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Department of Agriculture Bureau of Agricultural Research

RDMIC Bldg., Elliptical Rd. Cor. Visayas Ave., Diliman, Q.C. 1104 Phone Nos.: (632) 928-8624 & 928-8505 • Fax: (632) 927-5691

Email: barrdegrants@bar.gov.ph • Website: http//www.bar.gov.ph

ANNUAL REPORT A. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Title of the Project Enhancing capacities of farmers, extension agents and local researchers towards the effective management of Foc for small-scale Cavendish banana sector

2. Proponent Agustin B. Molina

Senior Scientist Bioversity International-Asia-Pacific Office 3F/Khush Hall, IRRI, Los Baños, Laguna +63 49 536 0532; +63 2 580 5600 Extn. 2874 +63 49 536 0532 a.molina@cgiar.org

3. Implementing Agency

3.1. Lead Agency Bioversity International

3.2. Collaborating Dr. Lorna Herradura Agencies Agriculture Center Chief IV

Bureau of Plant Industry-Davao National Crop Research and Development Center (BPI-DNCRDC) Dr. Susan Razo Head Regional Crop Protection Center Department of Agriculture (DA) Dr. Lavernee Gueco University Researcher Institute of Plant Breeding Crop Science Center, College of Agriculture University of the Philippines Los Baños 4031 College, Laguna Farmer-cooperators

4. Project Duration 3 years

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5. Project Covered by September 2012 to September 2013 This Report

6. Project Location Davao Provinces (Region 11) and Compostela Valley

7. Total Approved Budget PhP 5,536,832 ($128,764.00) B. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

1. Rationale

The recent Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cubense or Foc) disease outbreak in Cavendish plantations in the Philippines poses a serious threat to the sustainability of the multi-million dollar (PhP 720 million per annum) Cavendish-based export industry, providing 320,000 direct employment with an annual salary payroll of over US$ 400 million. Currently, about 70,000 hectares are planted to Cavendish for the export market (PBGEA 2011). It is very significant to note that almost 50% of this is grown by small-scale independent growers that are not associated with multi-national companies. These growers lack the infrastructure and technical capabilities of the big growers and, thus, are most deeply affected by the disease. Recent announcements by the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporter Association (PBGEA) and the independent growers’ cooperatives indicated that many farms owned by small-scale growers are now severely affected by Foc. The industry is now seeking help from the government to address and mitigate this serious threat particularly for the independent small-scale growers. The utmost logical step to mitigate this disease as it threatens the whole industry is to contain and prevent spread and carryout eradication programs or other management measures in farms that are already affected. To implement an effective program of containment and prevention requires technical capabilities on early diagnosis and appropriate eradication techniques. Similarly, efforts towards developing other mitigation practices such as the development and use of resistant varieties, biological control and appropriate cultural practices need to be based on improved and sound technical knowledge and capabilities. Responding to the obvious need to develop mitigating measures against Foc TR4, government agencies are now lending support to R&D activities. One important approach is the evaluation and promotion of Cavendish somaclones that were found resistant to TR4 in preliminary field trials conducted by Bioversity International in collaboration with a commercial company. These varieties are now promoted and evaluated for adoption by independent growers. It is also an opportunity to carry out a farmer-participatory field selection process to further improve the varieties. capacity-building initiatives are complementing these activities that will equip the stakeholders with the necessary scientific and practical knowledge and skills to implement this participatory research. These also provide participating growers, and even non-participating growers, with practical skills and capacities on the tools and techniques for disease mitigation.

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2. Objectives

This project would target to achieve two main objectives namely:

a. To develop and implement various capacity-building methodologies that would enhance capabilities on participatory varietal selection, disease management and appropriate eradication techniques; and

b. To enhance the technical capacities of local researchers in understanding and carrying out research in the management of Foc TR4.

3. Methodology a. Capacity building on disease management tactics and farmer-

participatory variety selection process

This project provides an opportunity for capacity building of farmer-cooperators in integrated disease management. Researchers and extension agents from BPI, RIARCs and IPB, with backstopping from Bioversity International, have been implementing capacity building activities such as trainings on scouting and early detection and diagnosis of infected plants, eradication techniques, disease management tactics and field selection of promising Foc-resistant Cavendish varieties/ genotypes for local farmer-cooperators. Initial capacities and training needs of farmer-cooperators were determined by way of a rapid rural appraisal (RRA) and participatory rapid appraisal (PRA). Subsequently, knowledge and capacity uptake shall be assessed towards the end of the project. Various capacity-building methods is being implemented. Embedded within the project design is conducting a “Farmers’ Field Day”, which builds on the concept that farmers learn optimally through participatory learning and direct observation. Farmer-cooperators have opportunities to visit farms of other participating farmers to exchange ideas and actually witness what is happening on the ground. This method also encourages peer learning, enhances communication skills and may pave the way for a more synergistic approach to project implementation, not only among the farmer-cooperators, but likewise, among local researchers, extension agents and other researchers.

Complementing the above activities are production and dissemination of necessary IEC materials and learning modules. These collaterals will be used to increase awareness and knowledge of key stakeholders, and engender better appreciation of the approaches and methodologies to be applied in the project. Training/capacity building activities has revolved around the thematic issues of disease management, key production practices related to disease management, and post-harvest issues related to the market acceptability of the new varieties.

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b. Enhancing the capabilities of local researchers, and extension agents on the management of Foc through trainings, attendance to symposia and related activities

Local and international researchers, and extension agents play a vital role in research and transmitting its outputs to industry stakeholders, so they need capacity strengthening. Participation in relevant symposia, trainings and fora, both locally and internationally, ensure that they are kept abreast of current trends and scenarios, scientific knowledge and technologies. Up-to-date knowledge (local and global) of industry concerns and trends enables them to respond appropriately to the challenges facing the industry and likewise, to design or adopt technologies and methodologies best suited to prevailing situations. Specifically, extension workers and researchers involved in the implementation of the project had participated in scientific symposia that are targeted towards Foc disease management.

Short-term training/study visits in laboratories and fields of advanced institutions where TR4 has been well studied, such as the Taiwan Banana Research Institute, and QDPI in Australia, have been carried out. Selected participants in the abovementioned activities were required to submit comprehensive travel/study reports and to re-iterate their learnings from the activities. This is an important output of the project to ensure that knowledge gained will be shared to multiply the benefits and optimize results in this capacity building effort.

4. Activities Undertaken

a. Pre-Implementation and Inception Meetings

A pre-implementation meeting was held on May 2, 2012 at Los Baños, Laguna with representatives from DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), Bioversity International, Bureau of Plant Industry, Davao (BPI-DNCRDC), Institute of Plant Breeding, UPLB (IPB-UPLB) and RIARCs in attendance (Figures 1-3; Annex Figures 1 & 2).

Discussions focused on project overview and DA-BAR policies on project implementation and reporting. There were also workshops where project objectives, expected project outputs and schedule of project activities were drawn and workshop outputs consolidated.

On August 28-30, 2012, an inception and planning workshop was conducted in Davao City to further develop the proposed outputs of the pre-implementation meeting. This meeting involved 12 participants (Bioversity – 4; DA-BAR – 2; BPI – 2; IPB – 1; RIARC – 2; Private - 1) particularly local partners with vital role in the implementation and monitoring of the project. A highlight of the meeting was the field visit to a private industry partner, the Lapanday Foods Corporation, which is the major provider of TC seedlings for this project (See Annex Figures 3 and 4).

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Figure 1. Participants listen as Dr. Molina gives the project overview

Figure 2. Participants of the Inception and Planning Meeting during the visit to Lapanday

Foods Corp.

Figure 3. Participants in the experimental farm and packing house of Lapanday Foods

Corporation

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b. Meeting with Farmer-Cooperators

A farmers’ orientation was held at Tagum City in October 2012 which was attended by more than 40 banana growers from Davao del Norte. These farmers indicated their interest to participate in the project. While the farmers’ names and contact details were obtained, they were also informed that participation would depend on evaluation results based on set of criteria for farmer selection (Figures 4a, b & c).

Twenty (20) farmer-cooperators from Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Compostela Valley were identified and agreed to participate in the study. Although for this reporting period, data were obtained only from 17 farmer-cooperators as the survey questionnaire has yet to be administered to the remaining 3. The list of farmer-cooperators, contact farmers and farm locations are summarized in Annex Table 1.

Figure 4. (a) Ms. Vida Sinohin discusses the project with potential farmer-

cooperators; (b) and (c) attendees to the farmers’ meeting

(c)

(a) (b)

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c. Rapid Rural Appraisal of Farmer-Cooperators The farmer-cooperators completed a survey questionnaire (Annex Figure 5) to provide the baseline data on the demographic profile, field characteristics, farming history, agronomic management practices and basic farmer information on disease management of each of the selected pilot farms. Incorporated in the survey were questions requesting benchmark information on the training needs of the farmer-cooperators (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Extensionists from local partner institutions administering the survey

questionnaire among farmer-cooperators

Results of the survey show that majority (65%) of the farmer-cooperators are college graduates with 6% high school graduates. Data on this cannot be obtained for farms run by cooperatives (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Educational attainment of farmer-cooperators

College 65%

High School

6%

Not applicable

29%

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The majority (82%) of farmer-cooperators own their land while 18% belong to cooperatives. In these farms, banana is the major source of income among all farmer-cooperators and two farms additionally grow rice or cacao (Annex Table 2). Correspondingly, a great majority (94%) practice monocropping, with a cooperative-operated farm (3.7 hectares) practicing mixed cropping of banana with corn, durian, sorghum and sweet potato (Annex Table 2).

Forty-one percent (41%) of the farmer-cooperators own more than 30 hectares of land (e.g. 545, 353, 106, 80, 74, and 34 hectares) while 29%, 18% and 12% own less than 10, 11-20 and 21-30 hectares, respectively (Figure 7). These vast farm sizes of independent banana growers indicate their potential contribution to the industry, more so, if given the necessary support to improve their production and provide the needed scientific backstopping particularly in managing pests and diseases and other serious challenges.

According to the farmer-cooperators, Fusarium wilt, Moko, Banana Bunchy Top Disease (BBTD) and Black Sigatoka (71%) are the common banana diseases observed in their farms, followed by bract mosaic and heart rot (18%) and freckles (12%) (Table 1). When asked to rank these pests and diseases in terms of importance to their farms, Fusarium wilt and Black Sigatoka ranked first, followed by Moko, BBTV, nematodes, bract mosaic and borers, in that decreasing order of importance (Table 2).

Fusarium wilt was first observed in 2006-2007 in at least in two (12%) farms; while in 2008-2009, 5 more farms (29%) likewise detected the presence of Fusarium wilt in their banana plants. The highest rate of disease infection was observed in 2010-2011 with 8 (47%) manifesting disease presence (Annex Table 3).

29%

18%

12%

41% < 10

11-20

21-30

> 30

Figure 7. Farm size of farmer-cooperators

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Table 1. Observed pests and diseases in the farm

Pests and diseases* Freq. %

Fusarium wilt 12 71 Moko 12 71 Banana bunchy top 12 71 Black Sigatoka 12 71 Bract mosaic 3 18 Heart rot 3 18 Freckles 2 12

*multiple answer

Table 2. Pests and diseases ranking according to their importance

To determine the farmer-cooperators’ knowledge of Fusarium wilt, they were asked if they know the cause of Fusarium wilt. The majority (70%) knew the cause, and 18% did not. The survey showed that private institutions (59%) are good sources of information on Fusarium wilt among the farmer-cooperators, while the DA (23%) is the next source of information and then personal communication (18%). Most of the farmer-cooperators (82%) apply control measures to prevent disease spread by disinfecting tools (94%), burning of infected mats (82%), foot bath (76%) and crop rotation (35%) (Annex Table 4).

A mechanism of disease transfer is crucial when it comes to Fusarium wilt, thus, the farmer-cooperators were asked about seed delivery system, use of farm implements and mode of irrigation. Three quarters of the farmer-cooperators use tissue culture seedlings as planting materials which they source out from commercial suppliers (76%), private nurseries (12%) and from their own plants or orchard (6%). Some of them also use suckers (24%) and corm (6%). More than half (65%) of the farmer-cooperators said that they do not share farm implements/machinery with other farmers, while 24% said they do. These farm implements/machinery that were usually shared are land cultivating and Sigatoka spraying tools (29%) and tillage tools (6%). With regards to the irrigation system, the majority of the farms (70%) are rainfed, some (18%) are a combination of rainfed and deep well, while at least one (6%) is solely deep well (Annex Table 5). To ascertain the areas of a lack of scientific knowledge, the farmer-cooperators

Pests & Diseases Ranking Fusarium wilt 1st Black Sigatoka 1st Moko 2nd BBTV 3rd Nematodes 4th Bract mosaic 5th Borers 6th

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were asked of their perceived training needs. Based on the responses, pest and disease management (94%) remains the area that they feel most deficient in knowledge. More than half (53%) of them would also want to have more trainings in banana production and post-harvest handling (12%) (Table 3).

Table 3. Training needs of farmer-cooperators

Training needs* Freq. % Pest & disease management 16 94 Banana production 9 53 Post-harvest handling 2 12 Others: nutritional management 2 12 altitudinal trng./problem 1 6 organic farming 1 6 No answer 1 6 N = 17

*multiple answer

A follow up PRA was conducted among farmer-cooperators on May 9-10, 2013 to further determine their training needs to aid in planning for future capacity building activities (details on the succeeding pages).

d. Capacity Building Activities (Tables 4 and 5) 1. International Banana Symposium – Kaohsiung, Taiwan Dr. Molina, the Project Leader, was one of the organizers of this international symposium in his individual capacity and as the institutional representative of Bioversity International and of BAPNET, of which he is the Executive Secretary. Dr. Molina presented in the plenary the important topic on “Fusarium wilt disease in Asia-Pacific: Update on its distribution and associated damage and disease management approaches.” Aside from this, many papers co-authored by Dr. Molina were featured in the oral and poster presentations. Two individuals (Figure 5) from local partner institutions, DA-RCPC (Dr. Susan Razo) and BPI-DNCRDC (Mr. Cyril Montiel), were sponsored to participate in the International Banana Symposium held on November 19-22, 2013 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, along with close to 200 delegates from around the globe. They presented a poster entitled, “Status of Fusarium wilt management in the Philippines.”

2. Training/Workshop on Micro-propagation of Tissue Culture Cavendish

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Bananas – Pintung, Taiwan Immediately after the symposium, the same individuals participated in the Banana Tissue Culture Workshop conducted and hosted by the Taiwan Banana Research Institute (TBRI) on 23-24 November 2012. This workshop/ training specifically focused on the utilization of in vitro technology, somaclonal variation and selection of banana for the development of varieties resistant to Foc TR4. The participants gained better understanding on the procedures for the selection of Foc TR4 resistant varieties with better agronomic traits and fruit characteristics, which are vital components of this project. The event was featured in BAPNET Bulletin, the official newsletter of the Banana Asia-Pacific Network (Figure 6). 3. 44th

Anniversary and Annual Scientific Conference of PMCP – Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Seven (7) participants to the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Pest Management Council of the Philippines were sponsored by the project. A poster paper on the objectives and current progress of the project was presented during the conference.

Table 4. Matrix of capacity building activities, international and local, participated

by project stakeholders

Activity Date No. of Participants

Place Trainings/Symposia

19-22 November 2012 < 200 The Lees Hotel Kaohsiung, Taiwan

International Banana Symposium: Banana Improvement, Health Management, Use Diversification and Adaptation to Climate Change

23-24 November 2012 15 Taiwan Banana Research Institute Pintung, Taiwan

Training/Workshop on Micro-propagation of Tissue Culture Cavendish Bananas

4-8 March 2013 < 300 Hotel Centro, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines

PMCP’s 44th Anniversary and Annual Scientific Conference: “Government-Industry-Farmers' Partnership: A Unified Approach in Addressing Key Challenges”

9-10 May 2013 40+ Tagum, Davao del Norte

Farmers’ Training-Workshop on Fusarium Wilt Management

21-25 October 2013 (forthcoming)

24 Taiwan Banana Research Institute Pintung, Taiwan

Training on and Standardization of Protocols of Somaclonal Variant Selection in Musa Improvement

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Table 5. Participants to capacity building activities

Participant Designation Institution International Banana Symposium – 19-22 November 2012 a. Dr. Susan Razo Head Regional Crop Protection Center

Department of Agriculture (DA) b. Mr. Cyril Montiel Research Associate Bureau of Plant Industry-Davao

National Crop Research and Development Center (BPI-DNCRDC)

c. Dr. Lavernee Gueco University Researcher Institute of Plant Breeding, Crop Science Center, College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños

d. Ms. Vida Grace Sinohin Project Coordinator Bioversity International Training/Workshop on Micro-propagation of Tissue Culture Cavendish Bananas – 23-24 November 2012 1. Dr. Susan Razo Head Regional Crop Protection Center

Department of Agriculture (DA) 2. Mr. Cyril Montiel Research Associate Bureau of Plant Industry-Davao

National Crop Research and Development Center (BPI-DNCRDC)

Annual Scientific Conference of the Pest Management Council of the Philippines, Inc. Theme: Government‐Industry‐Farmers’ Partnership: A Unified Approach in Addressing Key Challenges on Pest Management, 5-8 March 2013, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines 1. Dr. Agustin B. Molina Senior Scientist and Regional

Coordinator Bioversity Philippines –Asia-Pacific and Oceania Office

2. Dr. Susan Razo Head Regional Crop Protection Center Department of Agriculture (DA)

3. Mr. Cyril Montiel Research Associate Bureau of Plant Industry-Davao National Crop Research and Development Center (BPI-DNCRDC)

4. Ms. Vida Grace Sinohin Project Coordinator Bioversity Philippines –Asia-Pacific and Oceania Office

5. Ms. Jayne Generoso Administrative and Finance Officer Bioversity Philippines –Asia-Pacific and Oceania Office

Figure 5. In photo are Cyril Montiel (extreme left) and Dr. Susan Razo (8th

from right, front row), project partners, with the Philippine delegates to the International Banana Symposium in Taiwan held on 19-22 November 2013

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4. Farmers’ Training-Workshop – Tagum, Davao del Norte The first of a series of training-workshop for farmer-cooperators was held on 9-10 May 2013 at the Banana Beach Resort, Tagum, Davao del Norte (Annex Figures 6-8). The activity centered on three main objectives:

• To train farmer-cooperators on scouting and early detection of infected

plants, eradication techniques, disease management tactics and field selection of promising Cavendish resistant varieties;

• To determine initial capacities and needs through participatory rapid appraisal (PRA); and

• To exchange ideas and witness what is happening on the ground (field

visit).

More than 40 farmer-cooperators and local partners attended the training-workshop (Figure 7). Some officials of the local government agencies graced the activity (Figure 8). Dr. Molina was the primary expert speaker, reiterating

Figure 6. BAPNET Bulletin Vol. 18

No. 4 featured the tissue culture micropropagation training that was attended by Dr. Susan Razo and Mr. Cyril Montiel.

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the rationale and objectives of the project and the many facets about Fusarium wilt (e.g. Concept of Foc diagnosis, disease management tactics etc.) Part of the program was the participatory rapid appraisal (PRA) through focus group discussion (FGD) where the participants answered three questions : a. What are your perceived roles in the project? b. What are your expected gains from the project? c. What are your training needs? The participants were divided into four discussion groups (Figure 9). After the discussions, each group was asked to present in the plenary their outputs (Figure 10). Results of the discussions yielded the following answers: From the responses (Tables 6 and 7), it was clear that project stakeholders are well-aware of their responsibilities and roles. The farmer-cooperators understand that they would be fully in-charge of farm management, which include the provision of necessary inputs and labor, and monitoring, together with local partner agencies and Bioversity. Data collection, monitoring, and later, evaluation would also be in the realm of their responsibilities. A positive insight here was their willingness to share research results with other small farmer/growers or being stewards of information. In these cases, good results and innovative learning will more easily reach independent growers who are most affected by this Fusarium wilt epidemic. Having farmers themselves as stewards of positive information will create more impact and influence more banana growers on the value of using alternative somaclonal variants to fight the impacts of Fusarium wilt in this largely Cavendish-based industry.

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Figure 7. Participants of the Farmers’ Training Workshop held in Tagum, Davao del Norte

Figure 8. Speakers during the Farmers’ Training Workshop held in Tagum, Davao del Norte

Table 6. Farmers’ perceived roles in the project

Farmers’ perceived roles in the project based on PRA Farm management and monitoring in close coordination with local partner agencies and Bioversity Evaluation of resistant varieties

Share research results with other small farmers/growers; be a steward of information dissemination Foster positive outlook for Cavendish banana farming Propagate the resistant variety to supply local needs Provide all necessary inputs and labor Participate in data collection, monitoring and evaluation

Ms. Bernadette F. San Juan, Regional Technical Director for

Operations of DA-RFU XI

Dr. Susan T. Razo DA-RCPC

Mr. Jun Encarnacion Provincial Agriculturist

Dr. Agustin B. Molina Project Leader

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Table 7. Local partners’ perceived roles in the project

By and large, the farmer-cooperators hope to improve their banana production and make it more sustainable, which warrant a better understanding of the many facets of the management of Fusarium wilt. Consequently, effective protocols on disease prevention and post-harvest handling would be the anticipated gains of the farmer-cooperators to ensure good production and income and continuous exportation of bananas (Table 8).

Table 8. Project stakeholders’ expected gains from the project

Expected Gains from the Project

Improved and sustainable banana production

Full understanding of the proper identification, management and prevention of spread of Fusarium wilt

Availability of planting materials of the resistant varieties at reduced cost

Increase farm production and income

Increase in price of banana per box

Continuous exportation of banana

Confidence building in terms of security against Fusarium and other diseases

Develop a written protocol or SOP in disease prevention and post-harvest operation practices

Gain knowledge of latest scientific practices and continuous conduct of research studies to address future problems; advanced skills in banana cultural management

Closely related to the results of the RRA, responses in the PRA show that pests and diseases management is still the priority area in terms of training needs. Trainings on new post-harvest technologies for Cavendish, value-added products, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), GCTCV cultural management practices and tissue culture production were also mentioned. Learning approaches such as field tours, technical trainings and more platforms for information/knowledge exchanges were also favored (Table 9).

Local Partners’ Perceived Roles in the Project based on PRA

To closely monitor the project in all aspects, e.g. farm management, data collection

To facilitate in any given activity like information dissemination and capacity building

To continuously support the industry in terms of the needed technical support

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The second day of the training-workshop was a field day to the farm of a farmer-cooperator where participants further enhanced their learning through actual field observations and more practical discourses (Figure 11).

Table 9. Training needs of the project stakeholders

Training Needs based on PRA

Fusarium management: early disease detection, diagnosis, eradication

GCTCV cultural management practices Farming methodologies to improve production, plant nutrition, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training on tissue culture production

Training on bio-control agents production by farmers themselves, efficient use of chemicals New post-harvest technologies for Cavendish, value-added products

Leadership/value training

Field tours – local and overseas

Technical trainings for extensionists More platforms for exchange of ideas

Figure 9. Participants during the lecture and focus group discussion (FGD) sessions

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Figure 10. Participants reporting the results of their FGDs

Figure 11. Participants’ field visit to Puyod Farm

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5. Continuous farmers’ capacity building activities

As indicated in the project proposal, continuous needs-based capacity building of farmer-cooperators and field visits will be implemented. As summarized in Annex Table 6, the activities of Bioversity and local partners involved familiarization about the project, planning and monitoring of planting, identification of areas where disease incidence can be observed, overview of quarantine measures and data gathering. The farmer-cooperators were the major players in these activities.

Figure 12. Dr. Dietmar Stoian (extreme right), Program Leader of the

Commodity Systems and Genetic Resources Program of Bioversity International, during his visit to the farm of Phil. Fresh Fruits Corp. on September 2013. With him are Dr. Molina (extreme left) and Mr Emil Diamante (center), farm manager.

e. IEC Materials In the previously mentioned symposium and conference, the project-hosted participants presented posters which underscored this project initiative and progress made thus far. These posters produced and presented were:

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a. Razo, S. et al. 2012. Status of Fusarium wilt management in the Philippines. Poster presented at the International Banana Symposium held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

b. Molina, AB et. al. 2013. Mitigating banana Fusarium wilt Tropical Race 4 through a farmer-participatory approach of developing disease management strategies. Poster presented at the 44th

These posters are listed in the book of abstracts published for both events.

Anniversary and Annual Scientific Conference of the Pest Management Council of the Philippines, Inc. held on March 5-8, 2013, Hotel Centro, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

5. Accomplishments and Major Findings

For this year under review, a number of capacity building activities have been conducted for the target project stakeholders specifically the farmer-cooperators, extension agents and local partners. extension agents and local partners in particular have been able to attend national and international symposia and trainings, which has enriched their knowledge of Fusarium wilt and its management, among other important learning. The RRA and PRA have been conducted among the farmer-cooperators as planned. This has provided baseline information which will serve as basis for determining future need-based capacity building activities, in addition to what has already been laid out in the proposal. Based on the results of the RRA and PRA, disease management remains the priority area in which farmer-cooperators want to learn more, with. banana production knowledge as the second priority.

6. Problems Encountered One farm collaborator in Asuncion, Davao del Norte was excluded from the project as the owner was not adequately cooperative, probably because of limited funds to spend for the required inputs of the banana plants and for the management of the whole Cavendish plantation. This was in spite of a total of 2000 GCTCV 219 seedlings being provided to the farmer. Likewise, a farmer-cooperator in Bunawan expressed the same concern, though the farm manager is still willing to cooperate and is doing the best he can to request for more inputs for the experimental plots of GCTCV 219 and Grand Naine.

7. Action Undertaken and Recommendations To address the problem encountered, a few more farmers were qualified and as of reporting, the target of 20 farmer-cooperators had already been met.

8. Action Plan for the Coming Year (BAR/QSF-B.01.03a)

As the GCTCV 219 plants have started to bear fruits on some farms, it is now suitable to hold the Farmers’ Field Day where farmer-cooperators and other

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stakeholders would get to visit project sites to see the fruit produced from the somaclonal variety. They will also be able to better understand fruit quality and plant agronomic qualities that need to be monitored as these are important parameters for the selection process. Follow-up capacity-building activities, like participation in trainings, attendance to conferences and symposia, and production of IEC materials will remain at the core of this project component.

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Annexes

Annex Figure 1. Backdrop of the Inception and Planning Meeting held on 2

May 2012 in Los Baños, Laguna

PRE-IMPLEMENTATION MEETING Vega Function Hall, Trace Suites, Los Baños, Laguna May 2, 2012 Project 1: Mitigating banana Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 through a farmer-participatory approach of

developing disease management strategies Project 2: Enhancing capacities of farmers, extension agents and local researchers towards the effective

management of Foc for small-scale Cavendish banana sector 8:00 – 8:30 Arrival and Registration 8:30 – 8:45 Opening and Welcome Remarks (ABMolina – Bioversity International) 8:45 – 9:00 Introduction of participants DA- Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)

Bioversity International Bureau of Plant Industry, Davao (BPI – DNCRDC) Institute of Plant Breeding, UPLB (IPB – UPLB) RIARCs 9:00 – 9:30 Overview of the Projects (ABMolina) 9:30 – 10:00 DA-BAR policies on the implementation and reporting of approved projects 10:00 – 10:15 Coffee Break 10:15 – 12:00 Workshop Proper and Discussions per Objective Project 1 -- Discussion of Project Expected Outputs Scheduling of Project Activities 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch break 1:00 – 3:00 Workshop and Discussions per Objective

Project 2 -- Discussion of Project Expected Outputs Scheduling of Project Activities 3:00 – 3:30 Coffee Break 3:30 – 5:00 Consolidation of Workshop Outputs Closing Remarks

Annex Figure 2. Program of the Pre-Implementation Meeting

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Annex Figure 3. Backdrop of the Inception Planning Meeting

Annex Figure 4. Program of the Inception and Planning Meeting

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Annex Table 1. Description of farm collaborators in Davao Provinces and Compostela Valley

Farm Name Contact Farmer Location

1 Philippine Fresh Fruits Corporation Luciano L. Puyod Licanan, Lasang, Davao City

2 LMH Agricultural Development Corporation

Christopher Labor San Isidro, Bunawan, Davao City

3 Geralde Farm Rowel A. Geralde San Vicente, Asuncion, Davao del Norte

4 Bancud Farm/DJ Farm Alex Bancud Purok San Antonio, Cuambongan, Tagum City

5 Lapiz Farm Samuel Lapiz Talomo, Sto Tomas, Davao del Norte

6 George Emily Asea (GEA) Farm GEA Farm San Roque, New Corella, Davao del Norte

7 Tindoc Farm Edwin Tindoc San Nicolas, Panabo City

8 Checkered Farm Agrarian Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CFARBEMCO)

CFARBEMCO Mangalcal, Carmen, Davao del Norte

9 Soriano Fruits Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (SFARBEMCO)

SFARBEMCO Purok Mahayhay Camuning, Asuncion, Davao del Norte

10 Tagnanan Crap Beneficiaries Cooperative (TCBC)

TCBC Tagnanan, Mabini, Compostela Valley Province

11 Mampising Carp Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative

MCBMPC Farm Mampising, Mabini, Compostela Valley Province

12 Lupida Farm George Lupida Guinga, Tugbok District, Davao City

13 Mauro Farm V.P. Mauro & Sons Agricultural Development Corp.

Purok 2, Upper Lacson, Calinan, Davao City

14 Fabian Farm Fabian Flor Talomo, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte

15 JC MEjos Farm Jules C. Mejos Sibulan, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur

16 MDR/LIM Farm Manuel D. Rotersos 1083 Purok dela Cruz, Mankilam, Tagum City

17 Mataguina Farm Mamerto Matuguina Guinga, Tugbok District, Davao City

(a) (b)

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Annex Figure 5. Survey Questionnaire

Banana Growers’ Survey

Enumerator: ________________________________ Date: _____________ I. The Farmer (Demographic Profile) Owner: _______________________________________ Age : ________________ Contact number(s) ______________________________________________________

Farm Name _____________________________________________________________

Farm address ____________________________________________________________

Educational attainment [ ] Elementary [ ] High School [ ] College Status of land ownership (please check)

[ ] Owned [ ] Tenant [ ] Cooperative

[ ] Others, specify _______________

Farmers’ Main Occupation (please check) [ ] Farming [ ] Business [ ] Employee [ ] Others, specify_____________ Monthly income (PhP)/ annual farm Income _______________________ What is the major source of income? ___________________________ Importance of banana production to the family [ ] Very important (main source of livelihood) [ ] Moderately important (supplementary source of income) [ ] Low importance (backyard production for family consumption II. The Farm Site and Environmental Data Farm Size (ha): ______________________ Planting Distance (m): ________________

Date of planting: _____________________ Size of infected area (ha) ______________

Type of irrigation: ____________________ Ave rainfall (mm): ____________________

Soil pH: ____________________________ Temp (high): ________________________

Soil type: ___________________________ Temp (low): ________________________

Ave RH: ____________________________ Altitude: ___________________________

Farm description [ ] flat [ ] sloping [ ] hilly [ ] others ______________________ Type of cropping system [ ] mixed cropping [ ] banana monoculture [ ] mixed banana varieties If mixed cropping, what other crops are planted in the area? _________________________________________________________________________________________

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If mixed banana varieties, what are these varieties planted in the area? ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Banana diseases observed in the farm ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Farm History and Information Year when first Foc symptoms were observed in the farm : ________________________ What were the crops planted in the area before banana? 3-5yrs ago? ___________________________________________________________________________________________ What were the pests and diseases commonly observed in the plantation? [ ] Bunchy top [ ] Moko [ ] Fusarium wilt [ ] Sigatoka [ ] Nematodes [ ] Borers [ ] Bract mosaic virus Rank the pests/ diseases mentioned above according to their importance in the plantation (1 being the most important):

____ Bunchy top ____ Moko ____ Fusarium wilt ____ Sigatoka ____ Nematodes ____ Borers ____ Bract mosaic virus Does the farmer know the causal organism of Fusarium wilt? [ ] Yes [ ] No Where did they learn about Fusarium wilt and it’s causal organism? [ ] DA facilitated farmers’ forum [ ] Personal communications [ ] private institution facilitated forum [ ] Personal research/ readings Does the farmer apply control methods? [ ] Yes [ ] No What methods have been applied to maintain Fusarium wilt?

[ ] bagging [ ] biological control ______________________ [ ] burning of infected mat (rice hull) how many bags/ infected mat? ___________ [ ] Change of planting materials (seedlings) [ ] change of cultivar [ ] following [ ] crop rotation, with what crop/s? _________________________ [ ] disinfecting tools [ ] foot baths

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Banana management Type of planting material used � Suckers

� Corm � Tissue culture seedlings

Supplier of planting material � Own plants / Orchard � Commercial supplier � Government � Others

Farm implements/ machineries and tools used on farm

� Shared � Not shared

If sharing implements what implements are shared?

� Harvesting tools � Pruning tools � Tillage tools � Land cultivating tools � Sigatoka spraying tools � Others

Weed control � None � Hand/ ring weeding � Herbicide � Grazing animals � Other

Predominant weed species Source of irrigation water � deep well

� River � Rainfall only � Dam / surface

Nutrition management � None � Organic � Synthetic (chemical fertilizer)

Describe fertilizer application schedule of farmer and the fertilizers used

Agrichemicals used on the farm � None � Herbicides � Fungicides � Nematicides

Source of organic material � Compost � Weeds � Food scraps � Ash � Molasses � Animal waste � Other plant residue………….

If animal waste used from what type of animal? � Chicken � Cattle / buffalo � Goat � Other………………………..

Farmer training needs What specific training does the farmer need? [ ] banana production [ ] nursery management [ ] pest disease management [ ] post-harvest handling [ ] others, specify _________________________________

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Annex Table 2. Profile of farmer-cooperators

Freq. % Educational Attainment

College 11 65

High School 1 6

Not applicable 5 29

17 100

Farm ownership

Owned 14 82

Cooperative 3 18

17 100

Major source of income*

Banana 17 100

Banana with rice or cacao 2 12

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*multiple answer Irrigation type Rainfed 16 94 Deep well 1 6 17 100 Cropping system Monocrop 16 94 Mixed cropping 1 6 17 100

Annex Table 3. Farm history and information

Freq. % Foc manifested 2006-2007 2 12 2008-2009 5 29 2010-2011 8 47 2012-2013 1 6 no answer 1 6 17 100

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Annex Table 4. Knowledge of Fusarium wilt

Does the farmer know the cause of FW? Yes 12 70 No 3 18 No answer 2 12 N = 17 100

Where did they learn about FW and its cause?* DA 4 23 Private institution 10 59 Personal communication 3 18 Personal research/readings 1 6 No answer 3 18 N = 17

Does farmer apply control measures for FW? Yes 14 82 No 0 0 No answer 3 18 N = 17 100

Control measures applied against FW* Disinfecting tools

16 94 Burning of infected mat (rice hull)

14 82

Foot bath 13 76 Crop rotation 6 35 Fallowing 5 29 Change of cultivar 1 6 Others: 1 6 N = 17

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Annex Table 5. Banana management

Freq. % Plating materials used* Tissue culture seedlings 17 100 sucker 4 24 corm 1 6 N = 17

Supplier of planting materials Commercial supplier 13 76 Private nursery 2 12 Own plants/orchard 1 6 no answer 1 6 N = 17 100

Farm implements/machineries Shared 4 24 Not shared 11 65 Shared and not shared 2 12 17 100 Farm implements/machineries shared

Land cultivating tools 5 29 Sigatoka spraying tools 0 29 Harvesting tools 0 0 Tillage tools 1 6 None 11 65

Irrigation type Rainfed 12 70 Deep well 1 6 Rainfed and deep well 3 18 No answer 1 6

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Annex Figure 6. Program of the Farmers’ Training-Workshop

Annex Figure 7. Certificate of Participation for the Farmers’ Training-Workshop

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Annex Figure 8. Attendance sheets of the Farmers’ Training-Workshop

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Annex Table 6. Summary of farm visits and capacity building activities

Date of Visit Farm Persons/s Involved

Objective of Visit Activities/Updates/Findings Extension activity conducted (i.e. re-

echoing, seminar etc.)

Remarks

August 3-5,2012

Inception meeting BPI-BIOVERSITY-RCPC-IPB-BAR

Project inception meeting

Discuss the project objectives and responsibilities

Done

September 3-5,2012

Puyod Farm, Bancud, Awing

BPI-BIOVERSITY-RCPC

Scout trial areas Identify severely infested area Gave the objectives and importance of the project

Done

September 17-20,2012

Lapiz, GEA, Tindoc, BPI-RCPC Scout trial areas Identify severely infested area Gave the objectives and importance of the project

Done

October 4,2012

Puyod Farm BPI-BIOVERSITY-RCPC

Project Establishment

Planting of 219 and GN Take up the responsibilities of the collaborator

Done

October 15-17,2012

TVPI, GADI, SFARBEMCO,

BPI-RCPC Scout trial areas Identify severely infested area Gave the objectives and importance of the project

Done

CPARBEMCO Unifrutti Philippines

October 23-25, 2012

Bancud, Lapiz, Awing BPI-BIOVERSITY-RCPC

Project Establishment

Planting of 219 and GN Take up the responsibilities of the collaborator

Done

November 5-8, 2012

Fabian BPI-RCPC Scout trial areas Identify severely infested area Gave the objectives and importance of the project

Done

Puyod, Bancud, Awing, Lapiz, GEA, Tindoc

BPI-RCPC To gather information of Foc history

Farmers and owners interview (PRA)

Gave quarantine measures

Done

November 20-22, 2012

Matuguina, Lupiba, Mauro, Rotersos

BPI-BIOVERSITY-RCPC

Scout trial areas Identify severely infested area Gave the objectives and importance of the project

Done

December 4-6, 2012

TVPI, GADI, SFARBEMCO,

BPI-RCPC To gather information of Foc history

Farmers and owners interview (PRA)

Gave quarantine measures

Done

CPARBEMCO

December 11-14, 2012

Tindoc, TVPI, GADI, CFARBEMCO,

BPI-RCPC Project Establishment

Planting of 219 and GN Take up the responsibilities of the collaborator

Done

January 8-9, 2013

Puyod Farm BPI-RCPC Monitor the Project Gathered disease incidence

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January 14-15, 2013

Lupiba Farm BPI-RCPC Established Project Lay outing and planting Take up the responsibilities of the collaborator

Done

February 16-21, 2013

Baer Farm and Mauro farm

BPI-RCPC Established Project Lay outing and planting Take up the responsibilities of the collaborator

Done

February 24-25, 2013

Lapiz, Gea, Lupiba, Mauro, and Fabian

BPI-RCPC To gather information of Foc history

Farmers and owners interview (PRA)

Gave quarantine measures

Done

March 4-8, 2013

Donal and Rotersos Farms

BPI-RCPC Established Project Lay outing and planting Take up the responsibilities of the collaborator

Done

March 21-22, 2013

Mejos Farm BPI-RCPC Established Project Lay outing and planting Take up the responsibilities of the collaborator

Done

Bancud, Lapiz, Awing BPI-RCPC Monitor the Project Gathered disease incidence

23-Apr-13 Matuguina Farm BPI-RCPC Established Project Lay outing and planting Take up the responsibilities of the collaborator

Done

May 2-5, 2013 Puyod, Awing, Gea, Bancud, Tindoc,

BPI-RCPC Monitor the Project Gathered disease incidence

Baer Farms

May 9-10, 2013

Banana Beach Resort BPI-BIOVERSITY-RCPC

Capacity building for Farmers

Training and workshop , field tour

Extension Activities Done

Farmer Cooperators

May 15-18, 2013

Gea, Aweng, Bancud, Tindoc , CFAR, GADI

BPI-RCPC Tagging and deliverd signage

Tagging and delivered signage explain why it is needed to put tag

Done

TVPI, Lupiba Farms

June 10-14, 2013

All sites BPI-RCPC Project Monitoring Gathered data, some sites of the

Showed with the farmers the typical symptoms of the disease

Done

projects showed symptoms for both

of the disease

July 1-4, 2013 All sites BPI-RCPC Project Monitoring Gathered data, some sites of the

Showed with the farmers the typical symptoms

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projects showed symptoms for both

of the disease

July 22-23, 2013

JJMA Farm BPI-RCPC Established Project Lay outing and planting Take up the responsibilities of the collaborator

Done

August 5-6, 2013

Musa Hamat Farm BPI-BIOVERSITY-RCPC

Established Project Lay outing and planting Take up the responsibilities of the collaborator

Done

September 3-6, 2013

All sites BPI-BIOVERSITY-RCPC

Project Monitoring Gathered data, some project sites showed symptoms for both

Showed with the farmers the typical symptoms of the disease

Done

Collected Samples Collected Samples for Foc characterization purpose

Done

13-Sep-13 Puyod Farm BPI-RCPC Harvest 219 variety and gathered

Measurement of bunch weight, height

Done

agronomic data number of hands

September 24-25, 2013

Puyod, Baer, CFAR, Tindoc farms

BPI-IPB-RCPC Harvest 219 variety and gathered

Measurement of bunch weight, height

Done

agronomic data number of hands