2006 Annual Report for SW05-053
Research and Demonstration on Banana production Technologies in Micronesia
Summary
Research and demonstration farms were established in farms of three farmer cooperators in Ngaremlengui, Airai and Melekeok States in Palau. Results of soil analysis from these farms revealed very low levels of phosphorus and potassium. Each demonstration farm was planted with tissue cultured “Lacatan” bananas divided into four sections, namely: a) no manure and fertilizer (Control); b) manure and fertilizer at planting time; c) manure and fertilizer every 2 months; and d) manure every 2 months. At six months after planting, application of manure and fertilizer to tissue cultured “Lacatan” banana at planting time and every two months gave significantly taller plants than those without fertilizer and those applied with manure every two months. Diseased leaves were regularly removed from the banana plants.
Although travel of the principal investigator and project cooperator to commercial banana farms in Davao City, Philippines, to learn the latest trends and technologies on banana production is an approved activity by WSARE, this has not yet been done since it has been repeatedly disapproved by the president of the Palau Community College. Also, a research assistant for the Project has not yet been hired.
Objectives/Performance Targets
- 1.Establish research and demonstration areas at producer farms on traditional and appropriate technologies for small-scale banana production.
2.Set up an experiment at producer farms to determine nutrient requirements for successful banana production in Palau.
3.Visit of principal investigator and project coordinator to a commercial banana plantation in Davao City, Philippines, to learn the 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.
Accomplishments/Milestones
- Research and demonstration areas were established in farms of three farmer cooperators in Ngaremlengui, Airai and Melekeok States in Palau.
Samples of soils from the farms were submitted to an appropriate laboratory for soil analysis to determine the native nutritional status of the soil. Results revealed that the soil had very low levels of phosphorus and potassium.
To demonstrate the effect of nutrients on the growth of “Lacatan” banana, each demonstration farm was divided into four sections, namely: a) no manure and fertilizer (Control); b) manure and fertilizer at planting time; c) manure and fertilizer every 2 months; and d) manure every 2 months.
Tissue cultured “Lacatan” banana planting materials were planted in the demonstration farms so they will all be at the same stage of development. The plants were laid out at 4 x 4 meters distance of planting with 24 to 28 plants per treatment.
“Lacatan” banana fertilized with manure and fertilizer at planting time and every 2 months were significantly taller than those without fertilizer and those applied with manure every two months. Diseased leaves were regularly removed from the banana plants
Although travel of the principal investigator and project cooperator to commercial banana farms in Davao City, Philippines, to learn the latest trends and technologies on banana production is an approved activity by WSARE, this has not yet been done since it has been repeatedly disapproved by the President of the Palau Community College.
Also, a research assistant for the project has not yet been hired.
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
None yet.