ASEAN Journal of Scientific and Technological Reports

Challenges and Opportunities in Controlled Cultivation of Vetiver: The Role of Endophytic Microorganisms in Essential Oil Biosynthesis

2026-04-27T09:46:06+07:00

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty) is an aromatic grass widely applied in environmental engineering and as a source of essential oil for the fragrance industry. However, essential oil production under intensified cultivation systems remains constrained by inconsistent yield and chemical composition, particularly in soilless and controlled environments. This review evaluates the role of root‑associated endophytic microorganisms as a critical but under‑integrated biological factor influencing vetiver essential oil biosynthesis. A structured review of peer‑reviewed literature indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted, focusing on cultivation systems, essential oil chemistry, plant–microbe interactions, and comparable mechanisms in other aromatic crops. Evidence was analyzed using a comparative, mechanism‑based framework emphasizing biochemical performance rather than descriptive system comparison. The reviewed studies indicate that soil‑based cultivation consistently produces higher root biomass, greater essential oil yields, and more chemically complex sesquiterpene profiles than in vitro, hydroponic, or aeroponic systems. In contrast, microbiome‑depleted plants exhibit reduced oil accumulation and reduced levels of oxygenated sesquiterpenes, while reinoculation with native root endophytes partially restores aroma characteristics. These findings indicate that limitations in soilless vetiver production stem from biological simplification and engineering constraints. This review proposes microbiome‑integrated cultivation and targeted endophyte reinoculation as feasible strategies to improve yield stability, chemical fidelity, and land‑use efficiency in controlled production systems.

Feasibility Study of Automated Brackish Water Fish Pond Systems: Integrating IoT Sensor Networks and Generative Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Aquaculture in Coastal Communities

2026-04-21T08:09:21+07:00

Brackish water aquaculture remains one of the most economically significant food-production sectors in Southeast Asia, yet productivity is persistently constrained by inefficient monitoring, reactive management, and limited decision-support infrastructure. This feasibility study investigates the technical, economic, and operational viability of deploying a fully automated, sensor-integrated, and generative AI (GenAI)-augmented management system in brackish water fish ponds, with emphasis on milkfish (Chanos chanos) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture in coastal Philippine settings. The proposed system -- designated AutoPond-BW -- integrates eight categories of IoT-enabled sensors connected through an MQTT-based data pipeline to a cloud analytics platform. Sensor outputs feed a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)-powered large language model (LLM) advisory engine that generates real-time, context-aware management recommendations in English, Filipino, and Cebuano. A techno-economic analysis comparing automated versus manual pond systems was conducted across three production scenarios: small-scale (0.5-1.0 ha), medium-scale (1.0-5.0 ha), and commercial-scale (>5.0 ha). Based on a literature synthesis and financial modeling, automated systems are projected to yield a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.45-1.65, compared with 1.15-1.25 for manual systems, with projected net annual profit increases of 200-330% over a five-year horizon. Despite higher initial capital requirements (PHP 680,000-850,000/ha), automated systems achieve full return on investment within three to five years. Expert panel validation (n=12, using a 25-item Likert-type questionnaire across five operational dimensions) confirmed the system's adequacy, with an overall mean rating of 4.28/5.00. This study provides evidence-based recommendations for government agencies, aquaculture investors, and coastal farming communities as they consider transitioning to smart, automated aquaculture operations.

Geospatial Soil Texture Prediction in Cebu, Philippines: A Comparative Study of UK, MLR, and ANN

2026-04-27T09:44:23+07:00

Many soil maps in the Philippines are outdated, lacking the detail required for effective land management and agricultural planning. Traditional survey methods, still widely used, often fail to capture the spatial variability of soil properties, which is critical given the country’s diverse topography and land-use patterns. This study compares three models—Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Universal Kriging (UK) for soil texture classification, using open-source software tools: R and SAGA GIS. Results indicate that the UK model significantly outperforms both MLR and ANN, with the highest overall accuracy of 77.25%, a strong kappa value (0.5757), and a statistically significant p-value (5.937e-10). The UK model excels in class-wise performance, showing superior sensitivity for key classes such as Class 1 (0.9576) and Class 6 (0.6719), while maintaining high specificity across all classes. Its balanced accuracy, as high as 0.8949 for Class 1, reflects its ability to handle both major and minority classes effectively. In contrast, MLR and ANN show lower sensitivity, often failing to classify minority classes (0 sensitivity in multiple cases) and achieving poorer balanced accuracy overall. The findings highlight the UK as the most reliable classifier among the three, excelling in both overall and class-specific performance. Future research should focus on further optimizing the UK model and testing its applicability to other datasets and classification tasks. Additionally, expanding the dataset with more samples from underrepresented classes could further improve model accuracy.

Seasonal and Site Variations in Heavy Metals Contaminations in Seawater and Fish Organs and Health Risks Assessment

2026-04-27T09:17:45+07:00

Coastal ecosystems are increasingly exposed to land-based pollution from tourism, agriculture, and mining, resulting in heavy metal contamination of seawater and marine organisms. This study quantifies cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in seawater and in the organs of the commonly consumed fish Auxis thazard and Selar crumenophthalmus in the Tañon Strait, Cebu, Philippines. This research further assesses associated health risks and significant differences in metal levels across organs, seasons, sites, and between species. Fish and seawater samples were collected from three sites, Moalboal, Barili, and Toledo, during wet and dry seasons and prepared following the sampling protocols outlined in previous studies. Health risk assessment was based on the calculated Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI). Results revealed that Cd exceeded FAO limits in all fish organs, while Cr exceeded only in the gills, and Pb also exceeded limits and was only discovered in the gills. Cu and Zn were within acceptable levels in both species. Metal concentrations were lowest in muscles and highest in the GIT, and were generally higher during the wet season, except for Zn in the gills and GIT. Metal accumulation between species differed significantly only during the dry season (p<0.05), while across organs at the three sites, metal concentrations did not differ significantly (p<0.05). Only Zn and Cu were detected in low amounts in seawater. Also, results showed no significant health risk. Continued monitoring is suggested, particularly during wet seasons, to support food safety.

In vitro Regeneration of Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Stem Segments

2026-05-10T12:28:16+07:00

Traditionally, the propagation of dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is carried out through seed or vegetative cuttings. However, propagation by cuttings is too slow to meet the demand for large-scale plantations and is not genetically true-to-type. With the fruits’ increasing demand, an effective in vitro propagation of dragon fruit was developed to produce high – quality planting materials for large-scale production of dragon fruit. This study was conducted to establish the appropriate concentration of bleach for surface sterilization and determine the effective level of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) for the shoot initiation of dragon fruit explants in vitro. Surface sterilization of the explants using commercial bleach (a.i. sodium hypochlorite) at a concentration of 50% for 2 min significantly reduced contamination (33.33%) and yielded higher percent survival (54.99%) compared to 20% and 10% concentrations. The addition of different levels of BAP to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium resulted in shoot regeneration, with early shoot initiation (20 days) and the highest shoot length (9.89mm) observed at 3 mg L-1 BAP after 4 weeks of incubation. The number of shoots was numerically higher at 5 mg L^-1, but this difference was not statistically significant. These results can be recommended for establishing dragon fruit explants in vitro at the surface sterilization and shoot initiation stages. Subsequent rooting and acclimatization stages, which were beyond the scope of this study, are still required before clean, off-season planting materials can be produced for large-scale production.

Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Characterization of Heat Transfer and Airflow in an Indirect Solar Fish Dryer Under Tropical Conditions

2026-04-20T19:10:04+07:00

Indirect solar drying is a widely adopted fish preservation technique in tropical regions, valued for its low energy requirement and capacity to enhance product quality. However, non-uniform airflow and temperature distribution within drying chambers remain persistent design challenges that compromise drying efficiency and product consistency. This study investigated the airflow characteristics and convective heat transfer performance of an indirect solar fish dryer through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and experimental validation. A three-dimensional CFD model was developed to simulate temperature distribution and airflow patterns under forced convection, with an inlet air velocity of 1.2 m·s⁻¹ and an inlet air temperature of 60 °C. Experimental air temperatures were recorded inside the drying chamber during actual drying operations and compared with simulated values using linear regression and root-mean-square error (RMSE). The regression analysis yielded a strong linear relationship between simulated and experimental temperatures (R² = 0.9413), with an RMSE of 3.41 °C, indicating reasonable agreement in absolute temperature prediction. These results confirm that the CFD model accurately represents the thermal behavior and convective heat transfer characteristics of the dryer. The validated CFD framework provides a reliable, cost-effective tool for evaluating and optimizing the design and operational performance of indirect solar fish dryers under tropical conditions, thereby reducing reliance on iterative physical prototyping.

Birds Feeding on Cebu Mistletoe Lepeostegeres cebuensis (Loranthaceae) in Nug-as Forest, Alcoy, Cebu, Central Philippines

2026-04-27T09:43:42+07:00

We studied the birds visiting and feeding on Cebu mistletoe (Lepeostegeres cebuensis) to understand the dynamics between the birds and the mistletoe. All birds feeding on and visiting the mistletoe from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM were recorded using the modified listing and timed species count method over 108 observer-hours, divided into three replications. Eleven species in 7 families of birds were recorded, including 7 species feeding on the mistletoe and 4 plain visitors. Aethopyga bella, Tweeddale 1877, A. magnifica, Sharpe, 1876, Dicaeum pygmaeum, Kittlitz 1833, Zosterops everetti, Tweeddale 1878, and Parus elegans, Lesson 1831, fed only on nectar, while Cinnyris jugularis, Linnaeus 1766, and D. australe, Hermann 1783, fed on both nectar and fruits. Dicaeum australe was observed as the main agent of dispersal of L. cebuensis by removing ripe fruit, carrying it in flight, and rubbing its bill on a tree branch where the seed sticks. Significant differences were detected in the numbers of species and individuals visiting, as well as in the numbers of individuals feeding on nectar and fruits at different times of day. Birds prefer to feed in the morning, with sunbirds (C. jugularis, A. bella, and A. magnifica) generally feeding on nectar of flowers and the flowerpecker (D. australe) generally feeding on fruits.

Mathematical Modelling of the Equilibrium Moisture Content and Drying of Dragon Fruit

2026-04-21T05:51:36+07:00

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is a commercially important tropical fruit with high moisture content, making it susceptible to rapid postharvest deterioration; drying is therefore a critical preservation strategy. This study mathematically modelled the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and thin-layer drying behavior of dragon fruit using the Caurie sorption equation and the Page drying equation, respectively. EMC data at nine relative humidity levels (10–90%) and drying data at eight time intervals were used. The Caurie model was linearised and fitted by linear regression, while the Page model was fitted to moisture ratio (MR) data. Model constants and coefficients of determination (R²) were determined. The Caurie model xₑ = 3.0433 e^(0.0145 aᵔ) described the sorption isotherm with R² = 0.9797. The Page model MR = 1.3464 e^(−0.0693 t) described drying behavior with R² = 0.9872. A second Page model from experimental dragon fruit drying data yielded MR = 2.1135 e^(−0.0000196 t) with R² = 0.9323. Both models provided satisfactory fits and can reliably describe the EMC and drying kinetics of dragon fruit, enabling their application in the design of drying and storage systems.

Determination of Sugarcane Maturity and Optimal Harvest Time via UV-Vis Spectrophotometry and Digital Refractometry

2026-04-25T10:34:34+07:00

Accurate determination of sugarcane maturity is critical for maximizing sucrose yield and optimizing harvest efficiency; however, field-level assessment in smallholder systems remains largely subjective. This study determined the optimal harvest time for sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) cultivated in Medellin, Cebu, Philippines, using systematic UV-Vis spectrophotometry and digital refractometry across five maturity stages (9-13 months after planting). Juice samples were extracted from three stalk positions (bottom, center, top) of ten randomly selected stalks per stage (n = 150 total). Total soluble solids (°Brix) and UV-Vis absorbance were measured, and data were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD, Pearson correlation, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and principal component analysis (PCA). The 12-month stage yielded the highest overall mean TSS (19.05 °Bx), the peak UV-Vis absorbance within the optimal range (1.1899 at 600 nm), and the lowest inter-sample variability (SD = 0.076). UV-Vis absorbance values were measured at stage-specific wavelengths (510–620 nm) as an exploratory chromophoric profiling approach; between-stage absorbance values are therefore not directly comparable on a single Beer–Lambert scale and should be interpreted as qualitative maturity indicators only. LDA correctly classified 83.33% of samples (Wilks’ λ, p < 0.05), and PCA confirmed the complementarity of the two methods. Twelve months after planting is recommended as the optimal harvest time, with a practical window of 11 to 12 months. Digital refractometry (≥18 °Bx at the bottom section) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry (absorbance 1.10–1.20 at 600 nm) together provide an accessible, scientifically validated decision-support framework for sugarcane harvest management in the Philippine context.

Bioaccumulation and Enzyme Activity Inhibition of Profenofos in Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes Temminck and Schlegel, 1846)

2026-04-20T19:15:57+07:00

Effects of the organophosphate pesticide (OP) profenofos on acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) activity inhibition were investigated using brain samples from Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes Temminck and Schlegel, 1846). River water samples from six sampling sites along the Dalaguete River, Cebu, Philippines were tested for pesticide concentrations, the results of which were used as the basis for the Range-Finding and Exposure Tests. Japanese medaka of approximately the same weight and length were grouped into five (n=6 per group) for the RFT and were exposed to different concentrations of profenofos. For the exposure test, a total of 96 medaka were used, grouped into four groups (n=24 per group). Profenofos showed a positive, dose-dependent, and exposure-time-dependent relationship in inhibiting AChE activity. The highest concentration was already causing significant inhibition of AChE activity on Day 2. On Day 5, all concentrations were significantly different from Control. Increasing the concentration of profenofos leads to greater bioaccumulation of the pesticide in fish tissues, reaching a point of equilibrium on Day 5. The amount of pesticide accumulation declined in the fish tissues with longer exposure periods. Periodic water sampling is recommended to establish levels of profenofos and other pesticides in the river, with due consideration for the wet and dry seasons. Further studies on degradation, fate, and transport are also recommended.

Institutionalized Mangrove Conservation at the Local Governance Level: The Case in the Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines

2026-04-27T09:42:19+07:00

Mangrove conservation in the Camotes Islands, Cebu, Philippines, is institutionalized through national and local policies that prioritize biophysical and ecological values. Yet non-compliance among local resource users persists, signaling a disconnect between top-down governance and the socioeconomic and cultural realities of affected communities. Using an ecological-anthropological lens, this study examines the sustainability and efficacy of these conservation programs and assesses how local political institutions regard the welfare of the communities they affect. A qualitative case study drew on semi-structured key informant interviews with seven (n = 7) informants — three barangay captains and four municipal environmental officers, one each from the four municipalities of the Camotes Islands, supplemented by informal interviews and field observations. Thematic analysis of the interview data yielded five key themes: (1) the unexamined conservation paradigm, (2) the lack of a human aspect, (3) top-down conservation schemes, (4) recognition of local values, and (5) prospects for an integrated approach. The findings show that conservation in the islands centers on the scientific value of biophysical preservation, with limited regard for local cultural and socioeconomic values. Top-down governance, unsteady political integrity, and unsustainable program design jointly weaken conservation on the ground, while local government actors emerge as crucial mediators of conflicting values. These results underscore the need for a holistic, integrated conservation policy that treats biophysical integrity and community welfare as a foundational whole.

Diversity and Abundance of Spiders (Araneae) in Different Habitats in Mt. Lantoy, Cebu, Philippines

2026-04-27T09:43:02+07:00

Spiders are essential Tecological regulators that help maintain ecosystem stability through their roles as both predators and prey in food webs. Despite their importance, information on their diversity and distribution is still scarce, especially in regions that remain poorly explored. This study aims to assess the abundance and diversity of spiders across different habitats at Mt. Lantoy: Forest, Riparian, Plantation, and Grassland. A combination of search-and-capture techniques and beat-sheet methods was employed during a 160-man-hour sampling period. The study documented 276 individuals across 101 species in 20 families. Among the families, Araneidae exhibited the highest species richness with 35 species, while Tetragnatha cf. ceylonica was the most abundant species, with 16 individuals. Nine recorded species are Philippine endemics (Acusilas dahoneus, Gasteracantha parangdiadesmia, Chrysso tiboli, Neoscona facundoi, Neoscona aldinei, Nusatidia luzonica, Phlogiellus baeri, Phintella piatensis, and Lepidemathis sericea) and eight species are classified as threatened under DENR Administrative Order 2019-09 (Cytophora exanthematica, Eriovixia laglaizei, Neoscona punctigera, Neoscona aldinei, Neoscona vigilans, Parawixia dehaani, Poltys illepidus, and Phlogiellus baeri); two species — Neoscona aldinei and Phlogiellus baeri — carry both endemic and threatened status, yielding 15 unique conservation-priority species in total. Forest and riparian had significantly higher plot-level abundance and species richness than plantation and grassland; forest and riparian were not significantly different from each other. These findings highlight Mt. Lantoy as a key habitat for spider populations, underscoring its value for future conservation initiatives and biodiversity management.

Agronomic Productivity of Lowland Rice: Impacts of Tillage and Nutrient Management in Barili, Cebu

2026-04-20T18:20:38+07:00

Lowland rice (Oryza sativa var. NSIC RC222) under conventional (M1) and minimum (M2) tillage systems utilizing various fertilizer treatments (T₁-control (no fertilizer application); T₂- Organic fertilizer at 2 t ha^-1(combination of rice straw compost, chicken manure dried, and carbonized rice hull at 1:1:1 ratio); T₃ - Organic fertilizer (same as T₂) + inorganic fertilizer at a rate of 60-30-30 kg/ha N-P₂O₅-K₂O; and T₄ - Inorganic fertilizer at the rate of 120-60-60 kg N-P₂O₅-K₂O) was the subject of a split-plot study to evaluate the agronomic and yield performance of lowland rice under different tillage systems and nutrient management schemes. Results showed that Conventional Tillage and Minimum Tillage showed comparable effects on the growth and yield of lowland rice. Further, the application of integrated inorganic and organic fertilizers yielded significant results compared with treatments with no fertilizer application or organic fertilizer alone. However, comparable values were observed for T4 (inorganic application). Thus, the study offers rice producers a workable plan by recommending the use of combined inorganic and organic fertilizers with Minimum Tillage for rice production to preserve soil health and quality.

Predicting Fertility and Properties of Sugarcane Soil Series via Soil Color

2026-04-27T09:18:13+07:00

Soil color, shaped by pedo-chemical reactions, is one of the most immediately perceptible soil properties, which often reflects the underlying parent material that influences specific soil characteristics. Thus, making it an essential soil physicochemical, biological, and fertility indicator for farmers. This study examined the relationship between soil color (value and chroma) and physicochemical and fertility parameters including Percent Organic Carbon (% OC); pH (H₂O and CaCl₂); Total Nitrogen (N); Available Phosphorus (P); exchangeables Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Aluminum (Al); Exchangeable Iron (Fe), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), and Particle Size Distribution (% clay, silt, and sand) in soil samples collected from depths of 0–30 cm (topsoil) and 30–60 cm (subsoil) across different soil series (Guimbalaon, Isabela, Luisiana, San Manuel, and Silay) under sugarcane cultivation. The study showed significant results, indicating strong correlations between soil color and physico-chemical and fertility parameters at both depths. In the topsoil, % OC, and exchangeables Mg and K showed significant correlations with soil color value, while in the subsoil, significant correlations were found for pH (CaCl₂), exchangeables Mg and K, and extractable Fe. Similarly, soil color chroma was significantly correlated in the topsoil with % OC, exchangeables Mg and Na, % clay, % sand, and pH (H₂O); in the subsoil, significant correlations were observed for % OC, exchangeables Mg, Na, and Ca, total N, CEC, % clay, and % sand. These findings underscore the potential of soil color as a valuable indicator of soil physicochemical and fertility properties in sugarcane-cultivated soils.

Chitosan and Plant Extract-Based Edible Coatings in Postharvest Life of Bell Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.) Under Tropical Ambient Conditions

2026-04-20T18:09:59+07:00

Growing concerns over food sustainability and postharvest losses have made eco-friendly preservation strategies essential. Edible coatings offer an alternative to refrigeration, helping maintain fruit quality during storage. This study evaluated chitosan and plant extract–based coatings on the postharvest quality of bell pepper under ambient conditions. The research was conducted in two phases. Study 1 tested chitosan at 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% concentrations against an uncoated control, and Study 2 combined the most effective concentration with Aloe vera and Moringa leaf extracts. In Study 1, 2% chitosan was most effective in reducing weight loss and shriveling while maintaining firmness and visual quality. Building on this result, Study 2 applied five treatments: T0 (2% chitosan), T1 (50 mL of 2% chitosan + 50 mL of 50% Aloe vera), T2 (33 mL of 2% chitosan + 67 mL of 50% Aloe vera), T3 (50 mL of 2% chitosan + 50 mL of 50% Moringa leaf extract), and T4 (33 mL of 2% chitosan + 67 mL of 50% Moringa leaf extract). Among these, the Aloe vera–enriched coating T2 best reduced weight loss, delayed shriveling, and extended marketable shelf life, whereas the Moringa–chitosan treatments better preserved firmness but showed earlier visual deterioration. Overall, 2% chitosan alone delayed postharvest deterioration, but combining it with a higher proportion of Aloe vera was most effective, underscoring the potential of natural coatings as sustainable alternatives to refrigeration.

Utilization of A mixed Mode Solar Dryer Assisted with An Auxiliary Electric Heater for Drying Sweet Potato Slices

2026-01-03T17:15:28+07:00

Reducing post-harvest losses of perishable fresh products is a key strategic approach to increasing income, national security, and nutrition in the world. A hybrid solar dryer equipped with an auxiliary electric heater was developed and used to dry sweet potato slices, maximizing the use of available solar energy for food drying and producing a high-quality dried product. During the experiments, two different sweet potato cultivars (Abis and Balady) were dried at three different drying air temperatures (50, 60, and 70°C) and a constant slice thickness of 3±0.5mm after pre-treatment with sodium metabisulfite and citric acid. Eleven mathematical models were evaluated to determine the most accurate description of the drying behavior of potato slices. The effective moisture diffusivity, activation energy, and solar dryer efficiency were also calculated. Results indicated that the dryer reached the required temperature and maintained it throughout the experiment. The drying of sweet potato slices occurred during the falling rate period. The logistics model best describes the drying behavior of sweet potato slices from both varieties under the study conditions, followed by the Page model. The effective moisture diffusivity values were in the ranges of (1.8329×10-10 to 2.2888×10-10) and (1.8055×10-10 to 2.2341×10-10) m2/s for the Abis and Balady varieties, respectively. The activation energies were 10.274 and 9.772 kJ/mol for the Abis and Balady varieties, respectively. The overall thermal efficiency of the solar collector ranged from 65.1% to 70.4%. The overall thermal efficiency of the dryer ranged from 11.1245 to 12.5004%.

Institutional Barriers and Stakeholder Perceptions in Agricultural Education: A Descriptive-Correlational Study of the BSA Program at Cebu Technological University–Barili Campus

2026-04-27T09:47:09+07:00

The declining enrollment in agricultural degree programs among Filipino youth presents a critical challenge to long-term food security and agricultural sustainability. This study assessed the level of awareness, perceptions, and perceived barriers toward the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program among Senior High School students, parents, and administrators in Barili, Cebu. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research design, the study analyzed quantitative data through weighted means and p-value significance tests. The findings revealed a "Low" overall level of awareness among all respondent groups (mean = 2.02), with students demonstrating the lowest familiarity regarding diverse career opportunities in the sector (mean = 1.88). While general perceptions toward the program were "Moderate" (mean = 2.75), the analysis identified significant relationships (p < 0.05) between respondent profiles—specifically student age, parental occupation, and family size—and their perceptions of the field. The most critical “Very Serious Barrier” to program enrollment was the lack of information and promotional campaigns (mean = 3.65), followed by negative perceptions of agriculture (mean = 3.42), and the belief that agriculture is not a financially viable career (mean = 3.31). These results underscore a pervasive informational gap that hinders the recruitment of the next generation of agricultural professionals. The study concludes that institutional interventions must prioritize strategic rebranding and modernized outreach to correct societal biases and showcase the technology-driven professional viability of the 21st-century agricultural industry.

Molecular Detection of Emerging Begomoviruses Associated with Pepper (Capsicum spp.) in the Philippines

2026-04-20T17:28:57+07:00

Several Begomovirus have become significant plant viruses affecting pepper crops worldwide. In the Philippines, begomoviruses infecting pepper were first documented in 2011 but since then no other studies have been done. As new and emerging begomoviral diseases continue to threaten and hamper crop production, it is important to deal them proactively to mitigate losses. Here, begomoviruses associated with pepper in the country were successfully detected and identified through the combined application of conventional molecular methods and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. Pepper leaf samples exhibiting disease symptoms were gathered from various locations across the country. Presence of begomovirus infection was initially detected through visual observation of its characteristic symptoms (leaf curling/cupping/crinkling, interveinal yellowing of leaves and apical leaf size reduction) and subsequently verified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using begomovirus-specific degenerate primers, together with rolling circle amplification (RCA). Emerging begomoviruses in pepper were not detected by restriction enzymes digestion but were identified through NGS-derived sequences. Two known and five unknown begomoviruses were identified from NGS sequences and provided evidence of the presence of emerging known begomoviruses in new areas as well as new begomoviruses of pepper in the Philippines. This is the first study to employ Illumina-NGS technology for the molecular surveillance of begomoviruses infecting pepper in the Philippines.

Keywords: Bioinformatics; next-generation sequencing; phylogenetic analysis, polymerase chain reaction, rolling circle amplification

Predicting User Acceptance of Solar-Powered Vending Machines Based on Quality Dimensions

2026-01-31T22:15:16+07:00

With the increasing demand for sustainable technologies in educational institutions, solar-powered vending machines have emerged as a promising solution to meet this need. This study assesses the perceived quality and user acceptance of solar-powered vending machines at North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) in Bislig City, Philippines. The research focuses on two key dimensions of perceived quality: attribute quality (performance, features, aesthetics) and reliability quality (reliability, serviceability, perceived quality), and evaluates how these factors influence user acceptance, based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 200 participants, including students, faculty, and staff. The findings indicate that users generally have a positive perception of the vending machines, with high ratings for features and aesthetics, and satisfactory ratings for performance and reliability. Performance and aesthetics were identified as significant predictors of user acceptance, while serviceability emerged as the most important factor in reliability quality. The study concludes that solar-powered vending machines have strong potential for acceptance in educational settings. However, improvements in Wi-Fi stability and maintenance features could further enhance user satisfaction and long-term adoption. The results offer valuable insights for universities and policymakers seeking to implement sustainable technologies on their campuses.