Wednesday, April 16, 2008 Colting: Studies on the lowly "bokel" conducted By Dr. Rogelio Colting R4D Corner
BOKEL, a general term in the region for legumes, and a favorite when cooked with knuckles or itag has gained the attention of researchers at the Benguet State University (BSU).
The research headed by Doctor Belinda Tad-awan focused on indigenous legumes, specifically rice beans (Vigna umbellate L.) and lima beans. Other researchers involved were: Esther Josephine Sagalla, Janice Ignacio and Florence Sagayo.
It was mentioned in the study that rice beans locally called Agayap, Sinai, Kalap and Pagsei, among varying towns in Benguet, is a rich source of protein. Because of this, the legume is highly recommended for nutrition programs in the Philippines.
Lima beans on the other hand which is locally called itab or atab "could have a great potential for future development," the study cited.
It included three studies: Germplasm collection and the Morphological characterization, evaluation and diversity analysis of both rice and lima beans. Done in collaboration with the local government units, the collection of germplasm in the various municipalities in Benguet was with their permission.
For rice bean, there were nine collections and these were characterized according to the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (2004). The samples varied in their seed coat color, shape and size. These were collected in Itogon, Kibungan, Bokod, Kapangan, Tublay, Mankayan, Atok, Kabayan, Tuba and Bakun.
For lima beans, there were 23 collections, of these, eight accessions were evaluated. The seeds were collected from: Bakun, Itogon, Tuba, Kapangan, Mankayan and Atok.
For both seeds, codes were assigned to differentiate one from the other. The accessions or the seeds were evaluated on their maturity, stem, leaf and flower, pod and seed characters. Insect infestation and disease infection on the legume was likewise studied.
In terms of the resistance of rice bean to pod borer, there were four collections which were highly resistant, two had moderate resistance and four had mild resistance. In terms of resistance to bean rust, there were five collections with mild resistance and four moderate.
For lima bean, five showed high resistance to pod borer and three showed mild resistance. For the reaction to bean rust, two collections had high resistance, one with moderate resistance and five with mild resistance. Earlier there were reports that indigenous or native varieties have greater resistance to pest and diseases.
Having these data forms part of the knowledge management on indigenous legumes. Having generated information in this study, there will now be bases for recommending location specific technology. Like what variety to plant in a certain area.
The collected accessions on the other hand will "serve as base collection to be maintained and shared with interested individuals". More than ever, with the shift in land use and with the advent of climate change, species of indigenous plants, specifically these legumes with nutritional value may be endangered, and may vanish sooner or later. Knowing about these species and identifying conservation methods is of great importance to food security. Its relevance can be appreciated considering the current problem on food shortage.
