Profession & Specialization

Ph.D. Genetics and Plant Breeding

Most Significant Contribution

Dr. Umali is known to be the “Father of
Philippine Plant Breeding.” He improved
Abaca, rice and corn, fruit varieties, coconut
and makapuno, different food grains, legumes,
fruits, and ornamental plants to especially suit
the Philippine agricultural situation and
environment, and conducted a wide range of
research on upland agriculture, forestry, and
environmental conservation. He was also
involved in establishing agricultural
institutions such as the International Rice
Research Institute (IRRI), the Dairy Training
Dioscoro Umali and Research Institute (DTRI), and the
Agrarian Reform Institute (ARI). All his
efforts further strengthened the foundation of
agricultural development and Plant Breeding
in the Philippines to be recognized
internationally.