Vegetable Agroforestry - Technology

Annual Report
October 2007 to September 2008

Prepared by TMPEGS – Technology Team

Members:
World Vegetable Center, Taiwan: M.C. Palada, G.C. Luther, L.M. Engle
World Agroforestry Center, Philippines: A. Mercado, Jr., G. Arcinal, C. Duque
World Agroforestry Center, Indonesia: G. Manurung, J. Roshetko
Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia: A. Susila, B. Purwoko, M. Syukur, Agung,
Didik
Nong Lam University, Vietnam: Dang Ha, P. Trang, L. Du, N. Truc, L.T. Loan, D.K.
Lan

I. Executive Summary

In Taiwan, field evaluation of vegetable species and varieties under Agroforestry

system continued at AVRDC Organic Farm. Six vegetables (cauliflower, cucumber,
eggplant, lettuce, sweet corn and yard long bean) were grown during the fall-winter
season (October to December 2007) and winter-spring (January to March 2008)
season. Vegetables were grown between tree hedgerows (alleys) and in control plots
(no trees). Organic fertilizers (compost) were superimposed as sub-treatments.
Varieties within vegetable species were compared in terms of growth and yield
performance. Results indicated that yield response of vegetables to organic fertilizer
application varied according to species and the type and combination of organic
fertilizer applied. In trial 1 (Oct-Dec 2007) significant differences in yield were
observed in cucumber and eggplant, but not with lettuce, sweet corn and yardlong
bean. Yield of cucumber applied with combination fertilizer was higher than with
single source fertilizers. In trial 2 (Jan-Mar 2008), yield response was significant for
all vegetables except radish and tomato. Yield of Chinese cabbage with combination
fertilizer was higher than the single-source fertilizers, but with common cabbage
single fertilizers were better than combination. Yield of sweet pepper applied with a
combination of rape seed, soybean, Castor bean and sesame (RSCS) was higher than
single-source (Castor seed-CS) or combination of CS+RSCS. In the third trial, yields
of lettuce, sweet corn and yard-long bean were not affected by organic fertilizer
treatments, but yields of cucumber and eggplant differed with treatments. RSCS-CS
combination fertilizer produced higher cucumber yield than the other treatments.
Tree-crop competition was insignificant during early establishment. Under
agroforestry system yield of most vegetables (except Chinese cabbage) increased by
29 to 53% above that of monoculture. This indicates the benefits of agroforestry on
vegetable crops. Over time, there is organic matter build up under agroforestry
system which may improve soil fertility and yield of vegetable crops. Integration of
vegetable crops early during tree establishment can provide quick economic returns in
agroforestry system.

In the Philippines. An assessment of VAF systems was conducted in Lantapan,

Bukidnon, Philippines, covering 21 farms, two agroforestry systems, six tree species,
eight vegetables and four aspects. Data collected were tree parameters, spatial
performance of vegetables, and spatial light transmission. Focus group discussion was
also conducted with VAF farmers on ways of integrating trees on vegetable farms.
Furthermore, a field experiment was established to evaluate 30 different indigenous
and commercial, tree, fruit, leafy, root and climbing vegetables perpendicular to a six-
year old Eucalyptus torillana hedgerows. Crop growth and yield data were collected
spatially relative to tree distance in order to determine productivity, adaptability,
competition, and complementarity indices. Net complementarity index (NCI) was
used as a tool for assessing appropriate tree-vegetable integration. Adaptability
indices of different types of vegetables to varying degree of light transmission as
influenced by the tree hedge were also determined. Degree of competition (CD),
supplementarity (SD), net supplementarity index (NSI), average relative yield (ARY)
and percent yield increase or decrease (PY) due to the presence of trees in the
intensive vegetables system were determine using the data generated from the
experiment. Drip irrigation and tree root pruning were looked at their effect on bell
pepper productivity and VAF net complementarity. Elite lines of tomato which are
resistant to tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV), Bacterial wilt and Fusarium wilt were
also evaluated under tree based systems in Lantapan, Bukidnon and Claveria,
Misamis Oriental, Philippines.

Most of the vegetable farmers interviewed (90%) were cultivating sloping lands, and
they used trees as hedgerows or farm boundaries or scattered planting on farm to
control soil erosion as well as improving farm productivity and other household
purposes. Vegetable farmers experienced difficulty in land preparation and
competition with crops, like yellowing of leaves and smaller plants, if trees were
integrated, and severely pruned the trees to avoid it. On the other hand, they found out
darker soils, cooler temperature and lower wind speed if trees were integrated. Under
farmers’ management, we found out that the optimum tree hedgerows spacing was 20-

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25 meters apart, and suitable tree species for VAF systems were Eucalyptus robusta,
Eucalyptus torillana and Acacia mangium, and were more suitable than Gmelina
arborea and Maesopsis eminii. It was best to prune the trees from 40-60% of their
canopies. Suitable commercial vegetables were common cabbage cauliflower, carrots
and bell pepper. There was a positive relationship between NCI and tree height and
amount of canopy left after tree pruning, but had a negative relationship on canopy
width. Vegetables grown on east or south side yielded better than planted either west
or north side of the tree line.

Under researcher managed experiments, fruit and root vegetables were more adapted
to be planted near the trees, except for eggplants. Tree vegetables were more
responsive at supplementarity zones and had higher net complementarity indices
(NCI). Among the commercial vegetables, tomato, carrots and Chinese cabbage were
having the highest percent increase in yield (PY) under tree based system. Leafy
vegetables were amaranthus (TOT 2272), jute (TOT 6667), and basella (TOT 5274);
climbing vegetables was yard long bean (TVO 2141), eggplant (S00-633) and Okra
for fruit vegetables, and Malunggay (Moringa oleifera), Alekway and Katuray for
indigenous vegetables.

Drip irrigation and tree root pruning increased yield of bell pepper by up to 1 ton ha -1.
WVCT3, WVCT4, WVCT, CLN2768A, CLN2777F and CLN2498D were promising
tomato lines, which were resistant to tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV), bacterial wilt
and fusarium wilt, having high yields and good marketability.

In Vietnam, major activities conducted include the implementation of the

experiments and on-farm trials with drip irrigation on vegetables, termite control in
young cacao planting, experiment with shade-tolerant indigenous root crop under
cashew and vegetables grown under different light regimes, drip irrigation on
perennial crop, review of policy related to VAF and stakeholder discussion,
conducting field survey on integrated crop and pest management and policy, and
preparing research abstracts and posters for the annual SANREM meeting. The team
has found that Vetiver grass can be used not only as a tool for soil erosion control, but
also has a high potential to be used for natural termite control, instead of chemical, in
cacao development in agroforestry systems. In on-farm trial with drip irrigation small
system, all vegetables have higher yield when cultivated with drip irrigation than with
hand irrigation. Small scale low cost drip irrigation system has a potential for
adoption in small scale vegetable cultivation for home consumption and for local
market to improve farmers’ income and nutrition status of their family members.

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Yield of vegetables planted under different light condition in cashew garden varied
depending on types of vegetable and light intensity. With vegetable integration, the
average yield of cashew trees was recorded to be higher as compared to that of
cashew trees without vegetable integration. The team has also found that the
integration of cacao into existing cashew system will have a high potential for
improving the income of small farmers. The survey on pesticides use by local farmers
showed that preventive method is common among local farmers but this practice is
ineffective and has also posed threats to the environment and farmers’ health.
Findings from this study implies that promoting sustainable pest management
practices in a cashew-based VAF system with less pesticide use will reduce
production and farmers’ health cost as well as other negative environmental impacts at
the watershed. Findings from the policy review revealed that national level policy in
forestry sector is encouraging the adoption of VAF system. Major policy incentives
include increasing land tenure security, allocating forest and forest land to individual
households for forest development, protection and practice of agroforestry models,
investment and credit policy, benefit-sharing policy, extension and technology
transfer, and promoting the processing and marketing of timber and non-timber forest
products. In vegetable sector, incentives are more favorable for commercial vegetable
and fruit producers.

A participatory rural appraisal (PRA) was conducted on November 28-29, 2007 in

Nghia Trung Commune, Bu Dang District, Binh Phuoc Province, Vietnam. Nghia
Trung village is the site for the project on Agroforestry and Sustainable Vegetable
Production in Vietnam. The PRA focused on integrated pest management (IPM) and
integrated crop management (ICM) on tree crops and vegetables and was conducted
by Drs. Greg Luther and Manny Palada in collaboration with the SANREM CRSP
team in Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City. The writing of the PRA report is in
progress.

In Indonesia, trials were conducted to determine the effect of different fertilizers and
plant spacing (population) on growth and yield of several indigenous vegetables.

Inorganic fertilization increased yield of Beluntas, Kenikir and Kemangi.

Fertilization did not influence yield of Katuk. Optimum population of Katuk is
160,000 plant /ha, while for Kemangi, the optimum population could not be
determined. It could be increased to more than 200,000 plants/ha. There was no
significant effect of plant spacing in Kenikir.

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Three undergraduate students (all women) were involved. Two of them (Mega Ayu
Lestari and Ratna Pambayun) graduated in September 2008. However, due to
planting problem of Terubuk, one of them (Nia Kurniatusholihat) will graduate later
in December 2008.

Trial plots for the study on the effects of perennial peanut cover crop on aphids and
their natural enemies on yard long bean has been established in Nanggung.

TMPEGS Indonesia had a meeting during preparation/proposal presentation at the

early fiscal year and result presentation at mid fiscal year. Country coordinator
invited researchers to discuss issues across fields. Result of the current research will
be used as leaflet development and later be used for extension purpose in the next
fiscal year.

II. Research Strategy and Development Objectives

The vegetable agroforestry trials at AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center, Taiwan
are progressing well according to the work plan. Results on the performance of
various vegetables under agroforestry system and in monoculture system are being
summarized. Two more cropping season trials will be conducted to complete two
years of study which will also include monitoring of tree-crop interaction as compared
to monoculture vegetables. The overall goal and objective is to select and grow
vegetables that are compatible with tree-based system for increased productivity in
small-scale vegetable farming system.

In the Philippines, studies were conducted to improve VAF system complimentarity

through appropriate agro-silvicultural practices. This included evaluation trials of
indigenous vegetables, tomato and tree vegetables.

Selected VAF technologies are being evaluated in Vietnam including drip irrigation of
vegetables, termite control in cacao seedlings, yield of vegetables under cashew with
different light regimes (shading).

VAF research in Indonesia focused on fertilizer and plant spacing for indigenous
vegetables

III. Research Progress by Objective

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The progress of activities in Year 3 from the three country sites including Taiwan
leads to achieving TOP Framework milestones. The results in the Philippines and
Taiwan has contributed to the progress along the development impact pathway in such
a way that vegetables can be suitably integrated into agroforestry system for
improving sustainability and increasing economic returns for small-scale vegetable
farmers.

Studies on tree-crop interaction in alley cropping vegetable crops with tropical fruit
trees are in progress at AVRDC, Taiwan. In the third year, four sequential vegetable
cropping were planted and harvested, the last cropping included a monoculture check
(no hedegerow). Establishment and initial growth of tropical fruit trees varied
according to species. Outstanding species were A. heterophyllus, C. caimito, T.
indicus and A. reticulata. Yield response of vegetables to organic fertilizer
application varied according to species and the type and combination of organic
fertilizer applied.

In the Philippines, significant progress has been accomplished based on project

objectives. Studies were conducted on: 1) assessment of locally adopted VAF system
in Lantapan, Bukidnon; 2) evaluation of five commercial vegetables under tree based
system; 3) evaluation of indigenous vegetables (IVs) under tree based system; 4)
evaluation of tree vegetables under tree based system; 5) effect of drip irrigation on
vegetable agroforestry system net complimentarity and 6) evaluation of tomato elite
lines for tolerance to leaf curl virus. Following are summaries of the progress by each
study:

1. Assessment of locally adopted VAF system

Eighty percent of the VAF farmers interviewed indicated competition between trees
and vegetable crops, like yellowing of leaves adjacent to the trees (84%) or leaves are
less green. They recognized from low (33%), moderate (42%), and high competition
(17%) between trees and vegetable crops. The competition started during the early
growth stage of vegetables up to harvesting. Severe competition was observed from
2nd year and up to more than 5 years of tree age (80%).

Ninety percent of the farmers recognized shading (light competition) was the main
problem, thus 73% of VAF farmers pruned the trees before planting vegetables, and
they did it every 1-2 years interval (64%). Farmers removed about 50% of the canopy
(18%), but most of them completely removed all the leaves (55%). Farmers planted

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the vegetables 1-2 meters away from the trees (84%). Thirty percent of the VAF
farmers mentioned that they applied fertilizer to the trees. When they applied
fertilizers to the vegetables, some VAF farmers put more fertilizers to the vegetables
grown near the trees to alleviate competition (69%).

Most of VAF farmers indicated the litter falls (leaves, twigs and other debris during
prunings) created difficulty during land preparation (91%). They also indicated
presence of roots in the fields (61%) which also contributed to difficulty during
plowing. Most of the VAF farmers indicated difficulty of land preparation when trees
and vegetables are integrated (91%).

2. Evaluation of five commercial vegetables under tree-based system

During the wet season planting (June-October 2007), all commercial vegetables
responded well to the integration of trees. Percent increase in yield averaged was 29%
(13-40%), which means that integration of trees to the intensive vegetable systems
increased farmers income by 29% without additional inputs of labour and fertilizers.

Tomato had the highest percent increase in yield (40%) in VAF system. This was due
to high degree of supplementarity (6.7) and low in degree of competition (0.3). The
distance of supplementarity (15.1 m) was also the highest among the commercial
vegetables and one of the lowest in distance of competition (1.2 m). This indicates
that integrating trees into tomato vegetable production will increase the overall yield
by 40%.

Carrots also had high percent increase in yield (37%). Although the distance of
supplementarity was shorter (6.3 m), but the distance of competition (1.8 m) was
much shorter compared with other commercial vegetables except for tomato.

Chinese cabbage was more responsive to tree based system compared with common
cabbage which had the lowest percent increase in yield. The increase in yield due to
the presence of trees was 37%. Chinese cabbage had high in degree of
supplementarity, but low in degree of competition, which means it was able to grow
well underneath the trees.

During the dry season planting (February – June 2008), all commercial vegetables
responded positively to the presence of trees (16%), except for the common cabbage
which was also the lowest performer during the wet season planting (June –October

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2007). During this erratic distribution of rainfall, carrots and Chinese cabbage had the
highest percent increase in yield (30%). Tomato which was the best performer during
the wet season planting did not do well during the dry season planting. This was also
attributed to high incidence of pest due to the two planting of tomato in a row on the
same unit of land without the traditional rotation of non-solanaceous plants, eg,
maize, and yet it had an overall increase in yield of 10%. Bell pepper also did poorly
similar with tomato as far as response to positive impact of trees.

3. Evaluation of indigenous vegetables (IVs) under tree based system

During the wet season planting (June–October 2007), there were 3 types of
indigenous vegetables planted such as leafy, fruit and climbing. Among the leafy
vegetables, amaranthus TOT 7278 from Bangladesh, amaranthus TOT 4141 from
Vietnam and Jute 3504 had the highest marketable yields under Lantapan, Bukidnon
condition, and had the highest yields in the supplementarity zone as well as yield at
competition zone. Although some IV leafy vegetables had low marketable yields such
as Alugbati’s, Roselle, some jute accessions, all responded positively with the
presence of trees, except for amaranthus TOT 7278 and Saluyot TOT 4413 Saluyot
TOT 6667 and amaranthus TOT 2272 from Taiwan responded strongly to tree
hedgerows.

Among the fruit vegetables, eggplants yielded significantly higher than okra. All
eggplant varieties evaluated yielded high, but SOO-632 yielded the highest. These
eggplants also responded well to the presence of tree with increase yield (PY) from
10-20%, and SOO-168 had the highest yield increase (PY) of 20%. Although yield of
okra was low, but it has responded well to the tree hedge thus having a high PY of
30%, which means that AF was able to increase yield of Okra by 30%.

There were three yardlong bean accessions from the Philippines, TVO 2074, TVO
2141 and TVO 3313 which were evaluated under tree based system. Among these
yardlong beans, TVO 2074 yielded higher (numerically) than the other accessions, but
TVO 2141 had the high net supplementarity index (13.7), which means 100%
increase in yield (PY). Trees had a positive response to all associated climbing
vegetables during the wet season planting.

4. Evaluation of tree vegetables under tree based system

During the wet season cropping (June-October 2007), Malunggay (Moringa oleifera)

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and Chinese malunggay (Sauropus androgynus) had the highest yield in an open field
compared with other tree vegetables, but Malunggay responded well at the
complementarity zone than the Chinese malunggay thus having the highest percent
yield increase (60%), while the latter had been affected by the trees. Although,
Alikway (Abelmoschos manihot) and Katuray (Sesbania grandiflora) had high
percent yield increase of 90% and 50%, respectively, the marketable yields were as
high compared with Malunggay. With the popularity of Malunggay all over the
country, it is more preferred as tree vegetable under tree based systems.

During the dry season planting, vegetable trees were pruned down to 25 cm from the
ground level. Malunggay and Chinese malunggay were not able to recover as fast as
Katuray and Alikway thus having lower marketable yields. But all the tree vegetables
responded to the presence of tree hedges, except for Alikway, which had higher yield
at neutral zone than in the complementarity zone. Malunggay and Chinese malunggay
still had positive percent yield increase of 10% and 20%, respectively. It appeared
that Katuray had the highest percent increase in yield (40%) compared with the rest of
tree vegetables.

5. Effect of drip irrigation on vegetable agroforestry system net complimentarity

Drip irrigation did not significantly affect the fruit yield, total aboveground biomass,
stem diameter and plant height of bell pepper. The control treatment which had no
drip irrigation and no root barrier had smaller stem diameter, shorter plant height, and
having lower fruit yield and total biomass than the root barrier treatment. The root
barrier was also able to improve the fruit yield, total aboveground biomass, stem
diameter and plant height of bell pepper. The difference in fruit yield and total
biomass was about 1 tha-1, but it was not statistically different.

This insignificant effect of drip irrigation treatment was due to the even distribution of
rainfall during the phase of the experiment that the bell pepper did not experience
moisture stresses which can be affect yield and other agronomic characteristics. The
installation of root barrier improved the productivity of the Bell closer to the trees due
the reduced competition of nutrients as opposed to water, but was not so dramatic to
create significant differences statistically.

6. Evaluation of tomato elite lines for tolerance to leaf curl virus.

Yields of elite tomato lines evaluated at Claveria indicated that tomatoes under

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Gmelina arborea (GA) yielded better (25.25 t ha-1 – fresh weight marketable yield)
compared to the ones planted in Acacia mangium (AM) (18.35) and in open field
(OF) control (18.39). The different varieties of tomato did not differ significantly in
yield, but among the tomato lines evaluated, WVCT7 yielded the highest. This was
followed by WVCT4 and WVCT3.

Results of the farmers evaluation of the different tomato lines indicated that WVCT7
received significantly higher farmers’ rating in terms of fruit marketability, fruit size,
fruit form, fruit color, plant appearance, plant height and plant canopy. This was also
the highest yielder among the tomato lines evaluated. Alternatively, WVCT2 and
WVCT3 were also getting good evaluation by farmers as well as having good yield.

In Vietnam, eight component VAF technology trials were conducted and some studies
and field trials are in progress. Field studies and trials included: 1) natural methods of
termite control in young cacao planting; 2) integration of shade-tolerant root crop into
agroforestry system; 3) establishment of Arachis pintoi cover crop for soil erosion
control; 4) performance evaluation of vegetables under shading; 5) drip irrigation
study on young cacao planting; 6) intercropping cacao with cashew (cacao-cashew
agroforestry system); 7) low-cost drip irrigation for vegetable home garden; and 8)
effects of weed management methods on soil quality. Some of the significant findings
of the studies are as follows:

1. Natural methods of termite control in young cacao planting

Results from the experiment show that two months after planting, the rate of seedlings
damage in site 1 were recorded to be 50%, 11%, 17%, and 17% but rate of seedling
death due to termite were only 39%, 0%, 17%, and 0% for the treatments T1-control
(manure only, no chemical, no vetiver grass compost); T2-farmer’s practice with
chemical control; T3-mixture of manure and lime; and T4-mixture of manure and
Vetiver grass compost with planting of 6 Vetiver clamps around each cacao seedling,
respectively. The result shows that, no cacao seedling was damaged by termite in T2
(chemical) and T4 (Vetiver compost). The height of cacao seedlings after 4 months
planting were recorded to be 60, 50, 58 and 80cm; the trunk diameter by 12, 10,14,
17mm per plant; and the number of primary branch were 3, 2, 3, and 4 per plant in
the treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. In site 2, the rate of seedling death by
termite in the treatment T1, T2, and T3 were 70% while only 33% were recorded for
the treatment T4 indicating that damage due to termite attack was lowest when
applying Vetiver compost. Because of the large seedlings were died in site 2, so some

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characteristics of cacao growth were monitoring only in site 1. The initial findings
suggest that Vetiver grass can be used not only as a tool for soil erosion control, but its
biomass can used as a compost form for termite control also, instead of chemical, in
cacao development in agroforestry systems. The potential in using Vetiver grass for
controlling termites on cacao to avoid the environmental and health cost from using
chemical pesticides is promising. It is recommended that a second set of experiments
to be conducted by SANREM project in the next phase to assess the effect of Vetiver
grass in form of green and dry biomass on termite population and termite attack on
cacao seedling.

2. Integration of shade-tolerant root crop into agroforestry system

Initial results from the experiment show that there is a potential for integrating Cu
Nang root crop in forest or tree planting with high shading condition in dry sandy soil.
The crop is mainly used to make starch for local market. For future adoption, a study
on processing and marketing of the Cu Nang root crop is needed to assess the market
potential and constraints for finding solution to promote the integration of this root
crop in VAF system for increasing farmers' income.

3. Establishment of Arachis pintoi cover crop for soil erosion control

Initial assessment of input use from the experiment shows there is relatively high cost
for pintoi establishment in poor soil condition. Pintoi as a cover crop however helps to
reduce labor in weeding by about 40%, reduce irrigation time and therefore amount of
irrigated water by about 30% due to the reduction water evaporation and maintaining
a better soil moisture. A higher complementary effects in the long run is expected
when there is sufficient biomass from Pintoi accumulated to improve soil fertility.
Data generated from the experiment is being analyzed by the team. A working paper
is expected to complete in early 2009. There is potential for using pintoi as a cover
crop for fruit trees and vegetables in erosion prone watershed areas. It is
recommended that further experiments need to be carried out to assess the effect of
vegetable-pintoi spacing on vegetable yield performance and the effect of pintoi on
the yield of vegetable varieties that have different plant height.

4. Performance evaluation of vegetables under shading

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The experiment with vegetables under different cashew shading condition include
eight types of vegetables (amaranth, kangkong, mustard, French bean, okra, bitter
gourd, eggplant, and tomato) planted in (S0) full sun light, (S1) along a cashew raw,
and (S2) between two cashew rows. Amaranth, kangkong, okra, and bitter gourd
achieved highest yield under full sun light condition (SO) while mustard and French
bean have highest yield under half shading condition (S1). High pest infestation was
observed for Eggplant and tomato. Data on cashew yield shows that without vegetable
integration, average yield of cashew is 6kg/tree. Cashew trees located next to a
vegetable raw have a higher average yield of 6.6kg/tree. Average yield of cashew trees
located between two vegetable rows was recorded to be highest with 7kg/tree, an
increase of about 16.7% as compared the average yield of cashew trees without
vegetable integration. Data from the experiment is being analyzed by the T team. A
crop budget will also be conducted to evaluate the financial feasibility of the system.

5. Drip irrigation study on young cacao planting

Initial assessment of the benefits from drip irrigation system in terms of cost saving
from irrigation on young cacao planting (vegetative stage) shows that drip irrigation
system help to save farmers’ labor for irrigation, gasoline for pumping water and
amount of water used for irrigation. With drip irrigation system, the irrigation cost for
young cacao planting could be saved at about 24% as compared to current farmers’
irrigation practice. Drip irrigation also saves about 60% of the total water amount
used for cacao trees. There is a potential for scaling up NLU developed drip irrigation
system for high value perennial cash crops but the high investment cost for installing
a drip system is the main constraint to the adoption among poor farmers.

6. Intercropping cacao with cashew (cacao-cashew agroforestry system)

In the cacao-cashew experiment, some varieties start having their first fruits but
production period is expected to begin in year 2009. A higher growth rate of cacao
tree was found in experiments where cacao has sufficient shading under old cashew
plantation as compared to those planted in young cashew plantation. A survey has
been conducted among 80 farms to gather data on inputs and yield from both cacao-
cashew system and pure cashew system at local farms for a benefit cost analysis and
comparison between these two systems. The computed average income from a pure
cashew plantation is about 14.3 mill VND/ha/year in year 2008. Initial assessment
from the survey revealed that with an average yield of cacao of 1.5tons/ha, the cacao-
cashew system has an increase in income per hectare of 199% more than that from a

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pure cashew system. Initial assessments indicate that cacao integrated into existing
cashew plantation is a technical option to help local small farmers to improve their
income. There are however some constraints to the adoption of cacao-cashew system
as reported by small farmers such as the lack of information and access to cacao
market, uncertainty about future of cacao market, lack of cash for investment, lack of
technological knowledge and high risk of pest and disease attack on cacao,
particularly termites attack on cacao seedling.

7. Low-cost drip irrigation for vegetable home garden

An on-farm trial on vegetable production in home garden was set up in a collaborating
farm. Four vegetable varieties (morning glory, amaranth, mustard greens, and leafy
onions) were planted in 200 m2 plot. The trial includes with 100 m2 with drip
irrigation system and another 100 m2 with hand irrigation. The vegetables grow well
in this trial. Drip irrigation system is functioning well and helps in saving significant
water and labor. All vegetables have higher yield (about 6.7% on the average) when
cultivated with drip irrigation than with hand irrigation. Labor saving with drip
irrigation is about 33%.

Commercial vegetables are grown in other two collaborating farmers. Three other on-
farm vegetable trials with and without drip irrigation will be conducted in the coming
dry season.

8. Effects of weed management methods on soil quality

Different weed management practices of collaborating farmers has been monitored.

Data on input use and cashew yield was collected. Two students have been trained in
conducting soil quality test using soil quality test kits. Data on soil quality of cashew
plantation with and without clean weeding has been measured using soil quality test
kits. Initial results from field assessment show that organic matter in both cashew
plantation that maintain a weed cover to protect soil from erosion and in cashew
plantation integrated with cacao plantation is significant higher than in cashew
plantation with clean weeding. The cashew yield in plantation with clean weeding is
lower than in those without clean weeding. The soil sample will also be analyzed in
the lab. A plan for studying the soil quality for cashew gardens with and without cacao
integration was also prepared to test the hypothesis that integrating cacao into old
cashew planting will significantly improve soil fertility and cashew yields. Data on
soil quality parameters such as N, P, K nutrients, PH, and other biophysical

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parameters will be analyzed. A working paper and a policy brief will be developed
based on results of this soil quality assessment study.

Progress in Indonesia has been delayed due to personnel problems. The

implementation of the IPM component experienced serious delays because the
BAU/IPB student who was going to carry out the research did not show up for several
months. Two students have been recruited and are now working on the project. Three
field studies (trials) were conducted: 1) effect of fertilization on growth and yield of
several indigenous vegetables; 2) effect of plant spacing on yield of indigenous
vegetables; and 3) effect of number of nodes and position of cutting on growth and
yield of Terebuk. Following are results of the trials:

1. Effect of fertilization on growth and yield of indigenous vegetables.

Inorganic fertilizer and combined chicken manure+inorganic fertilizer increased fresh

weight of Beluntas leaf per plot compared to control. Application of fertilizer did not
increase the number of leaves and branches, and branch length. Fertilizer has no
effect of growth parameters of Katuk. Fertilizer has positive effect on growth
parameters of Kenikir and Kemangi. In general, application of inorganic fertilizer
gave the best result for indigenous vegetables.

2. Effect of plant spacing on yield of indigenous vegetables.

Plant spacing significantly influenced the yield of Katuk, but did not affect other
variables. It was predicted that optimum spacing for Katuk was 50 cm x 12.5 cm
(160,000 plants/ha). Plant spacing did not have significant effect on the yield of
Kenikir. Low plant population of Kemangi resulted in increased plant height, number
of leaves, branches and fresh weight. Yield response to plant population was linear
indicating that population could be increased above 200,000 plants per ha.

3. Effect of number of nodes and position of cutting on growth and yield of Terebuk

This study is in progress and no results have been reported at the time of this report
writing.

Extent to which the project timeline is being met

The extent to which the project timeline is being met in three countries and Taiwan is

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substantial as demonstrated by various activities in Year 3.

In Taiwan, studies on vegetable agroforestry system including establishment of

monoculture vegetable plot was accomplished and four cropping cycles were
completed. This gives an opportunity to study and generate data in Year 4 comparing
vegetable agroforestry with conventional monocropping of vegetables in terms of
total productivity and sustainability.

In the Philippines, major activities for Year 3 were successfully accomplished.

During the wet season of 2007, experiments on evaluation of different commercial
vegetables, indigenous vegetables, tree vegetables and medicinal trees, study on the
effect of drip irrigation on bell pepper complementarity, and mychorrizal inoculation
to maize were conducted during the Year 2 and residual data collections were
continued during the early part of the Year 3. However, during the TMPEGS meeting
early this year, it was decided that another round of experimentation of the above
studies will also be conducted to be able to get another season of cropping which the
dry season as well as the participants during the SANREM Annual Meeting in May
2008 will have something to see and demonstrate during the field visit, which is part
of the annual meeting program. The other round of experimentation of the different
experiments was initiated in February 2008 and lasted until July 2008. Another
experiment was also initiated this year which is the study on the effect of cover crop,
Arachis pintoi and drip irrigation on the performance of 5 commercial vegetables.
Another successful study implemented this year was the evaluation of elite tomato
lines from AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center under tree based systems in
Lantapan, Bukidnon and Claveria, Misamis Oriental. These tomato lines were
resistant to tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV), Bacterial wilt and Fusarium. However,
the farmer-managed evaluation of IVs and tree vegetables was pushed to Year 4 due
the activities mentioned above.

Obstacles encountered was peace and order threatening experimental site due to the
sighting of bandits who were living in remote places nearby demanding and coercing
“revolutionary tax” to the banana plantation owners and workers. This was also
coupled with labor relation problems between the plantation owners and workers.
This situation created some fear among the project field workers that they were afraid
in going to experimental sites. Lack of human resource for data management and
statistical analyses was another impinging obstacle to the project.

In Vietnam, most of the planned activities were significantly accomplished. A total

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of eight field studies on VAF technology components were conducted and completed
successfully. However, the major obstacle encountered was the very late release of
project funds. The team has to use cash advance from Nong Lam University to carry
out project activities.

In Indonesia, despite of changes in personnel and delays in hiring, field trials were
successfully established.

IV. Degree and Non-Degree Training Activities

Please see Forms 16 and 17 as attached)

V. Publications, Presentations, and Other SANREM CRSP Products

Please see Form 18 as attached

VI. Networking Activities

Significant training, capacity-building and networking activities (Taiwan and

Philippines combined)

1. Participated the SANREM Annual Meeting held at Lantapan, Bukidnon and

Los Banos, Laguna last May 22-28, 2008

2. Hosted a Farmers’ Field Day at SANREM experimental site in Kimanga,

Kibangay, Lantapan. Around 25 farmers, traders, technicians and consumers
from Lantapan, particularly Sungco and Kibangay attended the activity. The
main activity was to evaluate the different tomato lines which are resistant to
ToLCV, Bacterial wilt and Fusarium wilt. Various experiments on VAF
farming systems were shown to the farmers, including the integration of
indigenous tree vegetables and medicinal trees into tree-based systems, as well
as the use of low-cost drip irrigation system in bell pepper production.

3. Similar Farmers’ Field Day was also conducted in June 2008 at Claveria,
Misamis Oriental showcasing the different tomato lines under tree based
system. Fifteen vegetable farmers, extension workers and from Academe
(MOSCAT) participated the event. A participatory form was distributed and
filled up by the evaluators.

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 4. Vegetable grafting technology was jointly conducted by ICRAF, AVRDC and
MOSCAT in Claveria, Misamis Oriental and Lantapan, Bukidnon last
September 15-16, 2008 and September 17-19, 2008, respectively. More than
40 participants joined the training at Claveria site, while 32 joined at
Lantapan. Trainings participants were vegetable farmers, academe, LGU
officials and agricultural technicians.

5. Conducted participatory rural appraisal in Nghia Trung Commune, Bu Dang

District, Binh Phuoc Province, Vietnam.

6. An introduction to participatory appraisal – presented by Greg Luther and

Manny Palada, Participatory Rural Appraisal Workshop, Nong Lam
University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Nov. 27, 2007.

7. Establishing vegetable Agroforestry system research at AVRDC – The World

Vegetable Center. Abstract prepared for 2008 SANREM CRSP Meeting. M.C.
Palada, D.L. Wu and G.C. Luther

8. Indigenous vegetables for the vegetable Agroforestry (VAF) system. Abstract

for the 2008 SANREM CRSP Meeting, L.M. Engle, et al.

9. Natural enemies on vegetables and other crops, Extension Booklet, Greg

Luther and J. Mangan (in preparation).

10. Seminar on “Can Vegetables Be More Productive Under Tree-Based systems?”

AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center, 12 June 2008.

Vietnam

1 Rector and two other top administrators of Nong Lam University visited
NCA&T. They were also brought to University of North Carolina-Greensboro,
and North Carolina State University.

2 PRA training has been conducted for 6 NLU researchers with support from Dr.
Manny Palada, Dr. Greg Luther, and Dr. Woo Jong-Guy from AVRDC.
3 On-field training on drip irrigation for vegetables has been conducted for 4
collaborating farmers when the drip irrigation system has been set up in one
on-farm vegetable trial.

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 4 Dr. Delia Catacutan has introduced the policy review in the Philippines and
the K2A concepts and research method to NLU researchers and students at
NLU.

5 Training for 2 students on assessing benefit-cost analysis for cashew-cacao

systems and gender analysis; Field training for 2 students on using soil quality
test kits.

6 Two researchers from VN participate in the annual meeting in the Philippines.

7 Six abstracts had been prepared by the team, from which 4 posters had been
developed and presented during the SANREM annual meeting in the
Philippines.

8 Drs. Theo Dillaha, Maria Elisa Christie, Keith Moore, Ronald Cantrell, and
Manuel Reyes have visit NLU to review the research activities of the Vietnam
TMPEGS team and visit the study site in Nghia Trung, Binh Phuoc province.

9 Dr. Ma. Elena Chiong-Javier from De La Salle University, Philippines has

visit NLU to work with the Vietnam TMPEGS team on research framework,
conduct a short training to NLU researcher on gender research method and to
visit the study site to conduct initial market network assessment.

10 Dr. Phuoc has participated in the workshop organized by Binh Phuoc Province
on Cacao program.

11 Dr. Loi has sent an abstract for the paper to be presented in the SWAT
workshop in Thailand in early 2009.

Indonesia

In indigenous vegetable study, three undergraduate students (women) were involved

in establishing the trials, monitoring and data collection. Two of them (Mega Ayu
Lestari and Ratna Pambayun) graduated in September 2008. However, due to
planting problem of Terebuk, one of them (Nia Kurniatusholihat) will graduate later in
December 2008.

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VII. Project Highlights

Some of the highlights and significant research findings so far are:

 At AVRDC, Taiwan application of mixed commercial organic compost fertilizers

resulted in higher marketable yields of six vegetables grown in agrofrestry
system compared to application of single compost fertilizer.
 Tree-crop competition is minimum or non-existent during the early tree
establishment.
 In the Philippines, initial growth performance of vegetables showed adaptability
of these crops in partial shading, moist soil, lower wind speed and mild
temperature under tree-based system.
 In Indonesia, significant differences in characters among indigenous vegetables
(including indigenous tree vegetables) were observed in plant height, leaf length,
leaf width, flower length, flower diameter and yield per plant.
 The PRA survey in Vietnam identified and confirmed that the major Agroforestry
system is based on cashew and cacao trees. Vegetable crops are not integrated
into the tree system and there is a need to evaluate and screen vegetables for
compatibility under Agroforestry system.
 The potential in using Vetiver grass for controlling termites on cacao to avoid the
environmental and health cost from using chemical pesticides is promising.
 Small scale low cost drip irrigation system has a potential for adoption in small
scale vegetable cultivation for home consumption and for local market.
 The promotion of vegetable in home garden is expected to improve farmers’
income and nutrition status of their family members.
 Yield of vegetables planted under different light condition in cashew garden
varied depending on types of vegetable and light intensity. With vegetable
integration, the average yield of cashew trees was recorded to be higher as
compared that of cashew trees without vegetable integration.
 Integrating cacao into existing cashew system will have a high potential for
improving the income of small farmers.
 Most farmers apply ineffective preventive chemical pest control method.
Promoting sustainable pest management practices with less pesticide use will
significantly reduce production and farmers’ health cost and other negative
environmental impacts.
 Local policy/program need to be tailored to provide sufficient incentive for
farmers to adopt sustainable VAF technologies and practices.

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Crop and Ecosystem Management Unit
AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center
60 Yi-Min Liao, Shanhua, Tainan 74199
TAIWAN

9 October 2008

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