Banana Resources Research and Development Center (BRRDC) and the Banana Project Team trained local farmers on innovative hardening technique using radiation-modified kappa carrageenan (RMKC). This training is part of the ongoing initiative, “Technology Utilization and Commercialization of Tissue-Cultured Banana in Quirino Province,” which aims to equip banana growers with science-based practices to improve production, disease resilience, and farm profitability.

The training centered on strengthening the hardening stage of tissue-cultured banana (TCB) plantlets, a critical phase where young plantlets transition from controlled laboratory conditions to natural field environments. Farmers were introduced to the use of radiation-modified kappa carrageenan (RMKC) as a foliar fertilizer, which supports faster root development and healthier leaf growth. Through lectures and hands-on activities, participants learned proper hardening protocols, including the preparation, dilution, and application of RMKC, ensuring they are equipped to produce stronger and more resilient plantlets.