antioxidant levels were quantified through DPPH radical-scavenging, total phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanin assays. Results indicated that the BC₂ hybrids demonstrated significant phosphorus and potassium utilization efficiencies, whereas the traditional variety had a higher accumulation of N, P₂O₅, and K₂O in fiber tissue, proportionate with higher nutrient requirements per unit yield. Biochemical analyses further revealed that BC₂ hybrids had significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents than the traditional abaca variety, which showed high anthocyanin levels. These findings highlight the genotype-specific differences in nutrient use and biochemical composition among abaca varieties as well as the potential of BC₂ abaca hybrids for cultivation under nutrient-limited agroecological conditions.

Recommended Citation

Barba, Roberto Jr and Lalusin, Antonio (2025) "Nutrient Utilization Efficiency and Antioxidant Profile of BC2 Abaca (Musa textilis Née) Hybrids," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 108: No. 4, Article 4.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol108/iss4/4