Sweet Potato in Tropical Asia
Sweet potato can easily become a very important crop to add to those significantly contributing to the achievement of food security and self-sufficiency in developing Asian countries.However, the potential of sweet potato as a low-cost alternative to wheat, maize and cassava as source of flour, starch and feedstuff remains largely unexploited in these countries, except in China and Vietnam.This book was conceptualized during the workshop of sweet potato agronomist and experts held in Vietnam in 1996.It documents the prevailing practices in growing sweet potato n various agroecologies in four Asian countries, namely, Vietnam, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.The book also recommends the continuance of R&D work to facilitate the transition of sweet potato from the status of subsistence crop to commercial crop.

The Nature and Control of Locusts
Locust infestation has been a periodic occurrence in the Philippines and other parts of the world.Due importance is given to locusts because of their known potential for causing massive crop destruction, thus, prompted the R&D sector to spearhead the Migratory Locust R&D Program.This series is one of the outputs of this Program.It contains information regarding the proper identification and classification of locusts.A short discussion on the control measures that may be used to prevent damaging locust infestation is also provided.

Coconut-Based Farming Systems
Coconut-based farming systems (CBFS) is a viable alternative to coconut monoculture, particularly during times when the price of copra is low.An extensive and systematic CBFS has long been recommended by local and foreign experts to maximize the use of coconut lands and to increase the cash and noncash income of coconut farmers.This publication provides planners and policy makers with recent information that would guide them to support and push CBFS ventures for the benefit of the small farmers.This book documents the proceedings of the National CBFS R&D Review and Planning Workshop held on October 25-26, 1990.The workshop aimed to keep the end-users abreast with R&D activities in CBFS.

Guide on Coconut Farm Rehabilitation
This guide was conceived to help small and resource-limited coconut farmers improve productivity and increase income from coconut farming.Presented as a how-to-manual, this guide illustrates the ways of improving the cultural management practices in existing coconut farms, wherein a minimum of labor and capital inputs could lead to optimum levels of productivity and income.It also discusses some pointers to decision-making which are derived from actual cases and experiences.References to experts and appropriate offices are also provided. 

National Rubber Consultative Meeting on Quality Control and Quality Practices
Rubber as a crop has given life to thousands of farmers, processors, and businessmen, especially in Mindanao.Over the years, however, farmers had always recognized that the best return from rubber comes only with higher/improved quality of rubber products.This publication is a result of the consultative meeting on the quality control and quality practices on rubber.It presents the aspects of production, tapping management, and other areas influencing rubber quality.Indeed, the meeting gathered farmers, policymakers, processors and technicians who are responsible in improving the present state of rubber products.The industry’s goal is to make the Philippine standard natural rubber competitive in the world market.It can only be possible if the rubber planters and processors apply what this meeting advocated – quality control and practices.

Great Flavor of Soybean
Soybean is protein-rich and has substantial amount of vitamins and minerals.The time has come for the lowly soybean.This book promises to fill one’s gastronomic cravings with the variety of recipes it offers – as a nutritious drink, a delectable dish, or an exquisite dessert.All the nutrient-rich recipes here are simple to prepare and easy on the budget.Thus, small-income families may find this recipe book practical and beneficial.

Rootcrops as Energy Sources
A paper on the "Prospect of Rootcrops for Alcohol Production" highlighted the seminar-workshop's efforts to zero in on the potential of rootcrops as energy sources. Cassava and sweet potato were singled out as raw materials for alcogas production in 1981. Available technology for these two crops and their respective merits and demerits as raw materials for energy were presented and discussed as crucial issues in considering various approaches to alcogas production from rootcrops. The seminar-workshop also the government's financing scheme to encourage and accelerate cassava production. Participants drew up recommendations regarding the generation of alcohol production technology.

Root Crops in the Philippines: Status, Potential, and Policy Issues
Root crops play an important role in Philippine agriculture. They are adaptable to various cropping conditions and have a high yield potential.This publication contains relevant information on the status and potentials of the root crops industry.It also identifies policy issues affecting its production and marketing in the country.

Winged Bean
Who's the fairest bean of all? This volume has decidedly taken its pick as it records the contributions of a widely selected group of who gathered at Los Baños, Laguna for the first International Symposium on Developing the Potentials of the Winged. Consequently, a decision was reached to organize the International Council for the Development of Underutilized Plants ICDUP) with PCARR Director General J.D. Drilon, Jr. as its first president. Its mandate: winged bean, its first concern. With this, the development process has auspiciously been initiated for a crop that great promise for hungry world.

Buying, Using, Storing Fruits
How can a meal be dull when there's a fruit to perk it up? This brochure presents the how's of buying, using, and storing fruits to add zest to meals. It says there is no pause more dramatic than a fruit desert and suggests a variety of easy recipes for the housewife. A practical guide, it also tells a lot of "tricks-of-the-trade" to get the best of the Philippines' favorite dozen.

Mango Production and Processing Technologies
Mango is one of the most important fruit crops in the country in terms of production area, volume, and value.For the so many years, there has been an increasing demand in the international market for Philippine mangoes, both fresh and processed.However, the expansion of our mango export industry is constrained by some problems such as the occurrence of pests and diseases and lack of technical know-how on the proper orchard management, particularly on the timeliness of pesticide and flower inducer application.This publication is a result of PCARRD’s effort to remedy this problem through the conduct of a consultation workshop on mango production and processing technologies.These technologies are compiled into a book that will serve as a comprehensive technology guide for the different sectors of the mango industry.

Studies on Nematodes Affecting Bananas in the Philippines
This book describes a series of studies conducted over a period of more than 20 years. It explores the presence and effects of nematodes on bananas. With interesting development, other studies presented in this book investigate the potential of biological agents and plant extracts as alternatives to nematicides.

PROSEA 1: Pulses
Pulses here are defined as the dry edible seeds of legumes. This volume deals with pulses currently used and those that could be expanded in Southeast Asia. Some of the topics included in this book are the role, breeding, genetic resources, prospects and treatment of species of legumes. Also included are informations on legumes occasionally used as a pulse.

PROSEA 2: Edible Fruits and Nuts
The problem of low productivity has much to say for a shift in emphasis in research work from the fruit to the tree. This book affirms the great wealth and diversity of edible fruits and nuts in Southeast Asia. It discusses the role, botany, agronomy, harvesting and postharvest handling, processing and utilization prospects and including breeding and genetic resources of fruits and nuts.

PROSEA 3: Dye and Tannin-Producing Plants
Interest in using vegetable dyes and tannins instead of synthetic materials is growing because of concern for the environment and human health. The book reviews the plants in Southeast Asia that produce dyes and tannins. The former, current and future roles in the local industry are also discussed.

Proceedings of the First International Consultation on the Development of the Potato for the Mid and Lowland Tropics
The development of potato varieties and technologies suitable for the lowland tropics would expand the production area, lower the cost per kilogram and make potato available to more people. Such topics as the genetic, physiological, and agronomic bases for the development of the potato for the hot and humid tropics, status of research on the potato in the low elevation areas of the Philippines, the CIP-Philippine Potato Program, and breeding for lowland tropics adaptation are discussed by potato experts from the International Potato Center (CIP) and the implementing agencies of the Philippine potato program.

Minimum Sets of Data for Field Experiments on Crops
Because more resources are being devoted to field experiment crops, there is a need to ensure that they are able to generate information of optimum value. Despite the proliferation and emphasis on field experiments, however, data gathered are not standardized, posing difficulty in translating the total information generated into readily transferable technology. This volume represents effort toward identifying significant data on soils, climate, and management that should be sought and recorded for field experiments on crops.

Wheat Review and Planning
Wheat importation for most countries in Asia is a big dollar drain.But growing wheat in the tropics is now economically feasible, which is why the government has prompted to intensify research in wheat and initiate its production.This publication details the results of a review planning on wheat sponsored by PCARRD and the Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maize y Trigo (CIMMYT).This volume reviews and underscores research and development problems on wheat growing in the tropics and offers solutions to accelerate development of the wheat industry in the Philippines.

Sorghum Research and Development in the Philippines
Sorghum, a minor crop in the Philippines, has a great potential.The Philippines could benefit much from growing sorghum considering the present shortage in feedgrains for livestock and poultry industries.Sorghum could be tapped to augment corn in commercial feed formulations.This publication presents all aspects of sorghum production, management, processing and utilization and marketing.It also identifies problems related to the promotion of sorghum cultivation in the country and their possible solutions.Likewise, it identifies research needs and areas where national and international cooperation can be worked out.

Environmental Adaptation of Crops
Matching site conditions to crop requirements is a critical step in our efforts to sustain or increase crop production.This book attempts to compile the more recent information on crop requirements.It also presents in consolidated form the environmental adaptation of crops which are commonly grown or have economic potentials in the country.Likewise, it contains various information on the different factors presented in tabular form.It hopes to supplement the Philippines Recommends series and other extension-type publications of PCARRD designed as guides in crop production and management.

Lesser Used Fiber Crops
The demand for natural fibers is growing that once the crops are commercially produced, the country will have a substantial source of income.Ramie, jute, kenaf, buntal, salago, and other minor fiber crops are being used for cordage, pulp and paper and textile industries.At present, supplies are not enough to meet the demand of the fiber industries.This publications gives insights, guidance and directions to members of the research community as well as those interested in investing for the development of some of our more abundant and indigenous natural fibers.It also includes research and development programs that would answer the needs of the fiber industry.

Symposium on Abaca Research and Development
Abaca has still a great potential of becoming a major export commodity as it was in the past.It is among the promising export products identified by the Department of Trade.Local and foreign demands for abaca fibers are increasing because of the growing need for cordage, pulp and paper.High-energy costs favor more abaca production than synthetics.To help the industry, the Fiber Development Authority (FIDA) and PCARRD collaborated in convening researchers and private individuals involved in abaca production to assess abaca research and provide directions that would answer the needs of the industry.This publication documents the results of the Symposium-Workshop on Abaca Research and Development that will support the development of the abaca industry.

Sweet Potato in Tropical Asia
Sweet potato can easily become a very important crop to add to those significantly contributing to the achievement of food security and self-sufficiency in developing Asian countries.Intensification of sweet potato production is anchored on the development of appropriate technology that is continuously supported by research and development (R&D) effort.This book was conceptualized during the workshop of sweet potato agronomists and experts held in Vietnam in 1996.This publication documents the prevailing practices in growing sweet potato in various agroecologies in four Asian countries, namely, Vietnam, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.It also recommends the continuance of R&D work to facilitate the transition of sweet potato from the status of subsistence crop to commercial crop.

Bulbcrops Database
Bulbcrops, commonly known as onion, shallot and garlic, have long been valued for their many uses in agriculture, medicine and industry.These pungent, aromatic bulbs are considered as high-value crops owing to their tremendous market potential.This book series aimed at informing researchers, technicians, growers, entrepreneurs, students and the general public of the latest, most up-to-date and comprehensive information on production, postharvest handling, processing and marketing of bulbcrops from both foreign and local sources.Major topics include uses, nutritional value, varieties, production management, statistics and economics.