In part of promoting the conservation and responsible utilization of indigenous food plants (IFPs) in the province, the Research and Extension Directorates of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) continue to showcase IFPs in trade fairs and exhibits.

This time, IFPs are one of the highlights of the booths where seedlings and propagules are showcased for a tactile experience of visitors joining the Garden Show and Trade Fair, one of the highlights of the 44^th Foundation Anniversary of MMSU. Edible parts such as fruits and flowers of these IFPs are also showcased to the public for awareness and promotion.

Four (4) IFPs included in the Catalogue of Indigenous Food Plants in Ilocos Norte are showcased in the booths including the following.

Allukon (Broussonetia luzonica), the wonder veggie. This wild food plant grows in hills and low elevation areas in nearly all towns of Ilocos Norte. Flowers are available from December or January (early flowering), February to April (regular season), until May (late flowering). Male inflorescences and tops are cooked as viand. Female inflorescences are also edible but less preferred.

Palali (Dillenia philippinensis). Also known as katmon in Tagalog, this food plant is found in medium to high elevations in Adams, Pagudpud, and Surong Valley of Vintar, Ilocos Norte. Fresh fruits are edible with sour and juicy characteristics. The pulp is also used as souring ingredient in fish dishes such as sinigang.

Bilagot (Schismatoglottis sp.). This food plant can be found wildly in the walls of water falls (known as pekkan) in many towns of Ilcoos Norte. Now, it is domesticated in Adams, Dumalneg, Bangui, and Nueva Era in moist areas, stream banks, or near water reservoirs.  

 Sugudsugod (Momordica cochinchinensis). Sugudsugod is widely distributed in Ilocos Norte. It is naturally wild in thickets, hills, mountains, and marginal areas. In some areas of the province, this plant started to be domesticated.

Young fruits of sugudsugod are used as vegetable viand cooked together with other vegetables and fish paste, or sauteed. Tops can also be blanched for green salad, or cooked was viand together with other leafy vegetables or mungbean seeds. Fruits of sugudsugod contain up to 70 times the amount of lycopene in tomato, and up to 10 times the amount of beta-carotene of carrot or sweet potato. Fruits also contain a protein that may inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells.

               These food plants are conserved and propagated in the Indigenous Food Plant Botanical Garden in the rear of the Crops Research Laboratory (CRL) Building. More details of these IFPs and 42 more can be accessed in the Catalogue of Indigenous Food Plants in Ilocos Norte published by the Mariano Marcos State University.

               Meanwhile, the Research and Extension Directorates also sustain their efforts in disseminating new information and technologies through technology sharing and demonstrations. The Extension Directorate shared information and knowledge previously shared through the School-on-the-Air (SOA) Program, Tarabay iti Pagtaengan, Pagbiagan, Salun-at (TIPPS), ken Dadduma Pay. Topics along health, food safety and processing, crops production and livestock raising, forages, herbal garden, among others, are shared in the booth.

MMSU researchers and technology adopters of the Research Directorate will also be sharing their technologies through a series of lectures and demonstrations from January 6-14.

Research results and technologies lined for presentation are the Cultural Management of Kamangeg last January 6 with Ms. Noralyn Legazpi, project leader of the yam initiatives in the University; Bolinao Chicken Breeder Selection and Culling this January 7 with Mr. Jeremy Santiago;  the Improved Cultural Management Practices for Bamboo this coming January 10 with Mr. Bon Jovie Orteza; the Adaptable Traditional Rice for the Lowland Areas on January 11 with Ms. Araceli Badar; the Propagation Techniques of Alukon on January 12 with Ms. Ma. Concepcion Birginias; the Modified Double Row and Fertilizer Management of Glutinous Corn on January 13 with Mr. Jilves Jimenez; and the Eggplant for All Season Production on January 14 with Mr. Jonathan Ramos.

Visit our booths and join us in this knowledge-packed exhibit in celebration of the 44^th Foundation Anniversary of MMSU. See you all at the College of Law Grounds.

Reference: Catalogue of Indigenous Food Plants in Ilocos Norte 

Photo credits:  Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC) 

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