GOVPH

Details

Sex: Female

Education: 

• University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines, B. S. Pharmacy, November 1948

Field of Specialization:

Pharmacy

Read more: Pacita R. Briones

Details

Sex: Male
Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Cell Biology, Kochi University, Japan, 2017
• Master of Science in University of the Philippines Diliman, 2014
• Bachelor of Science in Biology Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, 2005

Field of Specialization:

Ecophysiology
Photosynthesis
Chlorophyll Fluorescence
Algae

Researches:

Article title: Marine macrophyte composition during summer, southwest and northeast monsoons in Verde Island, Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines
Authors: Jayvee Ablaña Saco, Najeen Arabelle M. Rula, John Matthew Arcega, Alvin Tabuga
Publication title: Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology, November 2020

Abstract:
Verde Island Passage is the world’s center of the center of marine shore fish biodiversity, located in southwestern Luzon Island in the Philippines. The passage is named after Verde Island, which is located at its middle. Although the island is located within a key biodiversity area, studies on its marine macrophyte biodiversity are scant. The present study was conducted to determine the composition, distribution, and dominance of marine macrophytes, specifically seaweeds and seagrass, during the northeast monsoon, summer, and southwest monsoon in four coastal areas in Verde Island using the line transect-quadrat method. Results revealed 63 macrophyte species, of which 92% were seaweeds and 8% were seagrass. The majority of the seaweeds were green (41%), followed by red (35%) and brown (16%) seaweeds. In most sites, the brown seaweed Padina sp. was dominant during summer and cover decreased during both monsoons. The green seaweed Neomeris annulata was present in all sites and seasons. The differences in cover across sites may be due to substratum type and topography where a relatively wider intertidal zone with different substratum such as rocky and sandy to muddy provides complex habitat promoting higher macrophyte cover. Temporal differences in marine macrophyte composition were more pronounced in macroalgae-dominated sites than in the seagrass-dominated site. Several important seaweeds that could be studied as bioindicators were recorded, such as Padina sp., which registered high cover especially in sites near populated areas and backyard pig pens. Ulva spp., which are known to form green tide blooms, and Caulerpa verticillata were also noted and should be monitored. Some red seaweeds with potential for cultivation were observed (i.e., Halymenia durvillei and Portieria hornemannii). Claudea sp., an uncommon red seaweed with limited distribution in the Philippines, was recorded and needs verification. This study is the first extensive marine macrophyte assessment at the heart of the Verde Island Passage.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/uzf877x9

Article title: Photosynthetic fluctuation accompanied by translocation of chloroplasts in Ulva conglobata (Ulvophyceae) grown under a low irradiance regime
Authors: Jayvee Ablana Saco, Satoko Sekida, Ichiro Mine
Publication title: Phycological Research 69(2), November 2020

Abstract:
Fluctuations in photosynthetic characteristics related to chloroplast translocation have been known in the foliose green algae Ulva lactuca var. latissima and var. rigida and U. mutabilis according to photoperiod. In Ulva, the single parietal chloroplast is found along the thallus surface wall and exhibits high photosynthetic activity during the light period; the chloroplast then moves towards the side walls and shows low photosynthetic activity during the dark period. In this study, we re‐investigated whether the photosynthetic ability is dependent on chloroplast location in a unialgal culture of U. conglobata grown and maintained under low irradiance regime by analyzing in vivo absorption spectra, oxygen evolution, and pulse amplitude modulation chlorophyll fluorescence. The light absorbance of the thallus was higher when chloroplast was along the thallus surface wall than when along the side walls and, therefore, the thallus absorbance at 680 nm was used as an index of chloroplast position. Some photosynthetic parameters such as maximum net photosynthetic rate per thallus area and effective quantum yield of photosystem II correlated with the thallus absorbance. The highest rate and absorption were reached 3 to 9 h after the beginning of light period (12 h), which gradually decreased at 10 to 15 h after the beginning of light or dark period. The lowest rate and absorption was observed after the beginning of the dark period. The chloroplast movement was inhibited for 12 h by colchicine, and photosynthetic parameters were found to be dependent on various chloroplast positions in the thallus. Interestingly, the chloroplast moved to the surface and the side walls of the cells under continuous dark and light conditions, respectively, at approximately 48 to 72 h. However, decreased maximum quantum yield was observed under both continuous dark and light conditions.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: The VIP CORALS Marine Repository Hub: Laying foundations for science and discovery in the VIP
Authors: Najeen Arabelle M. Rula, Jayvee Ablaña Saco, Joshua M. Vacarizas, Jovy Ann Patchicoy Valera
Publication title: Philippine Science Letters 13(1), 2020

Abstract:

Full text link https://tinyurl.com/k2t3fkta

Article title: Characterization of photosynthesis and growth of Monostroma latissimum (Ulvophyceae) collected from the intertidal area in Kochi, Japan
Authors: Jayvee Ablaña Saco1,2, Satoko Sekida1, and Ichiro Mine
Publication title: Kuroshio Science 12-1, 2018

Abstract:
The photosynthesis and growth of the commercially important and edible green seaweed, Monostroma latissimum (Ulvophyceae), from a naturally occurring population in the intertidal area were examined in the laboratory. The natural population inhabits the middle to upper intertidal area and is usually attached to rocks. Cultivation occurs mostly in the shallow and calm waters under full light. The species was subjected to 10, 15, 20, or 25°C temperatures, and irradiances ranging from 0 to 1200 μmol photon m-2 s-1 in order to evaluate the effect of photosynthesis on growth. Photosynthesis was determined and characterized using photosynthesis-irradiance curves from oxygen production and PAM fluorometry. The maximum net photosynthetic rate (per thallus area and total chlorophyll content) did not differ significantly at the different temperatures, which were chosen to reflect the autumn to mid-spring temperatures that the seaweed would be expected to experience. The growth rates over 5 and 10 days were the same for all temperatures, but it decreased at 25°C after 15 days of culturing, which suggested that prolonged exposure to higher temperatures might have an adverse effect on growth. Similarly, the maximum quantum yield decreased as the temperature increased, which indicated that photosystem II (PSII) was under physiological stress at higher temperatures. In contrast, the light compensation point, saturating irradiance, initial slope, and PSII light absorption efficiency increased as the temperature rose. This suggested that the species optimized photosynthesis to accommodate the low and high light conditions that it may experience through its growing season. These conditions are characterized by irradiance limitation and low temperatures in winter, and higher irradiance and temperatures in spring. There were no photoinhibitory responses, which suggested that this alga was tolerant to higher irradiance. The growth rate significantly increased as irradiance rose, which may indicate higher growth rate responses at higher irradiances. Overall, the photosynthetic responses were in parallel with the growth rate response by M. latissimum. Therefore, the results from this study on M. latissimum, photosynthetic characteristics can be used to improve its cultivation.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/5dfa7xyr

Article title: Chloroplast position and photosynthetic characteristics in two monostromatic species, Monostroma angicava and Protomonostroma undulatum (Ulvophyceae), having a shared ecological niche: Chloroplast position and photosynthesis
Authors: Jayvee Ablaña Saco, Akio Murakami, Satoko Sekida and Ichiro Mine
Publication title: Phycological Research 66(1):58-67, September 2017

Abstract:
Monostroma angicava and Protomonostroma undulatum are monostromatic green benthic algae (Ulvophyceae), which grow together in the same intertidal habitat of Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan, during the spring season. Commonly, both species have a single chloroplast with one pyrenoid per cell. The parietal chloroplast is located on the periphery of the thallus in both species, although the location of the chloroplast differs in the two. In M. angicava, the chloroplast was observed to be arranged on one-side of the thallus surface, whereas, in P. undulatum, it was dispersed and randomly located on either side of the thallus or on the lateral face. The density of chlorophylls (Chls) assessed from the absorption spectra of the thallus and its solvent extract was higher in M. angicava, which appeared dark-green in color, than in the light-green colored P. undulatum. The maximum photosynthetic rate per thallus area (μmol O2 m⁻² s⁻¹) was higher in M. angicava, whereas, per total chlorophyll content (μmol O2 g Chl a + Chl b⁻¹ s⁻¹) was higher in P. undulatum. Both species showed similar efficiency of photosynthesis at light-limiting conditions. The efficiency of light absorption by photosystem II (PSII) in P. undulatum was higher than M. angicava, whereas the photoprotective response was higher in M. angicava. This indicates that more energy is utilized in M. angicava to protect its PSII due to the chloroplast position, which has more direct exposure to light and, therefore, lowers the efficiency of light absorption by PSII. The higher density of chlorophylls in M. angicava could explain higher photosynthesis per thallus area, whereas, higher efficiency of light absorption by PSII in P. undulatum could explain higher photosynthesis per total chlorophyll content. The differences in light absorption efficiency and quantum efficiency of PSII might be an important ecological strategy in these two species for their coexistence in the intertidal area.
Full text available upon request to the author

Details

Sex: Female
Education

• Doctor of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila

Field of Specialization:

Tuberculosis
Nosocomial infection
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Infectious Disease Control and Prevention
Clinical Infectious Diseases
Emerging Infectious Diseases
HIV Prevention

Read more: Dr. Regina P. Berba

Details

Sex: Male

Education:

• Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 2018
• Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology, Molecular Makers, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 2012

Field of Specialization:

Agricultural Biotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Plant Breeding
Plant Molecular Biology
Plant Genetics
Molecular Plant Breeding
Molecular Makers
Molecular Maker Development
Bioinformatics
Genomics

Researches:

Article title: Resistance Gene Analogs of Mango: Insights on Molecular Defenses and Evolutionary Dynamics
Authors: Darlon Vasquez Lantican, Anand Manohar, Fe M. Dela Cueva, Cris Q. Cortaga, et al.
Publication title: Philippine Journal of Science 149(3-a):915-934, October 2020

Abstract:
Mango is an economically important fruit crop largely cultivated in the tropics and, thus, is constantly challenged by a myriad of insect pests and diseases. However, no detailed analysis of its resistance gene analogs (RGAs) has been performed, which is a vital resource for plant breeding. Here, we analyzed the RGAs of mango via de novo assembly of transcriptomic sequences and mining of the recently published whole genome sequence (WGS). From the transcriptomic assembly, a core mango RGA database with 747 protein models was established. Meanwhile, 1,775 RGAs were identified in the mango WGS and classified based on conserved domains and motifs: 54 nucleotide binding site proteins (NBS), 107 NBS – leucine rich repeat proteins (NBS- LRR), 242 coiled-coil NBS-LRR (CNL), 79 toll/interleukin-1 receptor NBS-LRR (TNL), 78 coiled-coil NBS (CN), 30 toll/interleukin-1 receptor NBS (TN), 45 toll/interleukin-1 receptor with unknown domain (TX), 133 receptor-like proteins (RLP), 917 receptor-like kinases (RLK), 83 transmembrane coiled-coil domain protein (TM-CC), and seven NBS-encoding proteins with other domains. The transcriptome- and genome-wide RGAs have been functionally well- annotated through gene ontology (GO) analysis, and their expression profiles across different mango varieties were also examined. Phylogenetic analyses of expressed and genome-wide RGAs suggest highly divergent functions of the RGAs, which were broadly clustered into 6 and 8 major clades, respectively, based on their domain classification. From the mango RGA transcripts, 134 unique EST-SSR (expressed sequence tags – simple sequence repeat) loci were identified and primers were designed targeting these potential markers. Moreover, comparative analysis of mango with other plant species revealed 65 species-specific RGA families (396 orthologous genes) and detected 1,005 RGA gene duplication events. To date, this is the most comprehensive analysis of mango RGAs, which also provide insights into the dynamic mango- pest co-evolutionary arms race and offer a trove of markers for utilization in resistance breeding.
Full text https://tinyurl.com/nfer72xa

Article title: Glandular Trichome Gene-Linked SSR Marker Development for Genetic Diversity Analysis and Trait Association in 'Tambulilid' Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)
Authors: Angelica Kate G. Gumpal, Darlon V. Lantican, Roanne R. Gardoce, Melvin P. Dancel, Jomari C. Domingo, Ronilo M. Bajaro, and Hayde F. Galvez
Publication title: Philippine Agricultural Scientist 102(Special Issue):64-76, December 2019

Abstract:
Massive infestation of coconut scale insect (Aspidiotus sp.) in major coconut growing regions in the country has caused serious damage to the coconut industry. Coconut ‘Tambulilid’, a Javanica variety grown in Bicol, was reported to exhibit antibiosis form of host-resistance against Aspidiotus sp. To further elucidate the mechanism of resistance of this variety, linked microsatellite (SSR) marker was designed, screened, and optimized to target each of the 10 candidate plant glandular trichome genes (PPO, ALS, GL3, SESQ, ETC3, CPC, GSD, TDA, COI1, TTG1) based on the coconut genome. Out of the ten SSR markers designed, eight SSRs were used to determine the extent of genetic differentiation among 30 ‘Tambulilid’, 7 ‘Coco Niño’, and 16 ‘Laguna Tall’ representative individual palms. Four sub-populations could be differentiated at 0.17 similarity coefficient, validated by pairwise F-test (FST) statistics involving the heterozygosity of the 8 SSR markers. Sub-clusters containing ‘Laguna Tall’ individuals exhibit considerable genetic differentiation when compared with sub-clusters generally consisting of ‘Tambulilid’ coconut palms. Single-factor ANOVA of SSR marker genotype segregation with existing trichome density data revealed that the SSR markers linked to germacrene synthase D could be associated to the trichome density trait.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/mbtw33s

Article title: Isolation of a CEL 1 Homolog in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Fruit as a Cost-effective Endonuclease Source for Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN the Genome (TILLING) Analysis
Authors: Rochelle E. Alcasid, Maria Elizabeth B. Naredo, Darlon V. Lantican and Hayde F. Galvez
Publication title: Philippine Journal of Science 148(3):465-472, September 2019

Abstract:
CEL 1, an endonuclease originally purified from celery, has been used in TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN the Genome) analysis to cut the hairpin loop and single-strand DNA generated from heteroduplex of mutant and wild DNA molecules. However, one major limitation as with most mutation screening technologies and especially in a large-scale application is the availability of affordable sources of endonuclease. This study searched for CEL 1 gene homologs in tomato through Basic Local Alignment Search Tool for nucleotides (BLASTn) and relevant bioinformatics analysis in public genomic databases. Results showed that the SlENDO 1 gene (SGN Accession Number Solyc02g078910.1.1) of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) has the highest homology of 78% to CEL 1 among all the Solanum species. As annotated, the SlENDO 1 gene has a genome sequence length of 2.182 Kb and consisting of eight and nine intron-exon sequences, respectively. For molecular confirmation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were designed to target the conserved gene region of SlENDO 1. The amplification and specificity of these primers were further verified first by in silico PCR prior to synthesis. The designed SlENDO 1-specific DNA marker has successfully amplified the target gene in five tomato varieties in actual wet-laboratory PCR experiments. Interestingly, the designed marker was able to cross-amplify orthologous regions (candidate regions of nuclease PA3, TIGR LOC_Os04g54390) in Nipponbare and IR64 rice varieties. Once validated using a wide-range of crop species, the developed SlENDO 1-specific DNA marker can be potentially used in rapid detection of gene homologs in other plants. The isolation of the SlENDO 1 enzyme was also done using a modified protocol for CEL 1 isolation in celery. Through preliminary EcoTILLING with rice positive control samples, the purified SlENDO 1 from unripe fruits of non-transgenic tomato was confirmed to have the same mutation cleavage specificity as that of the CEL 1 endonuclease. Unlike celery, tomato fruits are readily available in any vegetable market, shop, or store in the Philippines. Likewise, they can easily be grown in greenhouse and field production.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/srdjwadm

Article title: De Novo Genome Sequence Assembly of Dwarf Coconut (Cocos nucifera L. 'Catigan Green Dwarf') Provides Insights into Genomic Variation Between Coconut Types and Related Palm Species
Authors: Darlon V. Lantican, Susan R. Strickler, Alma O. Canama, Roanne R. Gardoce, Lukas A. Mueller, and Hayde F. Galvez
Publication title: G3-Genes Genomes Genetics 9(8), June 2019

Abstract:
We report the first whole genome sequence (WGS) assembly and annotation of a dwarf coconut variety, 'Catigan Green Dwarf' (CATD). The genome sequence was generated using the PacBio SMRT sequencing platform at 15X coverage of the expected genome size of 2.15 Gbp, which was corrected with assembled 50X Illumina paired-end MiSeq reads of the same genome. The draft genome was improved through Chicago® sequencing to generate a scaffold assembly that results in a total genome size of 2.1 Gbp consisting of 7,998 scaffolds with N50 of 570,487 bp. The final assembly covers around 97.6% of the estimated genome size of coconut 'CATD' based on homozygous k-mer peak analysis. A total of 34,958 high-confidence gene models were predicted and functionally associated to various economically important traits, such as pest/disease resistance, drought tolerance, coconut oil biosynthesis, and putative transcription factors. The assembled genome was used to infer the evolutionary relationship within the palm family based on genomic variations and synteny of coding gene sequences. Data show that at least three (3) rounds of whole genome duplication occurred and are commonly shared by these members of the Arecaceae family. A total of 7,139 unique SSR markers were designed to be used as a resource in marker-based breeding. In addition, we discovered 58,503 variants in coconut by aligning the Hainan Tall (HAT) WGS reads to the non-repetitive regions of the assembled CATD genome. The gene markers and genome-wide SSR markers established here will facilitate the development of varieties with resilience to climate change, resistance to pests and diseases, and improved oil yield and quality.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/yz45jha8

Article title: Genome-guided Molecular Characterization of Oil Genes in Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)
Authors: Anand Noel C. Manohar, Darlon V. Lantican, Melvin P. Dancel, Don Emanuel M. Cardona, Alissa Carol M. Ibarra, et al.
Publication title:

Abstract:
Coconut oil is a major source of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are health-promoting plant compounds. The MCFAs of coconut oil have been reported to exhibit various health properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and cardiovascular benefits brought about by the multi-functionality of these complex MCFAs. Six (6) candidate genes involved in oil and MCFA synthesis were identified in the general seed oil biosynthetic pathway. The candidate gene sequences were mined using local BLAST in the coconut genome assembly constructed based on 15× PacBio ® and 50× Illumina ® MiSeq sequence reads of CATD coconut variety. Scaffolds harboring the candidate genes were mapped based on sequence homology alignment. Gene structures of all genes were elucidated using evidence-based and ab initio prediction algorithms. The coding DNA sequences of KasII and KasIII in coconut were characterized. These MCFA genes have not been characterized nor reported in coconut. Gene-specific PCR primers were designed targeting the coding regions of each gene. PCR conditions were optimized to mine natural allele variants across 48 established coconut varieties in the Philippines through EcoTILLING (Ecotype Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase genes (LPAAT) was detected in the 'West African Tall' (WAT) and 'Aguinaldo Tall' (AGDT) varieties. The partial LPAAT gene sequences of WAT and AGDT were cloned and sequenced in order to characterize the SNP. Based on the identified SNPs, robust DNA markers may be developed for high-throughput screening and selection of favorable alleles in genomics-assisted coconut breeding for outstanding high-quality oil producing varieties.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/kkas2nyr

Papers Presented

Article title: Genomics in Coconut Towards Insect Resistance Breeding
Authors: Hayde Galvez, Darlon Vasquez Lantican, Maria Luz Josue Sison, Roanne Gardoce, et al.
Conference title: 14th Quadrennial Congress of the International Association for Plant Biotechnology (IAPB), August 2018

Abstract:
The Philippines is the topmost exporter of high-value coconut products. In partnership with industry and overseas collaborators, advancements in genomics were exploited to characterize coconut genes of interest. Insect pests are among the biotic factors that have threatened coconut production in the Philippines. By sequencing the whole genome of a representative dwarf variety of coconut, candidate genes and regulatory elements for host insect resistance were mined. Allelic variants were screened using a core set of germplasm conserved at the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). The genome sequence of the insect pest was also characterized. A speciesspecific DNA marker was developed to safeguard the purity of the insect population for resistance screening. Employing both ‘Choice’ and ‘No-Choice’ tests, the core coconut germplasm and on-farm outstanding selections were assayed for host resistance. RNA-sequence data from healthy and infested resistant/susceptible varieties were also analyzed; output of which could be mapped back to the coconut genome database to validate the candidate genes. The mechanisms of potential host insect resistance were elucidated in selected coconut varieties through correlation analysis of molecular, biochemical and phenotype data, and by employing relevant genomics/ bioinformatics tools.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Genome-guided characterization of medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) genes in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) towards marker-assisted breeding
Authors: Anand Manohar, Darlon Vasquez Lantican, Melvin Dancel, Don Emanuel Mendoza Cardona ,et al.
Conference title: 48th CSSP Scientific ConferenceAt: La Piazza Hotel, Legazpi City, Philippines, July 2018

Article title: Coconut Genetics and Genomics for Host Insect Resistance
Authors: Hayde Galvez, Darlon Vasquez Lantican, Maria Luz Josue Sison, Roanne Gardoce, et al.
Conference title: Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXVIAt: Town and Country Hotel, San Diego, California

Abstract:
The Philippines is the second world supplier of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) products. Used to be the topmost producer/supplier, the country however has been threatened with serious production constraints including the recent outbreak of coconut scale insect (CSI) in major coconut regions. To facilitate the development of insect resistant variety, advancements in genomics and related technologies are harnessed for their optimum integration in the coconut breeding program. Coconut NGS reads were generated by sequencing the whole gDNA of Catigan Green Dwarf (CATD) coconut variety using several sequencing platforms i.e. 50X Illumina Miseq, 15X PacBio SMRT, and Dovetail Chicago sequencing. Based on combined analysis, a total genome sequence length of 2.1 Gb consisting of 8,062 scaffolds with N50 value of 569 kb was assembled. The genome assembly and initial gene models were uploaded in a local genome database and utilized to develop DNA markers targeting candidate genes for insect resistance. The genome sequence of CSI was also characterized and a species-specific DNA marker system was developed. Employing both ’Choice’ and ‘No-Choice’ tests, 73 core coconut germplasm and on-farm outstanding selections were assayed for host resistance against CSI. The coconut materials were also mined for point-mutations at the candidate gene sequences, which are being associated to the differential CSI host response. RNA-sequence data from these differential gene expressions are also being analyzed; output of which will be mapped back to the coconut genome for a targeted functional annotation. Through forward/reverse genetics correlation studies coupled with relevant genome and bioinformatics data, the mechanism of host insect resistance will be elucidated in selected coconut varieties.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: The Coconut Genome: Providing a Reference Sequence Towards Coconut Varietal Improvement
Authors: Darlon Vasquez Lantican, Susan R Strickler, Alma O. Canama, Roanne Gardoce, et al.
Conference title: Plant and Animal Genome Conference XXVIAt: Town and Country Hotel, San Diego, California, January 2018

Abstract:
We present the whole genome sequencing (WGS) of Catigan Dwarf (CATD) coconut variety, chosen for its genome simplicity and low heterozygozity. PacBio SMRT sequence data was generated at 15X coverage and corrected with assembled 50X Illumina paired-end MiSeq reads. Through the hybrid assembly approach, the draft assembly of the dwarf coconut genome has N50 of 120 kb. The genome was further improved through Dovetail Chicago sequencing. The input de novo hybrid assembly, Miseq PE reads and Chicago library reads were used as input data in the HiRise pipeline in order to scaffold the genome assembly. As a result, the final assembly has now a total sequence length of 2.1 Gb consisting of 8,062 scaffolds with N50 value of 569 kb. This covers around 97.6% of the estimated CATD genome of 2.15 Gb based on the homozygous k-mer peak. Around 1.556 Gb is identified as interspersed repeat sequences or 73.93% of the total assembled genome. A total of 35,231 high-confidence gene models are identified using the MAKER annotation pipeline. Result of the BUSCO analysis has revealed a 83.1% completeness of the current genome annotation, and 7.4% fragmented single copy orthologs (USCO) based on 1440 genes in the plant specific OrthoDB database. The assembly statistics and quality evaluation results demonstrate that our current draft scaffold assembly has covered most of the dwarf coconut and gene units. Such provides a good reference coconut genome for various applications such as re-sequencing projects, gene mining and DNA marker development, and functional annotation/genomics approaches.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/y84788bu

Article title: The Coconut Genome: Providing a Reference Sequence Towards Coconut Varietal Improvement
Authors: Darlon Vasquez Lantican, Noe Fernandez Pozo, Alma O. Canama, Susan R Strickler, et al.
Conference title: 26th International Plant and Animal Genome Conference (PAGXXVI)At: San Diego, CA USA, January 2018

Abstract:

Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Host resistance screening in coconut against the invasive coconut scale insect, Aspidiotus rigidus Reyne (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)
Authors: Maria Luz Josue Sison, Don Serville Reynoso, Cris Q. Cortaga, Joseph P. Lagman, et al.
Conference title: 49th Pest Management Council of the Philippines, Inc. (PMCP) Scientific ConferenceAt: Crown Regency Resort and Convention Center, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines, October 2017

Abstract:
The devastation of millions of coconut palms caused by invasive Coconut Scale Insect (CSI), Aspidiotus rigidus, has posed a serious threat to the coconut industry in the Philippines. To help address this problem, host plant resistance (HPR) studies were conducted to provide a very economical and effective approach to mitigate the infestation through utilization of the innate resistance of coconut. This study aimed at identifying potential resistant variety/ies and mine putative resistance genes for coconut breeding. Host resistance screenings (natural infestation) were separately done at UPLB and two (2) sites in Basilan. Varieties used were 23 Tall, 25 Dwarf, 16 Synthetic, eight Orgullo for a total of 72, and a susceptible Laguna Tall (LAGT) as the control. Results showed that Dwarf, Synthetic, and Orgullo varieties were preferred by A. rigidus, but some Tall varieties during this duration were not infested or less preferred. These include Vanuatu (VTT), West African Tall (WAT), and Salambuyan (SALT). In Basilan, higher rate of progression of CSI infestation was observed at Lanote compared to East Side. Under no-choice test (controlled infestation), the least preferred variety was Tupi dwarf. Additional coconut varieties from Albay Research Center were also studied using no-choice test, namely: Coconiño, Tambulilid, and LAGT, and CALABARZON collection which were the putative progenies of the selected coconut trees resistant to CSI during the outbreak. Initially, LAGT was the least preferred variety based on the number of newly settled and developed CSI, while among CALABARZON selection, the least preferred was M11 having the fewest CSI.
Full text available upon request to the author

Article title: Development of Tomato Non-Host to Tomato Virus through Targeted Mutagenomics and Bioinformatics Approaches
Authors: Hayde Galvez, Alma O. Canama, Reynaldo B. Quilloy, Roland Schafleitner, et al.
Conference title:

Abstract:
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is economically one of the most important vegetable crops grown worldwide. Tomato fruit makes important contributions to diet and livelihood, as an everyday ingredient in many dishes, and a rich source of nutrients and natural anti-oxidants. Yield and fruit quality losses caused by persistent virus diseases are among the major constraints in tomato production. Breeding for resistant varieties and search for genetic materials have always been a race with the fast virulence evolution of the pathogen. Mutational approaches such as Targeting Induced Local Lesions In Genome (TILLING) are carried out to generate and screen for vast germplasm resource. Large families of M2:3 tomato mutants are generated for mutational and subsequent phenotypic analysis. DNA markers are designed using computational biology tools, and SGN and other public genome databases targeting candidate virus-host factors and Rgene regulatory sequences. Bulk and individual DNA samples are processed from each M2 plant, and currently being analyzed for point-mutation/s at target loci, employing both high throughput DNA sequencing and TILLING/HRM mutation screening. M3 progenies are being generated from each M2 plant and will be used to validate the induced host resistance against target tomato viruses.
Full text link https://tinyurl.com/texm4d5x