Research and Demonstration on Banana production Technologies in Micronesia

Project Overview

SW05-053
Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2005: $83,992.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2009
Region: Western
State: Federated States of Micronesia
Principal Investigator:
Aurora Del Rosario
Email
Palau Community College

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Fruits: bananas, general tree fruits

Practices

  • Crop Production: conservation tillage
  • Education and Training: demonstration, extension, farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research, participatory research, technical assistance
  • Farm Business Management: budgets/cost and returns, marketing management
  • Pest Management: chemical control, cultural control, integrated pest management, physical control, sanitation
  • Production Systems: holistic management
  • Soil Management: organic matter, soil analysis
  • Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities, employment opportunities

    Abstract:

    Research and demonstration farms were established at the R & D Station and in farmer cooperator’s farms in Ngaremlengui, in Airai and in Melekeok State in Palau using tissue-cultured Lacatan banana to showcase appropriate banana production technologies for successful banana production. The fertilization experiment showed that in all the demonstration areas “Lacatan” banana fertilized with manure and fertilizer every 2 months were significantly taller and gave the highest yield than those fertilized at planting time only or those given manure every 2 months. A Training on Banana Production was conducted and a Manual on Banana Production was published to ensure that information generated from this project was disseminated to farmers in Palau.

    Project objectives:

    The project aimed to :

    1. Establish research and demonstration areas in producers' farms on traditional and appropriate technologies for small-scale banana production.

    2. Set up an experiment in producers' farms to determine nutrient requirements for successful banana production in Palau.

    3. Visit of Principal Investigator and Project Cooperator to a commercial banana plantation in Davao City, Philippines, to learn latest trends and technologies in banana production.

    4. Assist and guide the farmer in appropriate cultural management practices, post-harvest technology and marketing strategy to ensure successful banana production.

    5. Produce a handbook on small-scale banana production

    6. Train farmers and extension agents on best management practices for successful banana production.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.