FEASIBILITY OF INTERCROPPING CASSAVA WITH SELECTED VEGETABLES IN CHUUK, FSM

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0222968
• Project Start Date: Jun 1, 2010
• Project End Date: May 31, 2014
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
COLLEGE OF MICRONESIA
PO BOX 1179
KOLONIA POHNPEI,FM 96941

Performing Department
COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION

Non Technical Summary
This endeavor envisions to promote local foods, utilize sweet potato as a substitute for wheat flour and reduce dependence on imported food stuff. Three experiments will be conducted to: 1. collect and maintain sweet potato local cultivars and requested elite lines from international/regional institutions; 2. conduct field evaluation of different collection for root yields, biomass and insect and disease damages and 3. test different accessions for eating qualities of boiled roots, chips and some common pastries with varying proportions of sweet potato flour substituting for wheat flour. Experiment one will consist of seed collection and propagation, differentiation of each accession as to morphology and reaction to common pests. Experiment two will conduct preliminary, non-replicated and replicated advanced trials for yield and yield components like tuber number and size and reaction to pests under field conditions. SP lines will be laid out in Randomized Complete Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data will be analyzed using Analysis of Variance using RCBD. T-tests will compare the mean differences among tested lines. Experiment three will determine eating qualities of different sweet potato varieties made into various products like boiled roots, chips and pastries. These pastries will be made from various combinations of sweet potato and wheat flour. Rating indices for these products for aroma, taste, color, texture for each variety will be subjected to t-tests. The results of these activities will be made available to the target audience through publication, radio program, meetings and training. Anticipated outcomes of this project are:1. increased sweet potato production; 2. increased availability and supply of planting materials; 3. increased marketable produce; 4. proven viability of sweet potato as a substitute for wheat flour and 6. increased potential revenue for small farmers

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
205	0110	1070	20%
205	1411	1070	15%
205	1455	1070	20%
205	1499	1070	15%
601	1411	3010	10%
601	1455	3010	10%
601	1499	3010	10%

Knowledge Area
601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1499 - Vegetables, general/other; 1455 - Cassava (or manioc); 0110 - Soil; 1411 - Beans (fresh, fresh-processed);

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology; 3010 - Economics;

Keywords

general entry: accessions evaluation

class entry: collection maintenance evaluation utilization

specific entry: - areas of interests

sweet potato morphological traits field trials

production

pest incidence food products eating qualities

Goals / Objectives
Objectives: The project aims to: 1. collect and maintain sweet potato local cultivars and requested elite lines from international/.regional institutions 2. conduct field evaluation of different collection for root yields, biomass and insect and disease damages 3. test different accessions for eating qualities of boiled roots, chips and some common pastries with varying proportions of sweet potato flour substituting for wheat flour

Project Methods
This project consists of three experiments. Experiment one works on collection and maintenance of local sweet potato cultivars and acquired elite lines with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture. These collected entries will be maintained at the CRE greenhouse. Each entry is to be planted in 5-sq m plot and observed for the following traits: vine twining, plant type, vine and leaf vein pigmentation, immature and mature leaf color, root skin and flesh color and insect and disease incidence. Experiment two will be evaluation of various sweet potato collections for root yield, biomass, insect and insect damages. It will consist of non-replicated preliminary yield trial of at least 10 local and elite entries of sweet potato for two planting seasons (one year) in CREs facilities Only 80% of them will undergo replicated yield trials to be done in a farmer-cooperators farm for two consecutive cropping seasons (one year). These accessions will be laid out in Randomized Complete Design with three replications. Data will be analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in Randomized Complete Block Design. T-test will be employed to compare differences among the tested lines. Experiment three will conduct an assessment of different SP collections for eating qualities of boiled roots, chips and selected pastries prepared with varying proportions of sweet potato flour in place of wheat flour. Consumer preferences for specific SP products as indicated by rating index for color, taste, texture, aroma among others for each variety will be analyzed using t-tests.

Progress 06/01/10 to 05/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience:Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Changes/Problems:The project though extended up to May 31, 2014 was continued up to September 2014 because data computation, statistical analysis and report preparation were done after the field experiment, which ended in July 2014. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training This experiment conducted at various sites extended opportunities to volunteers and participants and target audience to learn scientific method of measuring plant growth and income generation from growing intercrops. Professional development Project results were shared during training workshops and meetings on food security and climate change. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project results were disseminated to communities through one-to-one contacts, consultation meetings with local governments and field visits of interested individuals to the project site. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Major/significant findings/developments Intercrops performed well only when cassava foliage were not overlapping, which took place at 100 days after cassava planting. Intercrops provided extra incomes with cassava as the major crop. Planting with poles the intercrops in rows opposite the cassava yielded better than as alternates to cassava in which it serves as the trellis for long beans. Okra and long beans were compatible to cassava. However, planting alternately the vegetables with cassava resulted to plant competition for light, space and nutrients. After cassava developed full canopy at 5 months after planting, intercropping with the seedlings of these varieties at this cassava growth produced weak and lanky vegetable intercrops. Moisture was not a problem because of frequent rain during the growing season. Key outcomes: Change in knowledge: At 100 days after cassava planting, intercrops had hard time competing for light, nutrients and water with cassava. Growers learned not planting any intercrops under this period. Though cassava yields declined with intercropping, profits were still higher by 97% and 113% for beans alternately planted and those planted opposite rows of cassava, respectively. For the okra intercrop, planting row of okra opposite row of cassava had 124% compared to the monocrop cassava. Meanwhile, alternate planting of okra with cassava produced 24 % more profit than planting cassava alone. The intercrops had higher selling prices than cassava. Nitrate level of soils planted to beans improved by 100% under mono-cropping and planting beans opposite rows of cassava after one cycle of planting. Planting beans alternately with cassava increased nitrate levels in the soil by 50%. Potassium in the soil decreased slightly after one season of planting okra and cassava. However, there was no change in the potassium contents of soils planted to beans and cassava. Meanwhile, phosphorus decreased by 50% in cassava and okra intercropping experiment. However, phosphorus soil level was improved in the cassava and bean intercropping scheme by more than 100% except for alternate planting of cassava and beans wherein P level was the same before planting and at harvest time. Change in action: The interested individuals in this intercropping experiment would intercrop only when the cassava foliage was not overlapping. Planting in rows of intercrops gave more crop yields and profits to intercrops than by planting alternately with cassava. Change in condition: The target audience could maximize their limited garden space by intercropping which would also secure their supply of nutritious local produce and earn extra money for excess produce for sale.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: COM-FSM Chuuk Campus/CRE Sustainable Agriculture Information Series Brochure No. 2 - Okra, No.3-Yardlong Beans and Brochure No.10-Cassava

Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Target Audience Producers especially those farming and gardening, scientists, teachers, students, local , state and national governments, non-government organizations. Efforts Delivery of science-based knowledge included community consultation meetings, farm visits, demonstrations, lectures and presentation. Changes/Problems: The fruits of intercrop long beans were damaged by rats. Also, the variety used was susceptible to curly top virus which attacked at fruting stage. Plan was to change this variety for another local variety seemingly resistant to this virus. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training The research staff, several volunteers and few students were trained to layout the field layout, measure plant growth, identify major pests, record time for each activity and market the vegetable produce to the local stores and restaurants. 2. Professional development- sharing information during local workshops and meetings on food security and climate change How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Project results were disseminated to communities through one-to-one contacts, consultation meetings with local governments and field visits of interested individuals to the project site. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Compare yields of main crop with and without inter crops, compute cost of production in different intercropping schemes

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The goal was to maximize utilization of land for cassava by intercropping with local saleable vegetables and augment family income prior to harvesting of the main crop cassava. Major activities completed Still ongoing field evaluation for cassava intercropped with okra and long beans. Specific objectives met- production of selected vegetables; cost of vegetable production; prevalent pests of cassava and its intercrops 2. Major/significant findings/developments Long beans and okra were compatible companion crops of cassava based on growth and pest problems. Cassava plants seemed to grow well as a monocrop and with intercrops. The farmer-cooperator earned extra income from the intercrops. 3. Key outcomes Change in knowledge: The families, friends, neighbors and inter-island visitors learned that cassava still grows well with vegetables and intercropping can increase their income for their families. Change in action: Those who visited the research site planned to plant at least a vegetable in their cassava plots. They requested for seeds of okra and beans, Change in condition: Though very limited number of visitors planned to adopt this practice, maximization of land use might probably be realized gradually in the long run.

Publications

Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: OUTPUT Objective1.Determine production of cassava and selected vegetables in inter cropping system 1.Inter cropping of tapioca with okra was done at Pennia private lot owned by a leader of community women's group and at tire containers at Chuuk campus 2. Inter cropping of tapioca with okra and long beans were conducted by students in small plots and tires at chuuk campus. 3. Pennia crops were destroyed by floods from successive heavy rains. 4. Other students picked fruits before data gathering. 5. Mizpah high school will be to be our research cooperator for bigger size plots.Objective2. Determine cost of production and profitability of cassava and accompanying vegetables 1.No data were gathered in all trials because crops were damaged by heavy rains and floods or fruits stolen Objective3. Determine pest problems of cassava and its inter crops and fertility level of soil with cassava at different inter cropping arrangements 1.Seedlings of okra and long beans eaten up by African giant snails 2.Ambulant pigs in the farm damaged plants in farmer-cooperator's plots.3.The farm was newly cultivated and high in organic matter, which was carried away to the nearby swamp during heavy flooding. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals who worked on the project, PI collaborators, and contacts: CRE, department of agriculture, Pennia women's group, teachers, farmers, homemakers and students.Training: Collaborators were trained on preparing seedbeds, direct planting, monitoring pests and gathering data on plant growth. TARGET AUDIENCES: farmers, teachers, students, homemakers, extension agents Efforts; extension and outreach, practicum experiences PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Objective1. Determine production of cassava and selected vegetables in inter cropping system 1. Participants and other interested individuals learned of maximizing land use by inter-cropping rather than monoculture for cassava. 2. They observed slower growth of cassava and the inter crops.Objective2. Determine cost of production and profitability of cassava and accompanying vegetables 1.No data gathered because crops were damaged by heavy rains and floods and stealing of fruits before data gathering. 2. some planned to plant other crops with cassava. Objective3. Determine pest problems of cassava and its inter crops and fertility level of soil with cassava at different inter cropping arrangements 1. Participants noticed that the inter crops served as trap plants to some pests. 2.They learned that legumes like long beans can improve soil fertility due to nitrogen fixation done by the long beans.

Publications

• No publications reported this period

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective1. Determine production of cassava and selected vegetables in intercropping system 1. Seed increase of planting materials of cassava, okra and long beans is being undertaken at Enin , Tonoas and Tunnok, Weno. 2. After exploring many possible experimental community site for several months, Mizpah School through its Vice Principal showed us the experimental site that is secure, accessible and free of land dispute after approval from its School and Church Boards. Objective2. Determine cost of production and profitability of cassava and accompanying vegetables 1. No data yet Objective3. Determine pest problems of cassava and its interrops and fertility level of soil with cassava at different intercropping arrangements 1. No data yet PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: PI Collaborators and contacts: CRE extension agents, agroforestry aides from Chuuk private sector project grant Training collaborators: care and management of intercrop vegetables TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences: farmers, homemakers, communities, students Efforts: extension and outreach, practicum experiences PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Objective1. Determine production of cassava and selected vegetables in intercropping system 1. From meetings and discussion with our prospective cooperators, they acknowledged that they learned that long beans could enrich the soil planted to cassava and also the health benefits of okra in reducing blood sugar for diabetics Objective2. Determine cost of production and profitability of cassava and accompanying vegetables 1. No impact yet Objective3. Determine pest problems of cassava and its interrops and fertility level of soil with cassava at different intercropping arrangements 1. No impact yet

Publications

• No publications reported this period