A GROUP of researchers from the University of the Philippines Los Baños developed a low-cost phytohormones from waste coconut water, the Department of Science and Technology said.

The project titled “Extraction of Phytohormones from Waste Coconut Water Using Biochar Derived from Agricultural residues” was supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.

DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said that the project was designed to create a business model for coconut farmers’ cooperatives.

“Together with the Quezon Provincial Coconut Farmers Producer Cooperative, the team projected a business model that will yield a 27 percent return of investment and 24 percent internal rate of return, with an initial investment of P45.7 million,” De la Peña said.

Phytohormones are used in tissue culture and plant propagation to include crop growth and increase yield.

“Phytohormones are present in coconut water which is usually thrown away during copra or coconut oil production. This practice causes environmental pollution,” he said.

The DOST Chief noted that all phytohormones used in the country are imported.