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“It’s all here, it’s so near!”, the province of Batangas is well known for its array of tourism destinations. Composed of 31 municipalities Batangas is  located on the northeast and east by the province of Laguna and Quezon and close proximity with Metro Manila. Interestingly, the province is on the south by Verde Island passages and on the west by the China sea.  The province was known as Coumintant or Kumintang because it was originally composed of occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, and parts of Laguna and Ambos-Camarines (Official Website of the Province of Batangas, n.d).

Aside from being a go-to  place for those who want to get a quick escape from city life, Batangas is well known for its rich biodiversity. Interestingly, the city of Lipa, province of Batangas is known for its famous brewed coffee known as kapeng barako cultivated from Coffea liberica. Moreover, Taal volcano,  one of the most active volcanoes in the country, is also located in Batangas. Just recently, in January 2019, Taal volcano erupted making it a perfect study site for researchers to understand how ecological succession has advanced. Surprisingly, the Verde Island passage is also located along batangas known as the “center of center” of marine biodiversity.

Check out the map of Batangas here!

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*Seeds of 10 native species found in Batangas!*

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*Seeds of 10 native species found in Batangas!*

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1. Bakawan (Mangrove)

2. Coffea liberica
3. Theobroma cacao (Cacao tree)
4. Cocos nucifera
5. Tectona philippinensis (Philippine Teak)
6. Terminali edulis (Batangas Cherry or Kalumpit)
7. Oryza sativa

8. Zea mays
9. Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane)
10. Wallceodendron celebicum (Banuyo)

These are the plant species that I think essential because they contribute to the ecological system in our chosen PlantArea– Batangas. That being said, Orzyza sativa, Zea mays, Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane), Coffea liberica, and Theobroma cacao are important crops produced in the province. Batangas is one of the biggest suppliers of coffee beans and cacao in the country. However, a decrease in production and availability is observed in the market. It is noteworthy that Batangas used to be the biggest producer of arabica until the industry collapsed,killing almost all arabica plants in the area and threatening the variety with extinction. On the other hand, oryza sativa, zea mays, Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane), and cocos nucifera are the essential crops needed for human consumption and survival. Local farmers in Batangas rely on these essential crops as a means of livelihood.  These plant species not only contribute to the biodiversity of plants in Batangas but also contribute to the export and import of products. If in any case, anthropogenic effects significantly affect our crop production, seed banks will always be our second chance and back up plan in restoring our crops for human survival and commercial purposes.

In the Philippines little or no effort is made to restore degraded forest areas. It is vital that mangroves ecosystems are conserved because they play an important role in addressing a climate change related problem. In the past several decades, numerous mangrove areas have been converted to other land uses. A downtrend and a danger of complete collapse will most likely happen given the current human population and activities.

Wallceodendron celebicum (Banuyo) is a large tree often planted along road sides. It is often used locally due to the good quality of its woods. However, it is harvested in the wild and often short in supply.

On the other hand, Tectona philippinensis (Philippine Teak) is an endemic species in the Philippines  and considered as critically endangered. It is found in the municipalities of Lobo and San Juan, Batangas. Due to its continuous decline in area of occupancy and extent of habitat because of agricultural and urban expansion as well as direct exploitation of the species. It has also been found out that Philippine teak has several potential uses thus, it is encouraged to conduct conservation efforts.

Indeed, human activities are one of the reasons for possible plant extinction. I think it is very important for our country to finally make an effort to establish a seed bank facility. As an agricultural country, and center for plant and marine biodiversity, it is time that we take action and conserve our environment, otherwise, extinction will be inevitable. We owe it to our future generations that we take care of what also belongs to them.

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How Does A Seed Become A Plant? | Backyard Science | SciShow Kids

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What is a seed bank, and why is it important? Are there efforts being made in the Philippines to establish a seed bank? 

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What is a seed bank, and why is it important? Are there efforts being made in the Philippines to establish a seed bank? 

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Anthropogenic factors significantly alter species diversity worldwide. In order to save the world’s plant biodiversity, seed bank is established to serve as back up storage facility of seed samples from different parts of the world. Millions of seed samples  are preserved in a seed vault in order to preserve genetic diversity and protect humanity from any catastrophe that could potentially wipeout out agricultural diversity.  Indeed, it is very important that we preserve those plant species who are critically endangered or in the verge of extinction. Seed banks allow fast recovery in case a natural disaster occur in an instant. In addition, collection of  seed samples could also be potentially used in genetically modified versions of existing seed samples.  Most importantly, it will allow an increase yield of production and nutrition enough to feed the growing population.

Non-government organizations such as Global seed savers conducted a project to develop a local sustainable source of organic seeds for farmers in the Northern Philippines. (click here to know more about their project: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/organic-seed-bank-establishment-in-philippines/).
So far, little efforts are being made in the Philippines to establish a seed bank. Since a seed vault is often government funded it is up to our officials to take efforts in preserving our agricultural diversity. As of now, what we can do is be responsible with our actions  that could potentially harm the environment. After all, isn’t it terrifying that we can lose our plant species in an instant?

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How does a new plant develop from a seed? It's GERMINATION!

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How does a new plant develop from a seed? It's GERMINATION!

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Seed germination is the beginning of life history for a developing seed. Upon germination, a new plant forms from a fertilized ovule containing an embryo. Imbibition is the water uptake or hydration of a seed, an essential step for seed germination. After, the embryo emerges from a seed through the covering tissues, including the testa (seed coat and nutritive tissue (endosperm). Usually, a radicle (embryonic root) emerges first following physiological events occurring in imbibed seeds. This is referred to as sensu stricto germination or in other words germination in a strict sense. Post germination events occur when elongation of roots and seedling develops. In simple terms, germination may be referred to as the emergence of seedlings from soils.

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Listen to this to get an overview about Plant Development!

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Listen to this to get an overview about Plant Development!

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Listen to this episode from BIOLOGY NEET (NCERT) on Spotify. 🪴🌱🌿🌾🌵 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/suniketvmmc/message

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The figure shows how embryogenesis occurs for eudicots.

As seen in Part I. (1) the triploid endosperm and (2) diploid zygote are contained by the developing seed.

Part II. The zygote division occurs to form the (3) proembryo that is attached to the micropyle with the help of the (4) suspensor connected to a basal cell. In the process, the endosperm has already divided.

Part III. The embryo proper is already in the spherical globular stage.

Part IV. Heart stage embryo proper can be seen. From this structure, (5) two cotyledons arise.

Part V. When the cotyledons undergo elongation, the embryo base becomes thicker and reaches the torpedo stage. The (6) shoot apical meristem can be found in between the cotyledons while the (7) root apical meristem is found on the opposite end where it is anchored by the suspensor.

Part VI. The (8) radicle can now be seen, as well as the (9) hypocotyl below the cotyledons. The (10) epicotyl is found above the cotyledons while the (11) integument of the ovule is found to be developed inside the seed coat that is surrounding the seed.

For monocots, embryogenesis is similar but only one cotyledon is formed. Moreover, there is no heart stage that occurs but the embryo proper becomes cylindrical. Lastly, the shoot apical meristem cannot be found in between cotyledons but is still observed at the shoot tip.

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Supplementary Video: What’s inside a seed bank? 

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Supplementary Video: What’s inside a seed bank? 

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Check this illustration out to see how zygotic embryogenesis looks like!

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Check this illustration out to see how zygotic embryogenesis looks like!

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Say no more! Here you can find the perfect online guide to the best beaches in Batangas! <3

Click Here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/03/best-batangas-beach-resorts-rates/

First time to go hiking in Batangas? A perfect hiking destination is a must  for beginners!

Click here: https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/post/5-easy-hiking-destinations-batangas/

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What do you need to know about SEED DORMANCY?

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What do you need to know about SEED DORMANCY?

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It can be defined as the lack of seed germination despite the availability of required conditions such as light, temperature, water, and oxygen.

Seed dormancy can be classified based on the oxygen and/or water impermeability of the seed coat (physical dormancy), on the insufficient supply and activity of enzymes (physiological dormancy), on underdeveloped but differentiated embryos (morphological dormancy), or on combinations of morphological, physical, and physiological dormancy (morphophysiological or combinational).

Examples of germination inhibitors can be seen on the table below!

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How are the Apical-Basal and Radial Axis established? Read here!

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How are the Apical-Basal and Radial Axis established? Read here!

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Apical-Basal Embryonic Development:
The establishment of the apical-basal polarity is a highly critical event in early plant embryogenesis where growth and cell fate regulators are involved. The amazing thing here is that plants developed a unique mechanism that requires cell-to-cell transport of auxin, a growth regulator. During zygote division, a basal cell responsible for transport and an apical cell responsible for responding to auxin are produced.

With this, the apical-basal activity gradient of auxin stimulates the specification of the structures in the apical embryo which is maintained by PIN7 found apically in the basal cell. Then, the reversal of PIN7 and the beginning of the polar localization of PIN1 reorganize the gradient of auxin for the specification of the basal root pole. On the other hand, cell fate regulators such as the WUSCHEL-related homeobox genes, also known as WOX, acts as a mediator in the apical-basal axis.

Radial Patterning Embryonic Development:
This emerges during the globular stage where tissue systems such as dermal, ground, and vascular systems of the plant are initiated. In this stage, the dermal tissue will rise from the protoderm and will be responsible in forming the outer protective layers of the plant. The ground tissues, such as the cortex and the pith, will become the ground meristem which can be found beneath the protoderm. Then, the vascular tissues, namely the xylem and phloem, will be formed from the procambium. It will be the ones responsible for the support and transport in the plant system.

Different genes influence this radial patterning. The Arabidopsis plant was used by researchers to observe the effect of mutant genes on plant development. The mutant shortroot (shr) gene was believed to have an impact in slowing root growth due to insufficient endodermal tissues. The mutation in the scarecrow (src) and pinnochio (pic) genes also showed lacking layers in the ground tissues and in the cortex. In addition, mutant gollum (glm) gene also exhibited an irregular arrangement among the vascular tissues and the pericycle.

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Roselyn Anter is a third year B.S Biology major in Medical Biology student in University of Santo Tomas. Currently, she lives in Lemery, Batangas. She loves to cook and watch netflix on her spare time.

Elyka Charlette Antonino is also a third year B.S Biology major in Medical Biology student in University of Santo Tomas. She is currently residing in Las Pinas, Metro Manila. She is passionate with hosting and loves joining school organizations.

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Andrews, R. M. (2004). Patterns of embryonic development. Reptilian incubation: environment, evolution and behaviour, 75-102.

Gevaña, D. T., & Pampolina, N. M. (2009). Plant diversity and carbon storage of a Rhizopora stand in Verde Passage

Morrow, M. H., Maria, & Algiers, K. (2021, April 3). Embryogenesis. Retrieved May 26, 2021, from https://bio.libretexts.org/@go/page/32041

Solís-Ramos, L., Andrade-Torres, A., Carbonell, L., Salin, C., & Serna, E. (2017). 25 Somatic Embryogenesis in Recalcitrant Plants.

Souter, M., & Lindsey, K. (2000). Polarity and signalling in plant embryogenesis. Journal of experimental botany, 51(347), 971-983.

Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I. M., & Murphy, A. (2015). Plant physiology and development (No. Ed. 6). Sinauer Associates Incorporated.

Yale Environment360. (2020). Global Seed Bank Receives Its One-Millionth Variety. Retrieved from Global Seed Bank Receives Its One-Millionth Variety.

Caringal, A. M., BUOT, I., & ARAGONES, E. (2015). Population and reproductive phenology of the Philippine teak (Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook. f.) in Lobo coast of Verde Island Passage, Batangas, Philippines. Philippine Agricultural Scientist, 98(3), 312-322.

Fajardo, A. M. (2011). Pollination biology of Coffea liberica W. Bull ex Hiern var. liberica in Lipa, Batangas, Philippines.

Vizconde, A. M. L., & Felicen, S. S. (2012). Tourism Industry of Batangas Province, Philippines: Basis for Improved Tourism Program. International Association of Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 3(1), 317-334.