Fruit Processing Waste for Aquaculture Feeds

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓!

Congratulations to researchers Michael James Salutan, MSc. (Surigao del Norte State University and Mindanao State University at Naawan), Dr. Fiona L. Pedroso, and Dr. Fernand Fagutao of Mindanao State University at Naawan, together with Dr. Christopher Marlowe A. Caipang of the University of the Philippines Visayas, and Dr. Casiano H. Choresca Jr. of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute–Fisheries Biotechnology Center, on their recent publication in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Science and Technology.

Their manuscript, titled “𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘢, 𝗳𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘀", assesses the antibacterial efficacy of calamansi fruit waste extracts processed using different drying methods as a potential alternative antimicrobial agent against common aquaculture pathogens.

Different drying methods sun drying, dehydrator drying, and oven drying were employed to produce dried calamansi powder. The semi-solid extract was prepared through maceration using 95% ethanol. Extract yields varied among drying techniques, with sun-dried samples yielding the highest (7%), followed by oven-dried extracts (6%), and dehydrator-dried samples producing the lowest yield (3%).

Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method, while potency was further confirmed through the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Inhibition zones ranged from 5.7 to 9.1 mm, compared with oxytetracycline as the positive control (14.6 mm). MIC results indicated stronger antibacterial activity in sun-dried and dehydrator-dried extracts (256–512 mg/mL), whereas oven-dried extracts exhibited weaker activity (1024 mg/mL).

Overall, the study demonstrates that calamansi fruit waste is a promising alternative for combating aquaculture pathogens, contributing to sustainable waste management and environmentally responsible aquaculture practices.

Once again, we extend our congratulations and appreciation to the researchers for their valuable contribution not only to the Fruit Processing Waste for Aquaculture Feeds Project, but also to the broader goal of advancing sustainable aquaculture across institutions.

It's an honor to share the valuable insights gained from our project. This training fulfills a key research objective of the Fruit Processing Waste for Aquaculture Feeds Project and will continue to bolster the extension efforts of the MSU at Naawan DARES Center. We're committed to driving sustainable development within the community and providing ongoing support for our stakeholders' livelihoods, particularly in feed formulation.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the DARES Center for hosting this event, ensuring our knowledge in feed formulation is put to good use. Special thanks to Ms. Kezia Esther T. Abal, MSc., RFP, our former Project Technical Assistant and current faculty member at the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, and to Mx. Jhon Wary E. Repamonte, MSc., RFP, for leading the feed formulation activity.

The Aquatic Resources Research Division successfully concluded its Program Review on Inland Aquatic Resources - Luzon from October 15-17, 2025. Dr. Fiona L. Pedroso, project leader for the Fruit Processing Waste for Aquaculture Feeds, delivered a compelling presentation showcasing the project's significant achievements.

Based on the satisfactory and impactful results, the ongoing project is providing valuable research to benefit the community.

📍 OROQUIETA CITY I The Regional Science, Technology and Innovations Week 2025 is also the platform where the scientific community can meet, collaborate, and network, as well as DOST’s vehicle in bringing Science, Technology, and Innovation programs and services closer to the people and support the development agenda of the local governments.

The DOST PCAARRD Project on Fruit Processing Waste for Aquaculture Feeds was honored to present at the RSTW 2025 in Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental. Mx. Jhon Wary Repamonte, MSc., RFP., who researched pineapple waste as an additive, seized the opportunity to showcase the project's progress.

This milestone allows us to highlight the potential future of the aquafeed industry.

Biochemical Analysis Training
March 18-20, 2025 | Fruit Processing Waste Project

From March 18-20, 2025, graduate and selected undergraduate students took part in a biochemical analysis training under the Fruit Processing Waste Project, spearheaded by Dr. Fiona L. Pedroso, with support from staffs Ms. Kezia Esther T. Abal and Ms. Kathleen P. Candole.

This intensive three-day workshop combined both lectures and hands-on training, focusing on the antioxidant and antinutritional properties of plant and animal samples. The training was guided by resident laboratory chemist, Ms. Nanan D. Panulaya, RCh. Participants conducted antioxidant analyses, including DPPH and total phenolic content tests, as well as antinutritional assessments such as determining phytate and tannin levels.

The training was designed to provide students with valuable, practical skills that will aid in their future academic work, particularly in special problems and theses.

On December 23, 2024, the Fruit Processing Waste Project, led by Dr. Fiona L. Pedroso, hosted a collaborative learning experience with Vietnamese undergraduate students from Can Tho University. The activities included:

Blood extraction and smearing, where participants learned techniques for blood collection and analysis.

Agar preparation, where students gained hands-on experience preparing agar plates for microbial cultures.

Gut microbiota study, where the group explored the fascinating world of gut bacteria and their role in the health of the fish.

Fish dissection, where the students engaged in a practical dissection exercise to understand fish anatomy and physiology.

This collaborative event provided a valuable opportunity for knowledge sharing and hands-on learning between MSU at Naawan and Can Tho University as partner institutions.
This memorable activities would not be possible without the help of Ms. Hannah Jill Empron for the assistance in the laboratory and lending the project equipments, Ms. Honielyn Taka for facilitating the agar presentation, Mr. Fernie Catienza and Mx. Jhon Wary Repamonte for facilitating the blood extraction, blood smearing, gut micro biota, and fish dissection.

The project would also express its gratitude towards the Research Assistants who extend their help to make this activity successful.

On November 7, 2024, the Fruit Processing Waste Project demonstrated aquafeed formulation techniques to third-year SMFT students in Ms. Gaily Jubie Hontiveros' Fish Nutrition class.

The activity was led by MS Aquaculture students under FPW Project, Ms. Kezia Esther Abal and Mx. Jhon Wary Repamonte with assistance from project’s student assistant Mr. Domenic Dominise. The session provided students with valuable insights into sustainable feed formulation for aquaculture.

Fruit Processing Waste Project shared the future of sustainable aquaculture with a hands-on demonstration on innovative aquafeed formulation for SMFT third-year students in the Fish Nutrition classes of Ms. Honielyn Taka last October 17-18, 2024.

The activity was led by Ms. Kezia Esther Abal, Mx. Jhon Wary Repamonte, and Mr. Domenic Dominise providing students with valuable insights into the role of feed formulation in aquaculture practices. 🌊🐟