Showing papers in "Journal of International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences in 2012"

Potential of microbial antagonists as biocontrol agents against plant fungal pathogens

Abstract: A variety of fungi are known to cause important plant diseases, resulting in a significant lost in agricultural crops. The plant diseases need to be controlled to maintain the level of yield both quantitatively and qualitatively. Farmers often rely heavily on the use of synthetic fungicides to control the plant diseases. However, the environmental problems caused by excessive use and misuse of synthetic fungicide have led to considerable changes in people’s attitudes towards the use of synthetic pesticides in agriculture. Today, there is an increase in the awareness of the people about the healthy food and healthy environment. In response to this need, some researchers have focused their effort to develop alternati ve measures to synthetic chemicals for controlling plant diseases. Among these, is that referred to as biological control using microbial antagonists. Many microbial antagonists have been reported to posses antagonistic activities against plant fungal pathogens, such as Pseudomonas fluorescens , Agrobacterium radiobacter , Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus, B. amyloliquefaciens, Trichoderma virens, Burkholderia cepacia, Saccharomyces sp, Gliocadium sp. Three species of rhizobacteria isolated from rhizospheres of r ice grown in Bali, i.e. Enterobacter agglomerans, Seratia liquefaciens and Xanthomonas luminescens were found to effectively suppressed the growth of Pyricularia oryzae Cav. the cause of rice blast disease. Understanding the mechanism by which the biocontrol of plant diseases occurs is critical to the eventual improvement and wider use of biocontrol method. These mechanisms are generally classified as competition, parasitism, antibiosis, and induction of host resistance. Over the past forty years, research has lead to the development of a small commercial sector that produces a number of biocontrol products. The market share of biopesticides of the total pesticide market is less than three percent. However, significant expansion is expected over the next de cades due to the expanded demand for organic food, and increased demand for safer pesticides in agriculture and forestry . The challenge is to develop a formulation and application method that can be implemented on a commercial scale, that must be effective, reliable, consistent, economically feasible, and with a wider spectrum. Continual laboratory works followed by field experiments are needed to establish excellent biocontrol agents particularly against plant fungal pathogens.

Profit efficiency in rice production in Brunei Darussalam: a stochastic frontier approach.

Abstract: Self sufficiency in rice production has been the main issue in Brunei agriculture. However, rice yield per hectare is only about 1.7 ton per hectare, significantly low compared to other r ice producing countries. The best option and the most effective way to improve rice productivity is through more efficient utilization of scarce resources . This paper attempts to study the production efficiency among rice farmers in Brunei using a stochas tic profit frontier and inefficiency effects model, analysed from its three components - technical, allocative and scale efficiencies. Empirical result shows that mean profit efficiency score is 80.7 percent and 19.3 percent of profit is lost due to a combination of technical, allocative and scale inefficiencies with average profit -loss of B$987.50. Factors that are related to profit -loss and profit inefficiency are non -membership of cooperative, no irrigation, lack of training and low yield variety.

Antifungal activity of teak (Tectona grandis L.F) leaf extract against Arthrinium phaeospermum (Corda) M.B. Ellis, the cause of wood decay on Albizia falcataria (L.) Fosberg.

Abstract: Arthrinium phaeospermum(Corda) M.B. Ellis is one of the fungi which causes decay on Albizia falcataria (L.) Fosberg wood. Synthetic fungicides ar e commonly applied to reduce wood decay, however, its improper use may cause environmental and health problems. The extract of higher tropical plants were proven by previous workers to possess antimicrobial activities against plant pathogenic fungi. In this study, the antifungal activity of teak leaf extract was tested against A. phaeospermum, the cause of wood decay in A. falcataria . The air-dried leaves of teak, Tectona grandis were extracted with methanol and evaporated in a rotary evaporator. Antifungal activity of the leaf extract was tested based on well diffusion method on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Leaf extracts, 0.5 %, 1 %, 2 % and 4 % (w/v) were tested in this study. Sterile distilled water containing 0.2% Tween-80 was used as solvent and control. The results of this study showed that the teak leaf extract at a concentration as low as 0.5% (w/v) suppressed significantly the growth of A. phaeospermum by 81.4%, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.4 % (w/v). The leaf extract inhibited significantly the fungal radial growth, total biomass and sporulation.

Integration among regional vegetable markets in indonesia

Abstract: Horticulture played an important role in the Indonesian economy. Its share of GDP, which was dominated by vegetables and fruits, tended to increase since 2003 up to 2008. However Indonesian per capita consumption of vegetables was still under FAO recommendation. The study of price integration among regions is important in order to increase the marketing efficiency of vegetables in Indonesia. Government intervention is needed both at the producer and consumer level, especially in determining the efficient prices. The success of this intervention depends heavily on government’s understanding of price transmission in the fruits market. This research measured the integration level of regional vegetables markets in Indonesia. Engle-Granger test showed that all vegetable prices at PIKJ integrated with producer’s prices, except red chili price. Ravallion model showed that integration did not exist for all commodities . However, there was no significant difference of the market integration performance between the highest and the lowest production area.

Farm size and its effect on the productive efficiency of sugar cane farms in Central Negros, the Philippines.

Abstract: This paper examines the productive efficiency of sugar cane production across farm size in the Philippines. Non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis was used to determine the productive efficiency levels from a 1997-98 cross-sectional survey 1 of 24 sugar cane farms in Central Negros area. Results indicate that the small farm group appears to be n ot as economically efficient as the larger ones. Medium and large farm groups appear to be equally economically efficient. Therefore, from an agricultural policy point of view, the trend towards larger farm sizes could have a beneficial impact on the efficiency of the Philippine sugar industry as a whole. However, this countervails the trend set by the land reform law (CARL) which pursues social equity. Inefficiency differences among farm size groups appear to be related with the physical input used and cost. The higher input usage by the large farms tends to increase the quantity produced and, with the low price of inputs, generates a larger profit per hectare. The higher input prices faced by the small farmers tends to reduce the amount of input used thus giving a lower profit. Part of the allocative efficiency differences between the farm size groups may be attributed to the differences in the input price. Thus, government cooperative programs that provide farmers access to cheaper farm inputs throug h bulk purchasing may actually lead to increased productive efficiency.

Potyvirus associated with mosaic disease on patchouli (Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.) plants in Indonesia.

Abstract: This study was carried out to identify the virus associated with mosaic disease on patchouli in Indonesia. The diseased plant samples collected from Garut, Ciamis, Bogor (West Java) and West Pasaman (West Sumatera) strongly reacted with Potyvirus antiserum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, but did not show any signal with antisera to Cucumber mosaic virus, Tobacco mosaic virus, Broad bean wilt virus 1 and Broad bean wilt virus 2; except the samples collected from Brebes (Central Java) which strongly reacted with Broad bean wilt virus 2 (Fabavirus) only. Besides that, the diseased plant samples collected from North Sumatera (Pakpak Bharat) did not react to any antiserum tested. The Potyvirus was then isolated. Positive results were obtained using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to detect and identify Potyvirus from nucleic acid extracts of the symptomatic patchouli plants, using a pair of degenerate primers specific for Potyvirus CP gene. The sequence of this RT-PCR fragment, consisted of 800 bp, confirmed association of a Potyvirus with mosaic disease on patchouli plants in Indonesia. Potyvirus infecting patchouli plants in Indonesia are closely related to Telosma mosaic virus (TeMV) and Passionfruit woodiness virus (PaWP). This paper is the first report that TeMV, PaWP and Fabavirus are associated with mosaic disease on patchouli plants in Indonesia.

Bioefficacy and characterization of plant growthpromoting bacteria to control the bacterial wilt disease of peanut in Indonesia.

Abstract: The use of bactericides and resistant varieties to control the bacterial wilt disease have been explored by Indonesian farmers but the pathogen is still difficult to control. The application of biocontrol agents (BCA) is an alternative measure to control the bacterial wilt disease of peanut. The experiments were conducted to study the effectiveness of Pseudomonas fluorescens RH4003 and Bacillus subtilis AB89 to control the bacterial wilt disease of peanut, and to detect some characters of several BCA. Six candidate BCA were evaluated for their effects on seed viability and the effectiveness to control the bacterial wilt disease of peanut in the green house. Disease index of the plants treated with the BCA was significantly different compared with the control but there were no differences among the BCA. Index suppression on six weeks after planting caused by 0.02% streptomycin sulphate, P. fluorescens RH4003, Bacillus sp. KS2, P. fluorescens CK5, B. subtilis AB89, P. fluorescens ES32 was up to 85.7, 83.5, 77.6, 75.3, 67.5, and 58.8 %, respectively. The percentage of seed viability up to 14 days was not significantly different compared with control. Seedling height and number of branches on the seeds treated with Bacillus sp. KS2 were significantly higher compared with those in control and another BCA treatments. Height of the plants treated with BCA were significantly higher compared with those in control treatment.

Induction of putative resistant lines of abaca (musa textilis nee) to banana bunchy top virus and banana bract mosaic virus through in vitro mutagenesis

Abstract: Gamma rays using Cobalt 60 ( 60 Co) irradiation method was conducted to determine the sensitivity doses and response of in vitro propagated abaca to Banana bunchy top(BBT) and Banana bract mosaic (BBrM) diseases. Abaca cultivars (cvs) Tinawagan Pula (TP) and Tangongon (TG) were studied. Both cvs. had similar biological/physiological reactions to gamma rays resulting to high mortality and low shoot proliferation at higher dosage. The LD 30 for shoot proliferation was established at 10 to 15 Gy. Cultivar response (shoot growth per sub -culture cycle) on post-irradiation showed that cv. TG had higher tolerance to gamma ray than cv. TP. A total of 3,210 and 3,765 irradiated abaca including the non -irradiated control were aphid - and mechanically-inoculated with Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) and Banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV), respectively. Three months after inoculation, the initial PCR -based diagnosis on putative resistant (PR) materials showed 43 TP (0.6%) and 9 TG (0.9%) selected abaca lines were consistently found negative to BBTV and 36 TP (1.6%) and 15 TG (0.9%) were initially uninfected with BBrMV. Although field trial of these lines and yield components are necessary for final selection, this study showed the bench mark and possibility of mutation breeding to produce virus resistant abaca. As gamma irradiation dose (LD30) coupled with in vitro propagation was established in abaca, screening and gene rating PR lines against viruses infecting abaca can be easily achieved over the conventional breeding works.

Developing a bioeconomy in Thailand.

Abstract: With a growing world population, we face a range of challenges including environmental and socio-economic problems, and energy instability over the next decades. The worldwide demands for increased healthcare and more agricultural products such as food and animal feed, bioindustry and bioenergy are increasing in many countries, including Thailand. The increasing demands are the major economic driving force behind developing a large and rapidly growing segment of the world bioeconomy. The bio-based or bio-economy is based on the economic activities fueled by sustainable production and conversion of renewable biomass for a range of food, health, industrial and energy products. The research and innovation in the biological sciences are powerful tools playing an important role in overcoming those challenges to create public benefits and well-being. Investment and bioeconomic policy emphasize increasing food and energy security, reducing green house gas emission, and growing new jobs and industries. Currently, the bioeconomy growth faces various challenges. The increasing demands for food, fuels and biomaterials in the context of an expanding human population result in the food versus non-food debates and the biomass feedstock competition between energy and materials that still needs to be fixed. GMOs technologies applied in economic crops worldwide have met strong opposition from national policy and consumers. The development of innovation bio-based products is the research and development intensive, resulting in increasing production cost. If Thailand has still a very low spending on research and development (≤0.24% of GDP), this would be a big challenge for developing novel bio-based products and the initial construction of biorefinery pilot plants. Strategic objectives for a bioeconomy with the potential to facilitate economic growth and meet societal needs includes 1) support R&D investment providing the foundation for the future bioeconomy development, 2) develop and improve regulatory processes and regulations, 3) improve incentive measures for investment, 4) develop infrastructure systems and support instruments, 5) develop a Qualified Human Resource System in fields related to biotechnology. With its new strategy for 2021, the Royal Thai Government has created a framework through which to accomplish the purposeful series of goals including economic, social and environmental by the end of this decade. Thailand has made positive progress over the past few years in the different domains of the bioeconomy, both in terms of research and supportive policy development. Over the next 10 years, we can expect to see a shift in practice from a sectoral approach towards a more integrated approach to the bioeconomy growth with large public benefits. Therefore, there must be consistency across policies and product sectors, combined with the political momentum to ensure that this goal is placed in the top priority of the national development plan. The potential benefits for the economy, the environment and society as a whole will be achieved through collaboration of all stakeholders to make the Thai bioeconomy a reality.

Agricultural research and development in Malaysia.

Abstract: Organized agricultural research in Malaysia only started in 1910 by the Department of Agriculture which was established five years earlier. This was followed by the establishment of private plantation crops research stations such as Dunlop Research Station, the Chemara Research Station and the Prang Besar Research Station. Thes e private research stations focused their research on rubber. Agriculture research began to take an active role in the agriculture development of Malaysia only after Malaysian independence in 1957. The agricultural research and development became an established component of the national development plan during the 5 th Malaysia plan (1986-1990) with the creation of the National Council on Scientific Research and Development (NCSRD). In 2002, total R&D expenditures were USD446.7 million (0.69 percent of Mal aysia’s GDP), of which the private sector involvement in R&D was merely 5 percent, mostly related to the plantation crops. In 2008, the total R&D expenditure increased to RM6.07 billion, which is equivalent to 0.82% of Malaysia’s GDP. Research in agricultural sciences in 2008 constitute 5.8% of all researchers carried out in 2008. The main focus of agricultural research now is commodity based where the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), being the principal government agricultural research agency focused on food crops, while the private sector focused mainly on plantation crops.

Freshwater aquaculture's contribution to food security in Vietnam: a case study of freshwater tilapia aquaculture in Hai Duong province.

Abstract: Vietnam has become the second largest rice exporter in the world. However, the food security is still a local urgent necessity for the farmers in several parts of the country, particularly, in area where most of arable land used to low paddies have been transferred to uncertain crops causing many difficulties to farmers on their food need. The current and potential contributions of aquaculture to food security have been well depicted under aspects of food availability (quantity and quality), food access (affordability), food utilization (nutrition, food preparation and sanitation knowledge, dietary habits, health conditions) . This paper presents the findings of the study on 70 freshwater tilapia fish and 35 none-fish farms in Tu Ky district, Hai Duong province on their production and marketing activities. It is found out that freshwater tilapia aquaculture play an important roles to the food security of local rural poor because of its provision of high-quality food, generation of cash incomes, available food supply to local markets, especially, in the context of inadequate supply of livestock protein sources due to burning issues of epidemics such as bird flu, blue ear and foot and mouth diseases. The remaining problems of local tilapia fish farms are also known as efficient resource utilization, and enhancement of farm sustainability through infrastructure construction and (farming) technology innovations.

Population intensity of panicle rice mitesteneotarsonemus spinki smiley (acari:tarsonemidae) influencing rice yield in vietnam

Abstract: A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of panicle rice mite (PRM) population on the agronomic characters of dominant rice cultivar IR 50404 by artificial inoculation of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 adult female mites per panicle at 30 and 45 days after sowing, respectively in Chau Thanh, An Giang,Vietnam for the second crop season (summer-autumn), 2010. Subsequently, the mite population was assessed at 13 and 28 days after introduction where the highest number, 527 mites per tiller and 835 mites per tiller were recorded, respectively from the 32 adult female mites per panicle treatment. In all the treatments, PRM significantly reduced the height of the plant, panicle weight and the curvature of the panicle , and increased the percentage of sterile inflorescences . The highest yield loss was 89.3% when 32 mites per tiller were introduced at 30 days after sowing. The periods of PRM

Occurrence of chili veinal mottle virus (chivmv) in indonesia and response of chili germplasms to chivmv infection

Abstract: Viral diseases are considered to be the major limiting factor s in chili production. Chili veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV) is one of the important viruses, which decrease yield significantly. Infection of ChiVMV is associated with mosaic and mottle disease of chili in Indonesia. The distribution and incidence of ChiVMV is reported from major chili growing areas in West Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, East Java, and South Kalimantan based on field survey s conducted in 2008 to 2009. Screening of 29 chili accessions against ChiVMV based on symptomatology and disease incidence (%) under screenhouse conditions showed that the genotypes were cla ssified into 5 reaction groups, i.e. Highly Resistant (IPB C1, IPB C10, and PBC 521), Resistant (IPB C8, IPB C14, IPB C17, and Keriting Sumatra), Moderately Susceptible (IPB C48, IPB C60, Tegar, Toro, and Taring), Susceptible (IPB C6, IPB C15, and Tanjung), and Highly Susceptible (IPB C13, IPB C20, IPB C21, IPB C24, IPB C33, IPB C55, IPB C73, IPB C81, IPB C99, Tornado, Andalas, Tegak, Beauty Bell, and Polaris). Further effort should be made to identify the resistance gene that might be incorporated in the breeding program to improve chili yield.

Land tenure and tenancy conditions in relation to rice production in three villages in the red river delta, vietnam

Abstract: Red River Delta is one of the main rice producing regions in Vietnam. With la rge variations in natural conditions, the Red River Delta is suitable for development of different types of crops and animals. In recent years, the importance of fisheries, aquaculture and fruit trees have been increasing. With the average farming area per household in Red River Delta being 0.28 ha (2005), land is a limiting factor in generating sufficient income. Most farmers resort to diversifying their farming to high value crops such as vegetables, fruit trees, and livestock for urban markets, or engagi ng in non-farm activities. The result of this trend is the emergence of tenancy among farmers. This paper attempts to clarify the determination and function of rice land tenancy within the context of the economic structure in three villages in the North o f Vietnam. A series of questionnaire surveys were conducted in 2010- 2011 in the villages of Hung Yen (A), Bac Ninh (B), and Hai Phong (C) Provinces which are located in the Red River Delta. The main findings of the research are as follows. There is an increasing area of non-rice production with the appearance of different kinds of tenurial status in different villages. The tenurial status changes with the age of the farmers, indicating the influence of life -cycle on farmers’ economic behavior. There is also heavy dependence upon kinship ties in landlord-tenant relations. The production function analysis revealed that the increased use of land, labor, seed and fertilizer could lead to a higher rice production. The average rental under the predominant form of tenancy appeared to be equal to the marginal product of land, but under the contracts established between relatives, the average rental was much lower than the marginal product.

The impact of the Australia and New Zealand free trade agreement on the beef industry in Indonesia.

Abstract: The participation of Indonesia in the ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) may have negative effects on the beef industry in Indonesia. Every year more than 90 percent of beef imports come from Australia and New Zealand. The objectives of this study are to: (1) evaluate the impact of tariff removal on Indonesian production, consumption, domestic price and import of beef, (2) evaluate impact of free trade agreement on beef producer and consumer surpluses and, (3) propose alternative policies that can be implemented to increase domestic beef production and reduce beef imports. The removal of beef import tariffs for imports from Australia and New Zealand under AANZFTA will reduce domestic beef production, increase both beef import and domestic beef supply, leading to a reduction in domestic beef price hence, increased beef demand. AANZFTA will increase consumers’ surplus and reduce producers’ surplus. Reduction of beef imports in terms of imports from Australia, New Zealand, rest of the world and imported feeder cattle will result in highest producers’ surplus, however domestic beef production does not increase significantly. Combination of interest rate reduction, increasing imported breeding cattle, artificial insemination technology and beef import tariffs for imports from Australia and New Zealand, is the best policy alternative to increase domestic beef production and curb beef imports. This policy combination can be implemented ahead of AANZFTA implementation. Nonetheless, Indonesia will achieve only 52 percent of beef self sufficiency with this policy in 2014.

The number of grafted scions and remaining productive branches affect new shoot growth and flowering of side-grafted cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.).

Abstract: Two field experiments were conducted in Eastern Indonesia to test a new rejuvenation method for cashew trees. The first experiment was aimed at studying the effect of relative humidity on the growth of scions. A relative air humidity of 74.57% was found to give a 100% scion survival rate. The objective of the second experiment was to study the effects of two factors, i.e. the number of grafted scions per tree (one or two scions), and the number of productive branches remaining per tree (all, two or three productive branches) on new shoot length, number of leaves, and percent of flowers bearing fruits. The treatment combination of two scions grafted and two productive branches remaining resulted in the highest figures for new shoot length (24.85 cm), number of leaves (27.91 leaves) and percent of flowers bearing fruits (69.57%). The survival rate of scions grafted was 81.55 % at 210 days after grafting (DAG), and 75% of the new shoots flowered at 113 DAG. It was concluded that the side grafting technique of two scions combined with two productive branches remaining on the tree was the quickest and most effective technique to rejuvenate cashew trees. However, a longer term experiment is, however, required to study the possibility for restoring the productivity of trees older than 18 years old using this technique.

The application of ssr molecular indicator to assess the purity and genetic diversity of waxy corn inbred lines.

Abstract: The analysis of 22 waxy corn inbred lines indicated that there were four lines having high homozygous rate: Waxy4, Waxy 9, Waxy16, Waxy 17 (under 7% of heterozygous rate) and 5 lines showed high heterozygous proportion (above 20%): Waxy 12, Waxy 14, Waxy18, Waxy 21, Waxy 22. The SSR primer system used in the experiments is relatively polymorph ic with average value of PIC of 0.46. Classifying these lines into groups of heterosis by UPGMA method reveals that at genetic similarity coefficient of 0.38 the experimented lines were divided into six groups, including Group I: Waxy 10, group II: Waxy 16; Group III: Waxy 3, Waxy 5, Waxy 22, Waxy 21, Waxy 8, Waxy 9, Waxy 12, Waxy 18; Group IV: Waxy 2, Waxy 15, Waxy 20 , Waxy 17; Group V: Waxy 4, Waxy 6, Waxy 7, Waxy 11 and Group VI: Waxy 1, Waxy 14, and Waxy 19.

Haploid plant production through anther culture in day-neutral strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) cv. Albion.

Abstract: The overall goal of this study is to develop an anther culture system to produce haploid plant of day-neutral strawberry (Fragaria x ananassaDuch) cv. 'Albion' for use in breeding program. This study was conducted to optimize the effect of plant growth re gulators (PGRs) on callus induction and plant regeneration. Moreover, we investigated the influence of three different callus age (1 -month-old, 2-month-old, and 3-month-old) and three media (MS, B5, and H1) on plantlets induction. Anthers containing microspores at the uninucleate stage were produced the highest callus formation frequency (70.0%) on Dumas De Vaulx medium (C - medium) containing 0.4 mg L -1 benzyl adenine (BA), 0.1 mg L -1 3-indole acetic acid (IAA), and 2.0 mg L -1 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The combination of 1 mg L -1 BA and 2 mg L -1 IAA in MS medium showed highest shoot regeneration (8.1%). Finally, 2-month-old callus cultured on B5 medium containing IAA and BA gave the highest regeneration rate (16.0%) and the roots were fully developed on h ormone-free B5 medium after 2 months of culture. Cytological analysis of 33 regenerants showed that 6.0% were haploid (4x = 28 chromosomes), but 3.0% hexaploid (6x = 42), 69.7% octoploid (8x = 56), 6.1 % doubled-octoploid (16x = 112) and 15.2% aneuploid plants were also determined.

Linkages in production and distribution of exported vegetables: perspectives of farmers and firms in Luc Nam District, Bac Giang Province, Vietnam.

Abstract: The paper aims to show the positive effects that the current linkages models between vegetables producers and processed vegetable export companies in Luc Nam District, Bac Giang Province, Vietnam have brought to the participants, as well as discuss the obstacles and challenges that prevent the expansion and development of these linkage models in order to promote the linkages process in Bac Giang Province. A random survey was conducted on 50 households in the study area which specialize in cultivating the fruits and vegetables for the processed vegetable export companies. Up to 62% of the households do not participate in linkages, while the member households got higher and more stable incomes than non-member households, with a remarkable increase in profit of companies after joining the linkages. However, there are still some obstacles which prevent farmers to participate in the linkages. These include the small and scattered planted areas, the high requirements and initial investment, which makes some households maintain a risk-averse attitude, the informal information relating to lower collecting price, and the delay in payment of processed vegetable export companies in the previous unsuccessful linkages, which are still retained in farmers’ minds. Based on the opinions of farmers about the benefits that linkages brought to them and challenges that they are facing in the current linkages, as well the companies‘opinions about the state of current linkages models, some solutions in can be implemented to expand and strengthen the current linkage models in order to attract more farmers and companies to participate. These include (i) development of vegetable processing zones; (ii) participating in the Enterprise Association of Food Processing; (iii) coordination with input production suppliers; (iv) providing production techniques and vegetable markets information to producers; (v) sharing benefits with local authorities; (vi) sharing benefits and risks, rights and obligations should be mentioned clearly in contracts and (vii) support from the government.

The economic effects of the comprehensive agrarian reform program in the philippines

Abstract: One of the major interventions to effect rural development in the Philippines is the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, which was instituted in 1988 and its implementation is extended until 2014. Using a panel data from a series of surveys (1990, 2000, and 2006), the economic impacts of the Program were evaluated. Using income, expressed in real terms, as the main economic indicator, the analyses showed that there have been significant positive changes to the economic well being of the beneficiaries of the Program using the first difference between the intervention and the control group. The first difference was also significant across time or on the before and after the program comparison. However, the double difference approach, which compared the control group before and the intervention group after revealed that the changes in economic benefits were no longer significant. One could argue that the changes on the economic attributes of the respondents are not necessarily attributable to CARP as an intervention. However, the Program needs to be given the benefit of the doubt. Hence, there is the need to look at further refining analytical techniques to isolate the effects of the intervention and to develop analytical tools based on a more systematic study design. Further, the paper also examined the effect of the program using alternative indicators, such as the value of assets as well as level of expenditures. The results did not deviate from the findings with income as the main indicator, which indicate that these alternate indicators can also be explored in similar studies.

Comparative study on sample preparation methods for the hplc quantification of iturin from culture supernatant of an antagonistic bacillus strain

Abstract: Iturin is one of the an timicrobial cyclic lipopeptides produced by antagonistic strains of Bacillus spp. This study evaluated sample preparation methods for high -performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantification of iturin from culture supernatant of an iturin -producing Bacillus strain. The acid precipitation and methanol extraction (APME) method showed a lower efficiency than the butanol extraction and methanol substitution (BEMS) method. Direct application of culture supernatant to HPLC analysis showed the lowest efficienc y. The BEMS method was the most effective method for quantifying the amount of iturin from culture supernatant based on the percent recovery and the time required to perform the analysis.

Population correlates and critical pest level (CPL) of the leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula and associated insect pests attacking okra, Hibiscus esculentus (L.).

Abstract: This study was conducted in two locations; San Manuel and Capas, Tarlac from 2008 -2010. It aimed to determine the population density of major insect pest s attacking okra as affected by time of planting, establishment of critical pest level (CPL) of Amrasca biguttula and other associated insect pests, and to assess phenologically the rate of first instar larval/nymph emergence from an eggmass. Feeding tests of insect pests with host were conducted in an experiment nethouse with sufficient batches of trials which had established the critical pest level. Amrasca sp. and Dysdercus cingulatus were found with high population density during the dry seasons plantin g of 2009-2010, while Spodoptera litura registered a population mean ranging from 11.75 to 23.66 regardless of observation sites. High population of Amrasca sp. was evident during January and onwards as affected by temperature and as shown from the gathered population data which confirmed that planting of okra during dry seasons would entail significant damage of the crop. With a series of feeding interaction tests conducted for Amrasca biguttula, its critical threshold level was established with a population ratio of 45.53 per 50 plants with an allowable yield reduction threshold of 10 percent (%). The generated data is recommended for adoption which contributes to reduced frequency of chemical application and production of quality exportable green okra. Moreover, phenological forecast on the hatchability of the eggs of two major insect pests; Amrasca bigutula and Dysdercus cingulatus were found correlated with temperature while A. biguttula was found correlated with crop age and temperature.

Revitalization of hill farming through organic agriculture in Japan: the Joetsu Tokyo Nodai as a business model.

Abstract: The hilly and mountainous areas contribute about 40% to the entire agricultural sector in Japan, but agricultural decline has become very apparent in recent decades. There is a great need for revitalization of hill farming by adopt ing strategic approaches in order to maintain the food production of the country. This paper aims to describe the serious problems facing hill and mountain farming as well as the current status of organic farming in Japan, and to present the case of Joetsu Tokyo Nodai, Inc. established in 2008 in order to deal with these problems.

The role of Philippine state colleges and universities in enhancing food security.

Abstract: Aside from their prime mandate of providing Instruc tion, Research, and Extension to the publics, state colleges and universities (SUCs) in the Philippines are also an indispensable instrumentality in helping address local and global issues such as food security. It is the intent of this paper to share what SUCs in the Philippines are doi ng towards enhancing food security. It specifically ventilates some of the significant exp eriences and best practices of Philippine SUCs, which are seen to bring about a significant dent in helping realize the World Food Summit Plan of Action. In coming up with this paper, documentary analyses, interview with key informants, review of related literature, and personal accounts on rel evant University experiences were employed.

Tramline transport facilities increase the productivity of temperate vegetable farms in the uplands of Benguet Province, Philippines.

Abstract: While the country is endowed with vast agricultural lands, almost half of this is considered as either idle or not very productive. This can be attributed to the mountainous topography that renders transport difficult, labor intensive and costly. The provision of farm5to5market roads (FMR) in these areas is also not an option because the steep slopes make construction of the latter technically difficult and economically nonviable. The uplands thus remain marginalized and low in productivity given its isolation from the market. To address this condition and improve the productivity of these upland farms, the government introduced tramline transport facilities in selected mountainous areas like the Benguet province. Tramlines are hauling facilities that utilize a series of steel cables, pulleys and post structures to transport products from the farms to the nearest roads accessible by vehicle. Tramlines are commonly used for the transport of temperate vegetables like potato (Solanum tuberosum) cabbage (Brassica oleracea) , carrot (Daucus carota) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) which are commercially produced in Benguet Province. The provision of tramline facilities influence the decision of upland farmers in the type of land use, level of input utilization and cropping intensity. Because of the reduction of the cost of transport, farms serviced with tramline facilities apply higher amounts of fertilizer, devote more areas for cropping and have higher cropping intensities resulting in higher productivity. Upland farmers are also relieved from the drudgery of the traditional manual transport.