BIONE X. Artemisia production research into aspects of varietal developments, growing techniques and novel methods of Artemisia production

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1 BIONE X Artemisia production research into aspects of varietal developments, growing techniques and novel methods of Artemisia production November 2008 Waterfall Hotel, Guilin, China

2 TRIALS UNDERTAKEN Finalized Trials : Optimization of optimal cultivation cycles Biomass yield and artemisinin content tests using different cultivation techniques ; benchmarking «local» Malagasy strain versus Mediplant hybrid Biomass field drying trials Direct seeding trials Ongoing Trials : Hydric stress tests to improve artemisinin content Soil preparation tests (depth and diameter) Plant density trials Optimization of fertilization Compost trials mulching cover trials Seeding in small paper based pots

3 DEFINING THE OPTIMAL CULTIVATION CYCLES January February March April May June July August September October November December Long Rainy Season Short Rainy Season Dry Season Nursery 1 Transplanting 2 Harvesting 3 Leaf Purchase 4

4 MEDIPLANT vs. Local Strain Trials Objective: Results: Artemisinin Compare the performance of both varieties in identical settings using various cultivation protocols Biomass yield (kg/ha) (%) Mediplant Bare seeds direct seeding ,98 Mediplant Bare seeds transplanted ,06 Mediplant Coated seeds direct seeding ,98 Mediplant Coated seeds transplanted ,89 Local strain Bare seeds direct seeding ,78 Local strain Bare seeds transplanted ,81 Biomass yield : local = mediplant; bare seed>coated seed; Direct seeding higher than transplanted

5 FIELD DRYING TRIALS Objective : Mesure the difference in artemisinin content of dry artemisia annua dry matter using different field drying techniques Results : Artemisinin % Leaves plucked from plants, drying in shade, ventilation 0,82 Leaves plucked from plants, sun drying 0,74 Plants uprooted with roots, with soil 0,72 Plants uprooted withoot roots, without soil 0,85 Plants déracinés en fin de cycle (racines abîmées) 0,85 Plants coupés sans racines 0,90 In process: Flue curing: Rapid drying with hot air using a solar driven oven in

6 PLANTATION TECHNIQUE TRIALS : DIRECT SEEDING Objective: Compare direct seeding in rows with and without thinning Results: Artemisinin (kg/ha) (%) Biomass yield No thinning ,86 Thinning ,87 Conclusion : no effect of artemisinin content but 13% higher biomass yield and lower labor costs

7 OBESERVATIONS ON DIRECT SEEDING VS. TRANSPLANT METHOD Direct seeding allows for a much stronger tap root structure With transplants the root structure is more hairy will ildefined bent tap root. Direct seeded plants are more resistant to icing conditions Direct seeding allows for a faster development

8 On-Going Field Trials

9 A CULTIVATION TECHNIQUE TRIALS A1-1: Progressive reduction in irrigation at the end of the cultivation cycle A1- Hydric stress tests to improve artemisinin content A1-2: Complete irrigation stoppage at the end of the cycle A1-3: Flooding at the end of the cycle A1-4: Maintain a steady irrigation flow until the end of the cycle A1-5: Irrigation stoppage at month 4 and re initiation of irrigation at month 5

10 A - CULTIVATION TECHNIQUE TRIALS A2- Soil preparation tests (depth and diameter) Depth Diameter (cm) (cm) A A A A3- Plant density trials Distance inter row (cm) Distance inter plants (cm) A A A

11 B- SOIL FERTILIZATION TRIALS The objective is to find the best «economic» proposition which optimizes biomass yield and artemisinin content 13 formulaes tested, regrouped in the following categories: B1- Optimization of fertilization - Base«zéro» (no fertilizers) - Standard: NPK + urea + compost - compost only in different dosages - urea + compost + local fertilizer * - Local fertilizer * + compost The local fertilizer called «laro» consists of Incinirated green vegetal material and is Meant to replace NPK which costs 1,3$ per kg

12 B2- Compost B- SOIL FERTILIZATION TRIALS The availability of vegetal material is a limiting factor for outgrowers The need is between 15 and 20 MT of compost per hectare The proposed solution is to recycle Artemisia Annua cultivation residues - Fresh stems - Dry stems

13 C- MULCHING COVER TRIALS Mulching is used to preserve soil humidity especially during the dry season C1- plantation with a mulching cover

14 C- Nursery/transplantation trials Paper based pots are used in nurseries which then facilitates transplants and the quality of the seedlings C2- Seeding in small paper based pots

15 OUTGROWER NETWORK SUPPORT - Training - Supervision - «Vitrines» - Field support manuals

16 TRAINING Training of new AA outgrowers (field training) Training of the field supervisory team (3 one week cycles d une semaine at our dedicated training center) 50 training modules (Artemisia Annua and general agricultural techniques) Training is both theoretical (classroom) and involves hands on application A team of 5 trainers is dedicated to the training effort. In the last 2 years, the Malagasy Artemisia Annua Training Center (MAATC) has graduated more than 200 students.

17 Outgrower Program Structure Geographical Zone Manager 5 zones in Madagascar Technician 10 technicians 1 visite every 2 weeks Outgrower relay 72 Outgrower realys 6 individual visits per agricultural campaign Outgrowers producers currently

18 Cost Structure Implications Management In charge of complete outgrower program 32 K$ 18 c$ / Kg Salary of Staff supervising outgrowers (technicians, outgrower relays..) 33 K$ 500 MT MT MT 6 c$ / Kg Budget for operations and training (Gasoil, ) 25 K$ 4,5 c$ / Kg 90 K$

19 Challenging cultivation techniques and tracability requirements dictates : An important outgrower oversight team (over 80 persons) Continuous training of outgrower management team and also of selected individual farmers A minimum of 6 visits per agricultural campaign at each outgrower site Bionexx determines and dictates harvesting timing to optimize artemisinin content