Raboy, Maritess Rabago

Abstract: Considered the most diverse animal group on the planet, insects play significant roles in the production of essential seeds, fruits, and vegetables through pollination, decomposition of organic matter, control of populations of other organisms, and provision of food for other taxa, including humans. This study aimed to conduct a taxonomic study of insects in San Juan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, and classify them as to order family, scientific name, common name, and species richness between the two study areas, Barbar and Immayos Sur. One hundred forty-one (141) adult insects were collected and taxonomically classified employing the latest classification schemes and identification keys from authoritative individuals and databases from credible websites, as well as catalogs, checklists, synopses, and other reliable published references. Of these 141 specimens, which the researchers purely identified, some still need to be adequately identified, including those fifty-six (56) species identified at the family level, sixty-five (65) valid genera, and thirty-two (32) species that were marked ‘INDET’ (indeterminable) but were identified at least at the family level or tribal level. Twenty-four (24) species are suspected to be new, and a comparison of these with the collections in Natural History Museums is highly recommended for their verification. A tabulated classification of insects occurring in San Juan, Ilocos Sur is presented. In terms of species richness, there are more insect species in the forests and water ecosystems of Barbar than in Immayos Sur, San Juan, Ilocos Sur.

Keywords: species, order, scientific name, species richness

SDG: SDG 2, SDG 4, SDG 13, SDG 15

Abstract: The study looked into the management and culture methods used by oyster farmers in Ilocos Sur. The support given by numerous groups was also noted, along with a number of challenges and issues. Using an expert-validated survey questionnaire data were collected from 148 oyster producers from six municipalities namely, Candon, Sta. Maria, Narvacan, San Vicente, Caoayan and Sto. Domingo. According to the findings, the growers cultivate oysters using three different techniques: long line hanging, raft hanging, and stake (tulos) methods. Empty oyster shells, PVC, rubber strips, and bamboo poles are used for spat collection. The growing season is typically carried out in estuaries, rivers, and fishponds. According to the farmers, oyster prices are erratic but tend to rise around the holidays. Every production cycle, their oyster farming brings in an average of Php5,000 to 15,000 in revenue. Despite receiving technical and financial assistance from various authorities. oyster growers encounter a number of socioeconomic and environmental constraints that affect their production processes. In light of the aforementioned problems, it is recommended that institutions support growers by organizing and registering them and strengthening capacity building on sustainable oyster production technologies, including marketing and post-harvest management assistance. In order to create business opportunities in the neighborhood and increase household income, additional skill training should be offered. In addition, the province needs to develop marketing plans to control pricing.

Keywords: culture management, culture methods practices, oyster growers, oyster hangings, Spat collector

SDG: SDG 2, SDG 8, SDG 12, SDG 14

Abstract: The study aimed to determine the growth and yield of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sp) affected by different substrates and booster application. The three levels of boosters ( Control, Commercial Booster, and Rice Wash) and six levels of substrates (Control, 100% Rice Straw, 100% Sawdust, 50% Rice Straw+50% Sawdust, 50% Sawdust+50% Sugarcane Bagasse, and 50% Rice Straw+50 % Sugarcane Bagasse) served as treatments. Data were analyzed using the Two Way Analysis of Variance. Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference Test and Least Significant Difference Test were used to compare treatment means. Results showed that the number of days from inoculation to primordial initiation and harvesting of oyster mushroom was significantly the shortest with Rice Wash as a booster. Moreover, it also produced the longest and most number of stalks, while Commercial Booster generated a significantly bigger stalk diameter. On the other hand, oyster mushroom spawn inoculated in 50 % RS+50 % SB significantly produced the least number of days from inoculation to full colonization, primordia initiation, and harvesting. Weight, stalk diameter, and length, were significantly the highest in oyster mushrooms grown in 50% RS+50 %SD. Rice Wash’s use as a booster and 50% RS + 50% SD as substrates are recommended for mushroom production. Different proportions of the substrates and boosters evaluated must also be tried. Also, other available indigenous substrates and possible boosters in the locality should be explored.

Keywords: rice wash, agronomic, yield, sawdust, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, completely randomized design, Philippines

SDG: SDG 2, SDG 8, SDG 12, SDG 15