FOOD & NEWSLETTER FERTILIZER 155 TECHNOLOGY

Transcription

1 FOOD & NEWSLETTER FERTILIZER 155 TECHNOLOGY MARCH 2007 CENTER Photos courtesy of C.C. Chen, Agricultural Research Institute, COA, Taiwan ROC. Targeting total insect populations THE CONCEPT OF AREA-WIDE management of insect pests, in which the total population of a pest in an area or a region is targeted, is Area-wide control of oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) in Taiwan involving monitoring of insect movement, adjusting current control strategies for individual orchards, and developing an action plan. central to the effective application of pest control technologies. Insect movement sometimes occurs over long distances. However, most conventional pest control can be described as localized, uncoordinated action against segments of a pest population, resulting very often in an unsustainable spiral of insecticide application and eventual resistance. (see page 4) Articles in this issue 2007 Work Program... 2 News Briefs... 2 Toward a more effective and sustainable insect pest control Promoting area-wide management of key insect pests... 4 Rapid Bioassay of Pesticide Residues (RBPR) in fruits and vegetables Food and pesticides: a quick way to test for safety... 6 New Publications... 8

2 2007 Work Program SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS October 01-05, Taiwan ROC Management of agrochemical residues in food To review and harmonize regulations and standards on agrochemical residues in foods among Asian countries, and share and exchange information on GAP system and analytical technology to minimize agrochemical residues in foods. Oct 15-19, Korea Enhancement of women farmers' role in the development of rural Asia To share and exchange practical technologies and extension schemes to augment the current situation of women farmers and improve their potential contributions to rural development. Oct , Japan Development of soil-crop inventory on heavy metals and organic pollutants in the Asian and Pacific region To develop a database of heavy metal contamination in both soils and crops, and a methodology to evaluate the bioavailability and minimize the amount of heavy metals accumulated in edible parts of crops. September, Vietnam Improved duck production of small-scale farmers in ASPAC To promote efficient production of ducks for Asian small-scale farmers through genetic improvement and improved cultural practices. November 19-23, Philippines Appropriate use of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides for small-scale farmers in the Asian and Pacific region To provide a venue for the sharing and exchange of knowledge and expertise on bioagents, toward reducing dependence of smallscale farmers on conventional chemical inputs while maintaining yield and improving the quality and safety of produce under a sustainable production system. November Development and adoption of traceability system for fish and fish products in Asia To promote the adoption of suitable fish and fish products traceability system in Asia and harmonize standards and guidelines among trading countries. SPECIAL PROJECTS January - December 2007, Philippines Modern corn cultivation technology transfer in Caraga region, Philippines January - December 2007 Establishment of pathogen-free citrus germplasm repository for the improvement of the citrus industry in ASPAC (Y2) April 2007-March 2008 A rapid, less-costly and accurate detection of citrus greening (HLB) pathogen in the Asian and pacific region (Y1) News Briefs FFTC Director named honorary adviser of Myanmar Fisheries Federation YANGON, MYANMAR - FFTC Director Sing-Hwa Hu was named honorary adviser of the Myanmar Fisheries Federation during his visit to the country on February 25-28, The said visit enabled Taiwanese fisheries experts to share their expertise with researchers and fish farmers alike, in the hope of contributing to the sustainable growth and development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector of Myanmar. Dialogue with fish farmers at the Myanmar Fisheries Federation. Visitors from Gambia and the Philippines explore future technical cooperation with FFTC TAIPEI, TAIWAN ROC - Recognizing the importance of promoting scientific and technical cooperation in agriculture with governments within and outside of the Asian and Pacific region, FFTC recently received visitors from Gambia and the Philippines to explore possible future partnerships. Gambian Ambassador to Taiwan, Hon. Mawdo C. Juwara; Dr. B.A.S. Sanneh, a former World Health Organization (WHO) - Gambia consultant; and Dr. Amadou Sowe, an agricultural economist, visited FFTC on March 30, 2007, primarily to discuss possible collaboration between Gambia and the Center in the area of technology transfer in agriculture, specifically on technical information exchange, capacity and institution building in agriculture, and pursuing common technology transfer goals. 2 FFTC NEWSLETTER 2007/155

3 FFTC Consultant extends technical assistance to citrus growers in the Philippines FFTC Dir. Sing-Hwa Hu provides suggestions to hatchery farm owners in Myanmar. During the visit, the Taiwanese delegation had the opportunity to witness the great potential of the country's fisheries and aquaculture sector in terms of generating export earnings and providing improved livelihood, especially to small-scale fish farmers. Primarily, the visit opened new avenues for possible collaborative projects and programs between FFTC and Myanmar in the area of fisheries and aquaculture. The fishery sector is the fourth most important source of export earnings in Myanmar. The country earned US$359 million from export of 271,000 MT of fish and fishery products in The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is targeting to earn US$400 million in export in FY To achieve this goal, an increase in export of high-priced commodities, as well as processing of high quality products to meet international standards and exploring new market channels, are necessary. NUEVA VISCAYA, PHILIPPINES - Dr. Hong-Ji Su, Emeritus Professor at the National Taiwan University (NTU) and FFTC consultant on crop protection, visited Malabing Valley, Nueva Viscaya, the leading citrus production area in northern Luzon, Philippines in February 2007, to provide his technical expertise on citrus greening and other virus diseases, as well as to promote international technological exchange in the area of crop disease management. Prof. Su met with citrus growers and coop members, visited orchards and nurseries, and gave a lecture/demonstration on the detection of huanglongbing or HLB (citrus greening disease) using different test methods. About 120 citrus growers attended his lecture. Prof. Su gives a lecture/demonstration to coop members and growers at the Malabing coop citrus foundation nursery, Nueva Viscaya, Philippines. of initiating research, extension, and academic exchange collaboration. Headed by Dr. Sonwright B. Maddul, Vice President for Research and Extension of BSU, the other members of the university delegation include: Dr. Luciana M. Villanueva of the Semi-temperate Vegetables R&D Center; Dr. Jane K. Avila of the Food Processing Center; Dr. Leopoldo N. Tagarino of the Department of Agribusiness and Economics; and Dr. Lorna L. Lino of the Department of Food Science. (Above) Visitors from Gambia met with FFTC Dir. Hu and staff to discuss possible partnership in agriculture. (Left) Dir. Hu discusses possible collaboration in research, extension, and academic exchange with visitors from BSU, Philippines. Meanwhile, a Philippine delegation of academicians from the Benguet State University (BSU) visited FFTC on March 16, 2007 with the goal FFTC NEWSLETTER 2007/155 3

4 Toward a more effective and sustainable insect pest control Promoting area-wide management of key insect pests O ver the last several decades, considerable progress has been achieved worldwide in the development and application of the area-wide approach (AWA) for the suppression and control of key insect pests, making it an important part of integrated pest management (IPM) systems. AWA has been defined as "a long-term planned campaign against a pest insect population in a relatively large pre-defined area with the objective of reducing the insect population to a non-economic status" (Lindquist 2000). While logistically complex and managerially intensive, the AWA requires fewer inputs, and pest control is usually more effective and sustainable. Integrated into IPM, the AWA requires that compatible and environmentally friendly control methods are adapted to the agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions of each specific situation. AWA is applied against an entire pest population within a delimited geographic area. Area-wide intervention strategies require planning and ecological understanding, longer-term commitment, and coordinated implementation by farmers and all other stakeholders. While many successes on the use of this approach have been recorded, AWA must be explored further in terms of its applicability particularly as integrated into management programs for some key insect pests by small-scale farmers. Therefore, FFTC organized the international symposium on Areawide management of insect pests held in Okinawa, Japan to provide a venue for the sharing and exchange of knowledge, information and technology on area-wide approach especially as an important component of IPM. Co-organized by the Okinawa Prefectural Agricultural Research Center (OPARC), Okinawa, Japan, the symposium addressed and deliberated on: recent trends and approaches in AWA in the Asian and Pacific (ASPAC) region; prospects for the development and extension of AWA and control practices that can be adopted by small-scale farm holders; and research and development programs essential to AWA toward reaching a free status of damage from the target pests in each country. The Hawaii Area-Wide Fruit Fly Pest Management Program During the symposium, a group of scientists and extension workers from Hawaii had the opportunity to share their experiences and successes in the implementation of the Hawaii Area-Wide Integrated Pest Management Program. The said Program is a collaborative, public and private partnership model showcasing the success of sharing responsibilities and partnership among different agencies, which other countries in the Asian region can emulate. Targeting four Six components of the Hawaii Area-Wide Integrated Pest Management Program. Sterile Insects Parasitoid Insects Research Education Assessment Male Annihilation Population Monitoring Protein Bait Field Sanitation Photo courtesy of R.I. Vargas, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Hawaii, USA. 4 FFTC NEWSLETTER 2007/155

5 Photos courtesy of T.C. Huang, BAPHIQ-COA, Taiwan ROC. Farmers' education and training on area-wide melon fly control in Taiwan using field sanitation, food bait (GF120), and male annihilation. species of economically important tephritid fruit flies occurring in Hawaii, the Program involves research, education and assessment strategies, and consists of six components namely: Population monitoring; Field sanitation; Protein bait; Male annihilation; Sterile insects; and Parasitoid insects Previous fruit fly control measures in Hawaii relied heavily on the application of organophosphate insecticides to crops. On the other hand, the Program integrated various control components into a comprehensive package that has been economically viable, environmentally acceptable, and sustainable. The program has resulted in area-wide suppression of fruit flies, a reduction in the use of organophosphate insecticides, and the impetus for further growth and development of diversified agriculture in Hawaii. Country status on area-wide management Participants representing seven countries from the Asian region likewise shared and exchanged experiences on improved area-wide management and control techniques, and practical application of the technologies, such as integration with augmentative biological control, mating disruption, or other environment-friendly measures, for adoption by small-scale farmers. Japan imparted the results of its long experience in the use of AWA to control key insect pests such as: Chilo suppressailis and migratory rice planthoppers in rice; solanaceous fruit fly; sweet potato weevil; and sugarcane wireworm. Some of the techniques developed include: simulation models of population dynamics and biotype evolution for rice planthoppers; a new, three-dimensional backward trajectory analysis method of migration prediction for rice planthoppers; and communication disruption using sex pheromone for the control of sugarcane wireworm. The oriental fruit fly seriously infests major fruit crops in all parts of Taiwan. Area-wide control program for oriental fruit fly using methyl eugenol has been conducted for many years, but its population remains at a high level in the field. Culture and protein bait containing spinosad has also been used, while non-chemical efforts are concentrated on: organizing farmers; establishing geological information; monitoring fruit fly density; providing fruit production information; holding training programs; and maintaining orchard sanitation. In Korea, several environment-friendly methods are being carried out such as minimum use of chemicals in fruits and insect attractant like sex pheromones for timely forecasting of major pests and reducing the time of pesticide sprays. In the Philippines, the Malayan rice black bug, a serious invasive pest of rice affecting some islands, is being managed effectively with the use of biological control agents such as Metarhizium anisopliae, the green muscardine fungus; and Telenomus triptus, the egg parasitoid. In Thailand, the feasibility of using AWA in the control of several insect pests and pest complexes of to page 7... FFTC NEWSLETTER 2007/155 5

6 Rapid Bioassay of Pesticide Residues (RBPR) in fruits and vegetables Food and pesticides: a quick way to test for safety V egetables and fruits are essential to human diet. However, their production nowadays has been heavily dependent on new technologies, and chemical pesticide usage has become almost unavoidable especially in tropical and subtropical climates where many insect and disease problems prevail. Therefore, constant monitoring of fruits and vegetables for dangerous pesticide residues, as well as adoption of control and regulatory measures, have become of utmost importance in terms of consumer protection. Many developing countries in the Asian region have small farms, and farmers are mixing and spraying pesticides considerably, making residue control an almost impossible task. And while pesticide residues are monitored by chemical analysis in developed countries such as the US and Japan, the method is not practical for use in many countries in Asia. Chemical analysis, while precise, lacks speed and hence is not capable of screening residue-contaminated vegetables and fruits before they are served on the table. In most cases, chemical analysis only serves the purpose of investigation, or what is commonly known as "autopsy report". While detailed pesticide residue monitoring is necessary, it is equally important that residuecontaminated shipments be stopped for further trading. This is the major purpose, as incorporated into the residue control mechanism, of the Rapid Bioassay of Pesticide Residue (RBPR) methodology developed in Taiwan. The public is not satisfied with pre-harvest warning alone, but demands that residue control be done in harvested produce before marketing. Hence, the Pesticide Research Laboratory of the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) of Taiwan developed the RBPR with only one task in mind - to speed up the residue contamination test in vegetable and fruit produce. ARI initiated the RBPR program in 1985, which proved to be very successful and had since been adopted by more than 200 stations in the island covering farmer associations, various food supply systems, and major supermarket chains. The principle of the RBPR is to detect and stop contaminated shipments before these are consumed by the public. The technology has been gradually adopted in other countries in the Asian region, particularly Korea, China and Vietnam, and in some countries in Central America. In expanding Taiwan's technical cooperation with other Asian countries, as well as to help better promote food safety and consumer protection in the region, a training course on RBPR was conducted in the Philippines. Organized by the Laboratory Services Division (LSD) of the Bureau of Plant Industry - Department of Agriculture (BPI-DA), in coordination (Above) Participants of the RBPR training course in Baguio City, Philippines with (seated, from left) Taiwan's ARI-COA Senior Entomologist, Dr. Edward Y. Cheng; FFTC Director Sing-Hwa Hu; and Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Resident Representative to Taipei, Mr. Antonio I. Basilio. (Left) Dr. Cheng gives a lecturedemonstration to participants during the training course on RBPR testing. 6 FFTC NEWSLETTER 2007/155

7 with FFTC and ARI-Council of Agriculture (COA), Taiwan ROC, the training course was held at the Baguio Pesticide Analytical Laboratory (Baguio-PAL), Benguet Province, Philippines last December 11-15, Scientists and experts from Taiwan served as trainers, and shared technical knowledge and information on the RBPR technology, primarily to promote food safety and consumer protection in the Philippines' largest fruit and vegetable growing province of Benguet. The RBPR method is deemed as very suitable for adoption in Benguet, being an economic, rapid, sensitive and accurate screening process, as compared with the laborious chemical analysis method, meant to stop residue-contaminated shipments on-site, toward improving the welfare of consumers. The training on RBPR was wellattended by the BPI-LSD technical staff, representatives from its four satellite laboratories, provincial and municipal agricultural officers from different parts of Benguet province, and researchers and extension workers. It sought to enlighten or bring awareness to the participants of an effective alternative method for screening pesticide residue. The participants underwent a rigid hands-on training, in anticipation of the adoption of the RBPR technology in strategic fruit and vegetable growing areas in the Philippines. Initial deliberations were done on the possibility of implementing a three-year project on the establishment of a pilot laboratory in vegetable and fruit growing areas in the country. Relatedly, the Baguio-PAL will serve as the training center for the enhancement of the capabilities of those who will be tapped to do the analytical services. The Philippine RBPR project, once implemented, will help minimize perennial problems on pesticide residues in various agricultural produce, thus, giving the consumers the assurance that their food is pesticide free and safe for human consumption. (Below left) Fruit and vegetable samples for RBPR testing. (Below right) Vegetable field in Benguet province, Philippines. Promoting area-wide management... from page 5 major economic crops is being determined based on the suitability of the target pests, the implementing agencies responsible, availability of specific area-wide pest management technologies, and the interest and socioeconomic condition of the farmers involved. In Vietnam, the coconut Hispine beetle Brontispa longissima, a very serious insect pest of coconut palms, was successfully controlled in 2003 with the use of the parasitoid Asecodes hispinarm imported from Western Samoa. Prospects for AWA in Asia The success of AWA will very much depend on the willingness and vigorous participation of farmers and all stakeholders in ongoing area-wide control programs. Hence, government and private entities alike must be able to provide them proper education/training, hands-on learning and demonstration of successful cases, as well as support services to equip them with the technological and financial resources to enable them to be actively involved in AWA program. Transfer of technologies to end-users, particularly to small-scale farmers, must be done as a collaborative, public and private partnership mission with shared responsibilities among the concerned agencies/ authorities. In most insect pest management programs, the conventional strategies and tactics available are mainly suitable for individual, small to large farmers, whether they will be used as a single component or as an integrated pest management strategy. Any or all such strategies could be integrated into an area-wide pest management system but with a different approach and operational procedure. Each target insect pest or pest complex has a characteristic in itself, and an area-wide pest management program for each must be specifically designed taking into consideration the availability of resources required, human capacity, technology, and implementing authority. Mechanisms for participation, cooperation and implementation need to be developed at the national and regional levels alike for the maintenance and sustainability of AWA management programs for smallscale farming systems in the Asian region. Government policies, interest of the farmers, and long-term input, effort and commitment of all stakeholders, as well as the socioeconomic condition of the farmers involved are some of the keys to the success of a collaborative mechanism on area-wide pest management. FFTC NEWSLETTER 2007/155 7

8 New Publications MAJOR AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS TB 172 Genomic pig breeding for growth and meat quality - M.C. Wu, Y.C. Huang and H.L. Chang The 2006 issue of this regular annual periodical was published recently. It gives an overview of Asian agriculture by showing important agricultural statistics and indicators, including food availability, self-sufficiency rate, and farm size in 21 Asian and Pacific countries. As well as the paper publication, an electronic version is available free of charge on the Center s website and database ( TECHNICAL BULLETINS TB 170 TB 171 Banana virus indexing technology and disease management - H.J. Su Bemisia tabaci - from molecular to landscape - P.J. De Barro EXTENSION BULLETINS EB 564 EB 565 EB 566 EB 567 EB 568 EB 569 EB 570 EB 571 EB 572 EB 573 EB 574 Marching toward the market - the business potential for agricultural biotechnology in Taiwan - P.C. Liou Development and application of biofertilizers in Taiwan - C.C. Young Current status of transgenic approach for the control of papaya ringspot virus - S.D. Yeh Newly developed technologies for soil and water conservation - E.J. Sadler, K.A. Sudduth, N.R. Kitchen, R.N. Lerch, R.J. Kremer and E.D. Vories Soil erosion measurement and control techniques - J.D. Choi, Y.H. Choi, K.J. Lim and Y.C. Shin Technology development process and experiences on small farm mechanization in Taiwan - D.S. Fon Technology transfer strategies for small-farm mechanization technologies in the Philippines - F.O. Paras, Jr. and R.M.C. Amongo Survey of whiteflies and their transmission of plant viruses in Taiwan - C.C. Ko, S.C. Chang and C.C. Hu Agricultural technology transfer: from free-ofcharge to payable services considering human factors - H.S. Lin Litter-bed pig house system: caring for both the animal and the environment - S.Y. Sheen Establishment of a disease-free citrus nursery system and demonstration of integrated crop health management of citrus orchards - H.M. Trung, L.T.T. Hong and N.V. Vien FFTC Quarterly Newsletter The Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC) is an international agricultural information center for smallscale 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 10616, Taiwan ROC Tel. (886 2) Fax (886 2) fftc@agnet.org Home Page: ISSN: FFTC NEWSLETTER 2007/155