DOST-8 conducts training on mushroom tissue culture and management

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Ms Radam of DOST 8 (2nd from right) discussing proper
management of mushroom to TFFA members
The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. 8 (DOST-8) recently conducted the Mushroom Tissue Culture and Management Training last April 16-17, 2013 at Brgy. Taguite, Lawaan, Eastern Samar. The said event was spearheaded by Ms. Marilyn O. Radam, Senior Science Research Specialist and Chief of DOST-VIII Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL), who also served as resource speaker.

This 2-day activity was facilitated by the DOST-Eastern Samar Provincial S&T Center in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Eastern Samar Provincial Office. Twenty (20) members of the Taguite Farmers and Fisherfolks Asssociation (TFFA) led by their President Mr. Nicolas E. Mendros, were the recipients of the said technology training.

Ms. Radam demonstrated the step-by-step procedure of mushroom production, including the formulation of potato-dextrose-agar (PDA) and the preparation of fruiting bags, in which the participants cooperated in the whole process. This aims to motivate and inspire the members of the Association to embrace new technology on mushroom production.

TFFA is one of the beneficiaries of the DOST-Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (DOST-SETUP) with an approved technology assistance amounting to Php280,000.00 and released last March 2012. The project, titled “Upgrading of Common Service Facility for Mushroom Production”, intends to infuse modern technologies in mushroom culture and spawn production and acquire bigger equipment and tools for mass production of fresh and dried mushrooms.

With this project, its members are looking forward on meeting the value and the importance of mushroom in their community such as: provision of health-enhancing dietary supplements/ mushroom nutriceuticals; bioconversion/bioremediation of environmental adulterants and maintenance of balanced ecosystem; and income and job generation.(Nelly Jane N. Alpez, SRA)