Progress and research contributions on rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) in the Philippines: a Scopus-based review (2000-2025)

Jay Mark G. Cortado; Angelo L. Lozano; Dynah Ruth D. Bellong

doi:10.55779/nsb18212933

Authors

Jay Mark G. Cortado Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur 2705 (PH) https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4426-1025
Angelo L. Lozano Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Bacnotan, La Union 2515 (PH) https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4790-2238
Dynah Ruth D. Bellong Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Bacnotan, La Union 2515 (PH) https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9357-9979

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55779/nsb18212933

Keywords:

fruit tree, Nephelium lappaceum, orchard, tropical fruit

Abstract

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is a tropical fruit crop with growing commercial, nutritional, ecological, and industrial relevance in the Philippines, yet research on the crop remains fragmented across disciplines. This review synthesized 12 Scopus-indexed publications on Philippine rambutan research from 2000 to 2025 to examine publication trends, identify dominant research themes, consolidate key findings, and define future R&D priorities. The retained literature covered six thematic areas: plant breeding and genetic resources; plant diseases and pest management; resource utilization and industrial applications; carbon sequestration and climate resilience; pharmaceutical potential and bioactive compounds; and value chain development and market constraints. Findings show that Philippine rambutan research remains limited but multidisciplinary, with the strongest evidence base in plant health and resource utilization. Existing studies have documented fungal pathogens, plant-parasitic nematodes, disease-vector concerns, seed-derived compounds, seed oil potential, carbon storage in rambutan plantations, senile tree wood utilization, and computational screening of peel-derived bioactive compounds. However, major gaps persist in cultivar evaluation, genetic characterization, certified planting material systems, pest and disease surveillance, postharvest systems, pharmaceutical validation, ecosystem service assessment, value chain analysis, and market competitiveness. This review advances a systems-oriented framework for Philippine rambutan R&D, emphasizing coordinated research planning, multi-location validation, by-product valorization, climate-resilient production, plant health management, and market-oriented development. Strengthened collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, local governments, farmer organizations, processors, and private-sector actors is needed to support a more productive, value-added, climate-resilient, and competitive Philippine rambutan industry.

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