Food & newsletter 171 technology march 2011 center · technology center newsletter march 2011 171...

8
FOOD & FERTILIZER TECHNOLOGY CENTER NEWSLETTER MARCH 2011 171 Asian forum on functional biodiversity tackles natural enemies & pollinators ..................................................................................... 2 Training course on edible mushroom production ............................................................ 4 Health management of pathogen-free citrus orchards ..................................................... 5 Corn project in the Philippines: San Pablo City, Laguna holds farmers' field day ............ 6 New publication .............................................................................................................. 8 Articles in this issue PARASITOIDS, NEUTRALS, HERBIVORES AND PREDATORS or so-called natural enemies, as well as pollinators like bees became the focus of a recent seminar on functional biodiversity which was held in Tsukuba, Japan. (page 2) Functional biodiversity forum tackles natural enemies & pollinators

Transcript of Food & newsletter 171 technology march 2011 center · technology center newsletter march 2011 171...

Food &Fertilizertechnology center

newsletter

march 2011

171

Asian forum on functional biodiversity tacklesnatural enemies & pollinators ..................................................................................... 2

Training course on edible mushroom production ............................................................ 4

Health management of pathogen-free citrus orchards ..................................................... 5

Corn project in the Philippines: San Pablo City, Laguna holds farmers' field day ............ 6

New publication .............................................................................................................. 8

Articles in this issue

PArAsiToids, NeuTrAls, Herbivores ANd PredATors or so-called natural enemies, as well as pollinators like bees became the focus

of a recent seminar on functional biodiversity which was held in Tsukuba, Japan. (page 2)

Functional biodiversity forum tackles natural enemies & pollinators

2 FFTC NewsleTTer 2011/171

Asian forum on functional biodiversity tackles natural enemies & pollinators

THe reCeNT iNTerNATioNAl semiNAr oN “Enhancement of Functional Biodiversity Relevant to Sustainable Food Production in the Asia Pacific (ASPAC )Region” held in Tsukuba, Japan last 8-12 November, 2010 addressed important issues related to sustainable food production. Functional biodiversity is a component of the overall goal to achieve variation of life for the entire world. It generally focuses on the range of things that organisms do in communities and ecosystems. A variety of activities have been initiated in various parts of the world to enhance functional biodiversity but “indicators” which are capable of quantitatively evaluating the effect of biodiversity have not been developed yet. However, some potential and promising indicators are natural enemies (parasitoids, neutrals, herbivores, and predators), pollinators (bees), and some specific plant species. This is what the recently concluded seminar zeroed in—to obtain a better understanding of the current status of functional biodiversity, particularly focusing on natural enemies and pollinators, in the ASPAC region. Where significant decreases in functional biodiversity are observed in certain areas/countries/regions, factors responsible for the decline and its adverse effects on short-and long-term crop production were discussed. Also the seminar provided a venue for the sharing and exchange of relevant information and promising technologies/management strategies to enhance functional biodiversity for sustainable crop production. Promising “indicators”

for evaluating the effect of cultural practices and/or agricultural technologies on functional biodiversity were also identified and proposed for the Asian monsoon areas. Some of the seminar highlights include the landscape mosaic as one of the key factors to provide the habitats of natural enemies of rice paddy ecosystems in Japan. It was noted that to maintain the landscape structure of the paddy ecosystems, farmers’ agricultural activities should not

Functional biodiversity is a component of the overall goal to achieve variation of life for the entire world.

biodiversity enriches activities such as birdwatching or science and natural history studies.

The landscape mosaic has been identified as one of the key factors to provide the habitats of natural enemies.

FFTC NewsleTTer 2011/171 3

be limited to inside the paddy field for rice production, but should extend to the surrounding areas. As for the continuous decline of honeybees, the seminar participants discussed the importance of looking for alternative and native pollinators in the ASPAC region. The status quo of collection and utilization of native and commercialized promising pollinators such as stingless bees, bumble bees, honey bees, etc. was reported from Malaysia,

A large part of humans' food supply comes from plants. but the present plant extinction rate limits the resources for the earth's surviving biodiversity.

According to experts, flora and fauna diversity depends on climate, altitude, soils and the presence of other species.

to page 8 ...u

Korea and Taiwan but more research and training have to be done on the biological and ecological behavior of these pollinator species. A couple of success and promising stories on biological control using natural enemies have been reported, e.g., coconut leaf beetle, diamondback moth for crucifers, sugarcane and Asian corn borers (Taiwan). Many Asian countries are still surveying and evaluating promising natural enemies for target crop pests to use as part of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for various field crops such as sugarcane, cassava, soybean, cotton (Thailand), brown planthopper (rice, Vietnam). Banana weevil borer (Indonesia) bean fly (mungbean, Myanmar), banana, jackfruit, coconut, vegetables (IPM Philippines). Meanwhile, a new five-year research project launched by the Japanese government has been introduced, in which experts have been selecting appropriate indicator organisms to appraise the effect of environment-friendly agricultural practices on conservation and enhancement of functional biodiversity in agro-ecosystems. It was recommended that a research/survey for evaluation of the farmland biodiversity should also be conducted at a larger landscape level. This should take into

deforestation and increased human encroachment in wild areas are serious threats to biodiversity.

4 FFTC NewsleTTer 2009/164

ince time immemorial, edible mushrooms have been so much a part of the Asian culinary experience, extending all the way to its medicinal uses. Unfortunately, production technology on mushroom growing still remains wanting in several Asian countries. This is why last November 21-27, 2010, 16 researchers, agriculture officers, extension workers and entrepreneurs from Indonesia (1), Malaysia (1), Philippines (7), Thailand (1) and Vietnam (5) participated and completed the “Training Course on Edible Mushroom Production for Asian farmers and Entrepreneurs,” held in Taichung, Taiwan. The said training course was organized by the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region (FFTC), Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Asia Pacific Association of Agricultural Research (APAARI) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) with a support from the Council of Agriculture (COA), The training course primarily aimed to equip the participants with a working knowledge on enterprise development initiatives involving the promotion and adoption of improved technologies for sustainable commercial production of edible mushroom for Asian farmers and entrepreneurs. The training focused on the importance of eco-friendly resource recycling of agricultural wastes through lecture discussions and sharing of experiences, practicum, and visits to edible mushroom production enterprises. Majority of the training resource persons were TARI researchers.

FFTC NewsleTTer 2011/171 4

s

Training course on edible mushroom production

There are at least more than a thousand species of mushroom reported to be edible. The edible variety contains a high amount of protein, essential amino acids, vitamin-B complex, and a variety of minerals, and is also well known as a rich source of dietary fiber. Recently, mushrooms have been gaining attention due to its medical benefits as health food, particularly in strengthening the human immune system and increasing the body’s adaptive abilities. The production of edible mushrooms has been developed as rural enterprises or as farmers’ side business to meet consumers’ demand in countries such as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. But it has generally been given less attention by farmers in other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. However, mushroom cultivation has proven to be profitable either as household industry or as large-scale enterprise marketing fresh, canned, or dried products, including mushroom powder and soup. Mushroom production thus provides Asian farmers with a good opportunity to start a promising rural enterprise. Once a smallholder mushroom industry is established in rural and periurban areas, mushroom becomes readily available as part of the common diet, providing valuable source of proteins, vitamins, and other essential minerals to help improve the rural population’s health. The training provided the participants with hands-on experience towards managing farm organic wastes when agricultural and food processing by-products are used as

to page 5 ...u

experts demonstrated proper mushroom culture techniques as participants took notes.

Participants from five countries observed improved technologies for sustainable commercial production of edible mushrooms.

FFTC NewsleTTer 2011/171 5

growing media for edible fungi. The spent substrates are then composted and applied directly back to the soil as organic fertilizer supplement. Participants further saw how Taiwan, through government policies that support mushroom production, has been able to make edible mushroom production a flourishing industry in the country. Taiwan is now a major producer of mushroom, and supplies not only local but foreign markets as well. Business models have been adapted in commercializing edible mushroom production. Quality assurances (ISO) as well as food safety protocols (HACCP) are incorporated in the production set up. One commercial production site visited even uses robotic technology in handling mushroom spawns to ensure that there will be no contamination of the produce. (Nova A. Ramos, SEARCA).

he vitamin-C enriched citrus fruits have lately been suffering a number of systemic virus and virus-like diseases. In fact, some Asian citrus plantations have suffered serious yield loss and deterioration of fruit quality. This is why experts agree that citrus farmers should have a thorough knowledge of the proper planting and pruning techniques of citrus, especially the Pathogen Free (PF) type, since this is very crucial in obtaining good fruit harvests. In a recent paper presented by Dr. Ming Hsiung Lu of the Department of Horticulture, National Chia-yi University, Taiwan, during the international training workshop on Health Management of PF Citrus Orchards, the author provided a comprehensive lecture on the importance of planting and pruning techniques in citrus production. The said workshop, which was held at the Southern Horticulture Research Institute (SHRI) in Tien Giang, Vietnam, also provided hands-on demonstration on pruning and antibiotic injection on trees infected by diseases. According to Dr. Ming Hsiung Lu, proper citrus planting starts with a thorough knowledge of soil analysis, water sources for irrigation, proper spacing, topography and good seedlings. A good orchard layout, therefore is necessary to ensure a healthy and well-managed plantation. “Citrus orchards on flat land can be planted in a square or a rectangle,” he said. “In the case of orchards located in sloping land, citrus trees should be planted along the contours for soil and water conservation.”

On the other hand, pruning ensures a proper canopy shape and height for the citrus growth and bearing habits. Its main objectives are to increase the effective leaf area and bearing surface, to control tree shape and height for efficient cultural practices such as soil management, fertilization, pest spray and harvest operation, to control tree vigor and

Health management of pathogen-free citrus orchards

Training course on edible mushroom production ...from page 4

right: Training participants saw how Taiwan has been able to make edible mushroom production a flourishing industry.

one of the many objectives of pruning is to control tree shape and height for efficient cultural practices such as soil management, pest spray and harvest operation. to page 7 ...u

T

n

6 FFTC NewsleTTer 2011/171

Corn project in the Philippines: San Pablo City, Laguna holds farmers' field day

FFTC’s moderN CorN CulTivATioN TeCHNology Transfer Project recently held a farmers’ field day in San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines where farmer cooperators and stakeholders gathered together for a day of sharing and interaction. The Project is being undertaken in cooperation with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), the Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST), Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Region and Sarangani Province in 2006 with

the full support and active encouragement of the Council of Agriculture (COA) of Taiwan, ROC. The major objective of the project is the transfer of Taiwan technology in growing corn to Filipino corn farmers which includes the use of hybrid seeds and appropriate mechanization to ensure greater productivity and labor-saving practices. It also aims to raise the average corn yield per hectare, ensure sustainable production in prime corn lands and address poverty by increasing the

One of the main objectives of the corn project is to evaluate the field performance of Taiwan yellow corn hybrids in Laguna Province, Philippines.

The project also aims to promote the utilization of Taiwan yellow corn hybrids to Filipino farmers.

open forum during Farmer's Field day at san Pablo City.

FFTC NewsleTTer 2011/171 7

income of marginal corn farmers in the Philippines. Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC) Administrative Officer Dr. Sean Huang, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Assistant Director for Regulatory Operations Henry Carpiso, Laguna Provincial Agriculturist Juanito Samson, San Pablo City Agriculturist Alex Dionglay, BPI-Los Baños NCRDC OIC-Center chief Dr. Gilda Gabertan graced the Corn Farmers’ Field Day in San Pablo City, Laguna held January 11, 2011. FFTC consultants Dr. Wen-Shyong Chen, Mr. Chen-Keng Chen and MECO Programs Officer Cat Naguiat interacted with the farmer-cooperators during the field

day and subsequent field visits to Los Baños, Bay and Pila where the Taiwan TN24 hybrid seeds registered high yields and good adaptability to local conditions. Through the years, the Taiwanese government has generously provided Taiwan corn hybrids for testing and evaluation. Previous project activities included the mobilization of corn farmers to form small farmers’ cluster for greater access to corn-related programs of the government and other organizations. These contributed in strengthening the farmers’ cohesiveness, as the group farming approach builds interdependence among the farmers. (CLNaguiat , MECO). n

maintain the most efficient balance between vegetative growth and fruitfulness and to keep orchard sanitation by removing diseased or infected branches of fruits. In his lecture, Dr. Ming Hsiung Lu concluded that since there are many tree species with different growth and fruiting habits, the citrus grower should first consider and evaluate which shoots or twigs are the best for fruiting. They should likewise focus on tree shape and tree height to be able to secure good light interception. Lastly, they should be able to learn how to prune undesirable branches, wrong-positioned branches and wrong-directioned branches in order to keep the trees healthy and productive. n

Health management of pathogen-free citrus orchards ...from page 5

right: Citrus fruits, like oranges, are known for their fragrance. This is partly due to their flavonoids and limonoids which are mostly contained in their rind.

Consultants and farmer-cooperators interacting with one another.

By aiming to raise the average corn

yield per hectare, the project addresses

poverty reduction by increasing the

income of marginal corn farmers in the

Philippines

8 FFTC NewsleTTer 2011/171

The Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC) is an international agricultural information center for small-scale farmers in the Asian and Pacific region. It collects and disseminates information on improved low-cost technology, with the aim of helping farmers obtain better yields and a higher income. Articles in this Newsletter may be translated, quoted or reprinted, provided credit is given to the source.

Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region

5th Fl., 14 Wenchow St. Taipei 10648, Taiwan ROC Tel. (886 2) 2362 6239 Fax (886 2) 2362 0478 E-mail: [email protected]: http://www.fftc.agnet.orgISSN: 1010-0628

FFTC Quarterly Newsletter

New publication

imProved uTiliZATioN oF FisHery by-ProduCTs As PoTeNTiAl NuTrACeuTiCAls ANd FuNCTioNAl Foods

For severAl yeArs Now, scientists have been seriously studying the value of processing seafood wastes into value-added products. However, there is a lack of adequate utilization technology to fully convert these wastes into nutraceuticals and functional foods. This seminar proceedings published in book form (166 pp.) is a joint undertaking of FFTC and Kasetsart University (KU) when it held an international seminar on “Improved Utilization of Fishery By-products as Potential Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods” in KU, Thailand. The said seminar aims to present and share relevant information on the potential of fishery by-product resources for value-added products. It also aims to promote exchange waste utilization technology and information among countries in the Asian and Pacific

region as well as expand research collaboration on fishery waste utilization technology toward significantly contributing to the ability of countries in the region to increase by-products utilization. This publication contains 14 technical research papers written by scientists from Japan, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam and includes topics as "Recycling of Waste Oyster Shell," Potential Utilization of Seaweed as Nutraceuticals," "Product Innovation from Tuna and Milkfish Processing By-products for Human Food Consumption," among others. This international seminar is also co-organized by the National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU), the Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) and the Council of Agriculture (COA), Taiwan, ROC.

Asian forum on functional biodiversity focuses on ...from page 3

account the population dynamics of organisms. Changes in farmland biodiversity should be considered with linkage to other aspects such as climate change and carbon sequestration in arable land. There were two keynote papers and 19 resource papers on functional biodiversity presented during the 5-day international seminar, which was attended by 10 participating countries (UK, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan ROC, Korea, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam). FFTC organized the said seminar in cooperation with the National Institute for Agro Environmental Sciences (NIAES) and the National Institute of Fruit Tree Sciences (NIFTS) of Japan, and the Council of Agriculture (COA), Taiwan ROC.n

n