The project HORT/2005/134: The use of pathogen tested planting materials to improve sustainable sweet potato production in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea is led by The International Potato Center (CIP). The main partner institutions in Solomon Islands are the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and the Kastom Gaden Association (KGA). The aim of the project is to improve food security in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea by introducing and adapting technologies that produce consistently high yielding and nutritious crops of sweet potato, satisfying household consumption, human nutrition and domestic markets.

The project started by conducting a project launching workshop in Honiara SI February 13-15; 2007 bringing together representatives of the main partner institutions in Solomon Island, Papua New Guinea, Australia and CIP. The program of the workshop included an update on installed regional institutional capacity, a review of project activities for the first year, assignment of institutional responsibilities and a chronogram for execution. Participants gave presentations as background information sharing previous knowledge and committing efforts to those areas better suited to their institutional capacities. Special attention was given to discuss the main factors limiting sweet potato production in the Solomon Islands. The outcome of the workshop was an agreed work plan for the first year which was reflected in the Minutes of the Planning Workshop containing technical and administrative aspects.

Soon after the workshop the project contracted the services of a local recruiting company to launch the search of a local coordinator for the project in Solomon Island. The position was announced in a local SI newspaper in April based on the terms of reference prepared at the lunching workshop in Honiara. Applications were accepted until mid May and a shortlist of two candidates was identified and reviewed by a selection committee of CIP in consultation with the two main local partner institutions in SI. The successful candidate was Mr. Lawrence Lionel Atu who was appointed Local Project Coordinator in the Solomon Islands on July 25. Mr. Atu holds a Bachelor Degree in Agriculture from the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Apia, Samoa. He has many year of experience as an Agriculture Field Supervisor in the Solomon Islands Plantation Limited of Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC). The local project coordinator is responsible for technical and administrative matters of the project in the SI and will facilitate collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), Kastom Gaden Association (KGA), and farmers.

A local CIP Office was established in Honiara on July 16 in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and Kastom Gaden Association (KGA). The office is located at Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) in New Chinatown, Honiara, in room 10, neighbouring several international and local NGO's like the WWF (8), Adolescent Reproduction Health (9), Green Peace (11), Vois Blong Mere Solomon (12), Civil Society Network (14), and Village Eco- Timber Enterprise (17). A single telephone line linked to the internet was installed on September 9, two months after the service was requested.

Development of the baseline questionnaire was urgently required to describe the seed supply system in Solomon Islands. The draft was prepared based on information and recommendations recorded during the launching workshop, review of previous survey documents as well as the initial baseline survey developed by CIP for a survey undertaken in East Africa. The draft was shared with DAL, KGA, CIP-Lima and UPWARD for comments and inputs in order to adapt the questionnaire to local conditions and to refine questions and better focusing. It is expected that the local coordinator will continue to adjust the questionnaire to get the best information in an efficient way. Field testing of the questionnaire was carried out on July 23rd with farmers at St Martin and Binu villages, Guadalcanal Plains to record the information and compare the results gathered by the survey team. The application of the questionnaire took one hour and twenty minutes to complete.

Introduction of sweetpotato varieties to Australia for clean up has started by sending seventeen sweetpotato breeding lines to the Queensland Department of Primary Industry and Forestry (QDPI&F). Once this material is "cleaned" it will be eventually introduced in Solomon Islands for local trials. The clones will be exposed to thermotherapy to produce PT clones that later will be multiplied at the Regional Germplasm Centre of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community for distribution. CIP Peru has sent to QDPI&F two sets of sweetpotato clones. One set includes orange-fleshed clones and varieties rich in B-carotene. The other set is composed by 21 clones (mega-clones) with best performance and wide adaptation. These clones were sent to QDPI&F at the request of Dr. Graham Lyons who coordinates an ACIAR-funded Harvest Plus project. Sweetpotato clones from the Solomon Islands will be collected during the survey at the end of September. Ten varieties will be selected from two survey sites (Guadalcanal Plains and Wether Coast). Those chosen for PT at QDPI&F will the best in term of taste, earliness, and yield in the opinion of the farmers.

The project Hort/2005/134: The use of pathogen tested planting materials to improve sustainable sweet potato production in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea is led by the East and Southeast Asia and Pacific regional Office (ESEAP) of the International Potato Center (CIP), in collaboration with main partner institutions in the Solomon Islands including the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and the Kastom Gaden Association (KGA). The overseas collaborators include Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPI&F), and the Regional Germplasm Centre of the Secretariat for the Pacific Community in Fiji. This project summary covers approximately nine months of project activity, subsequent to the initial annual report submitted in September 2007.

The first objective of the project and primary focus of project activity during the period has involved the description and evaluation of sweet potato seed supply systems in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In the Solomon Islands component, initial progress against this objective has included the employment of a project coordinator and volunteer technical assistant in July 2007 and February 2008 respectively.

A comprehensive desk study to review existing literature and additional work on sweet potato in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (providing valuable data for the workshop to plan the seed survey) was then undertaken.

A workshop to plan and design a survey (including questionnaire) to describe the seed supply system in Solomon Islands was conducted. Following this, a two-day workshop for training surveyors was completed including means of practical application for testing the questionnaire. A survey of sweet potato seed systems across Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, was then conducted allowing for meaningful recommendations for integrated crop management (ICM) improvement, including seed supply. This process has allowed for varieties of sweet potato with desired characteristics to be identified for pathogen testing (PT). In association with the KGA final moves are now being made to establish an absolute collection of sweet potato varieties from this selection which will be sent for clean up at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Forestry (QDPI&F).

The QDPI&F sent a representative to the initial project workshop held in Honiara in February 2007. QDPI&F has collaborated with the project team to introduce plant material from CIP into Australia with the aim of having it pathogen indexed during the life of the project.

The clones will be exposed to thermotherapy to produce PT clones that will later be multiplied at the Regional Germplasm Centre of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community for distribution. Once this material has been "cleaned" it will be re-introduced in Solomon Islands for local trials.

The second project objective is to introduce, refine and disseminate technologies for improved sweet potato production for small holders practising low-input agriculture. Progress against this objective has included planning and preparation for the establishment of "net houses" (igloos) to be used for evaluation centres for later sweet potato propagation. Areas for the establishment of these structures are being arranged in association with KGA and MAL, respectively. Further progress towards the successful establishment of these centres has included advertisement for field technicians to monitor and regulate procedure in and around these sites. KGA and MAL have both initiated a process for recruitment of two technicians respectively.
The third project objective involves the development of participatory methodologies to deliver ICM programs for sweet potato in the Solomon Islands. To progress against this objective, the need to recruit a trainer of trainers (ToT) expert in the Solomon Islands has been identified with the goal of setting up a farmers field school (FFS) and training curriculum. Initial steps towards this include participation in surveys to better understand local farming risks and opportunities.

The project PC/2005/134 The use of pathogen tested (PT) planting materials to improve sustainable sweet potato production in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea is led by the International Potato Center (CIP) in collaboration with main partner institutions in the Solomon Islands including the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and the Kastom Gaden Association (KGA). Overseas collaborators include Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPI&F) of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation in Australia, National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) in Papua New Guinea, and Regional Germplasm Centre of the Secretariat for the Pacific Community (SPC) in Fiji. This project summary describes project activity since the last annual report submitted in May, 2008.

The first objective of the project involves the description and evaluation of sweet potato seed supply systems in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. In the Solomon Islands component, good progress was made against this objective during the first half of 2008. Ongoing work contributing to this objective has included a desk study of existing literature of published work on sweetpotato production in the Solomon Islands. A summary list of relevant literature has now been assembled and the process to document and review this is now being undertaken. Already, this literature summary has provided valuable data and background information assisting the preparation and development of the Farmer Field Schools (FFS) curriculum, an important component of objective three.

The survey of sweet potato seed supply systems across Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, was completed during the first half of 2007 and has now been summarized. A survey of 50 farmers to identify and to describe the way they manage sweetpotato planting material was carried out. The survey data indicated that farmers obtained the planting material from neighbour farmers or from their new plots. The farmers were used to select sweetpotato planting material from plants with thick stems which seemed free from pests and diseases. Apical cuttings were generally used, of about 30 to 40cm length. None of the farmers in the villages which were surveyed prepared special land for a multiplication plot and they did not renew planting material with tubers because planting material is always available. The common practice is to use the same plant as a source of planting material for several growing seasons. Within the subsistence production system surveyed, the need for planting material in terms of quantity did not constitute a constraint, but the quality of planting material suffered degradation due to constant use, and this affected sweetpotato productivity.

During February 2009, Dr. Segundo Fuentes (CIP, Lima) visited the Solomon Islands to assess the presence of sweetpotato viruses in Guadalcanal and Malaita provinces. This nine-day visit included an assessment and analysis of virus presence using methods including NCM-ELISA with assistance from a senior scientist of MAL. Other factors which contribute to reducing sweetpotato productivity, such as quality of planting material, pests, diseases, and soil fertility were observed. A report documenting activities and findings has been made available.

The second project objective is to introduce, refine and disseminate technologies for improved sweetpotato production for smallholders practicing low-input agriculture. Progress against this objective includes the identification of popular local varieties of sweetpotato with desired characteristics to be identified. In association with the KGA, a collection of popular sweetpotato varieties as identified in the project survey as well as other means were selected and sent for clean-up at QPI&F during September 2008. Twenty varieties in total were sent for clean-up including 10 chosen by CIP as well as 10 by KGA. To assist in the accumulation of baseline data as well as providing planting material for future project activities (e.g. FFS), trials of these varieties were established at field sites in the rural areas of Aruligo and Binu on Guadalcanal while awaiting the return of the 'clean' clones. Preliminary harvest data has been collected and is currently being analysed.

Further progress against this objective has included the establishment of screen-houses to be used for sweetpotato propagation and multiplication. A four-day workshop focused on the construction and maintenance of screen-house technology, while incorporating aspects of PT training as related to sweetpotato management in the Solomon Islands, was facilitated during September 2008 by the consultant Dr. Grahame Jackson. Project partners and other concerned stakeholders including leading commercial farmers from the Guadalcanal Plains attended this training. Subsequently, three large screen-houses have been established in coordination with the project partners. Two have been successfully erected at the KGA and MAL respectively while CIP has also erected a screen-house at Don Bosco Research Training Center (RTC), Tetere.

Following the adoption of this screen-house technology, 19 PT sweetpotato accessions were imported into the country from SPC, Fiji. These have been successfully established and multiplied in the secure screen-house environments at Don Bosco RTC, MAL and KGA. Variety evaluation trials of these varieties were established by MAL on the outskirts of Honiara and preliminary harvest data is now being analysed.

During April 2009, KGA and CIP jointly coordinated the planting of 25 orange-flesh sweetpotato (OFSP) varieties and 3 purple varieties at a 'coloured sweetpotato' bulking site at Binu. Other varieties of OFSP and purple sweetpotato will be added to this collection as they are identified. Trialling and testing of this collection will occur throughout 2009.

The third project objective involves the development of participatory methodologies to deliver integrated crop management programs for sweetpotato in the Solomon Islands. The need to recruit a Trainer of Trainers (ToT) expert in the Solomon Islands was identified to assist in setting up Farmers Field Schools (FFS) and training curriculum. Dr. Lilibeth Laranang from Tarlac College Agriculture Philippines, has been recruited to assist in this capacity. A curriculum for FFS was developed in the later part of 2008 with assistance from CIP staff representatives. A pilot FFS was then organised to commence in January 2009 based at the rural community of Binu in the Guadalcanal Plains. The pilot FFS is scheduled to run for an entire crop cycle as it is observed in the locality (~5 months) with participant graduation scheduled for June 17, 2009.

The project PC/2005/134, titled "The use of pathogen-tested (PT) planting materials to improve sustainable sweet potato production in Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea," is led by the International Potato Center (CIP) and executed in collaboration with its main partner institutions in the Solomon Islands: the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and the Kastom Gaden Association (KGA). The project, started in 2007, is progressing towards its conclusion this year in August 2010. The overseas collaborators are Queensland Department Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPI&F) of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation in Australia, National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and the Regional Germplasm Centre of the Secretariat for the Pacific Community (SPC) in Fiji. The successful execution of project activities has received enormous support from all partners who have actively contributed to the development of the project over almost four years to date. This project summary outlines the activities achieved since the last report on 31 May 31 2009.

The first objective of the project involved the description and evaluation of sweet potato seed supply systems in Solomon Islands and PNG. In the Solomon Islands component, the final draft of the literature review was submitted to the CIP coordination office in April 2010 after consultation with all project partners and wide support from SPC-Fiji and MAL. Dr Grahame Jackson compiled and reviewed the literature report and provided technical editing to the final version. The study on the seed system of Guadalcanal is also progressing well and the final report is expected to be available to the CIP coordination office before August 2010.

This report contains detailed information on the sweet potato seed system prevalent in Solomon Islands. The report underscores the relevance of good quality planting material to high productivity of sweet potato. The usual practice of selecting cuttings from old standing plants is associated to low yields and poor quality roots. It is expected that the use of tuberous roots as source of seed will ultimately provide vigorous and healthier planting material able to increase yields. Within the subsistence production system, planting material did not constitute a constraint in terms of quantity but the quality of planting material is degraded due to continuous use of vines from old plants thus reducing productivity. The trials on rejuvenation of seeds stocks conducted on the Guadalcanal Plains have made farmers aware of the importance of seed quality to obtain higher yields. In PNG the survey of the sweet potato production system is in process following the completion of questionnaires.

The second objective of the project consists on virus indexing and clean-up of the best and most popular local varieties to be carried out by QDPI&F in Australia. The identification and collection of local varieties were achieved through wide consultation with local partners and sent to Australia early after the start-up of the project. From the 20 varieties sent to QDPI&F, 18 survived heat treatment in the process of virus elimination. The PT (cleanedup) varieties are expected to be re-introduced to Solomon Islands in June 2010. Currently, the conservation and trials with the 20 selected varieties are done at Mr. Ferries Pupura's sweet potato field.

Further progress towards this objective has included the establishment of positive selection trials on Guadalcanal Plains. Three partner institutions have conducted similar trials on the effect of different sources of planting material by the yield potential of the mother plants that are the source of cuttings. Three categories were established to create three different populations: plants yielding less than 500 g, plants yielding 650-850 g, and plants yielding more than 1,000 g. Also, the 20 selected varieties are being tested against local varieties PNG, the farmer participatory evaluation (FPE) is scheduled for June this year.

Ipomoea setosa seeds have been imported to the Solomon Islands from CIP-HQ in Peru arriving through DHL Express Mail on April 2010. The seeds have been cleared from customs and stored in the quarantine greenhouses for testing and release to the project. This will enable MAL, KGA, and CIP staff to undertake research on detecting sweet potato viruses present in the Solomon Islands. Through collaboration with NARI, MAL staff is encouraged to take a leading role in allowing its technicians to undergo training on virus detection, which is an important component of this project.

Recently, 28 PT clones have been imported from SPC. MAL is taking the lead to conduct trials and test the varieties on various agro-ecological conditions in the Solomon Islands. Not all PT plants were able to survive after exposure to very high, extreme temperatures. The third project objective involves the development of participatory methodologies to deliver integrated crop management (ICM) programs for sweet potato in the Solomon Islands. Dr. Lilibeth Laranang, from Tarlac College of Agriculture in the Philippines, was recruited to assist in this capacity. A curriculum for farmer field school (FFS) was developed with assistance from CIP staff and partner institutions. A pilot FFS study was held at Binu on Guadalcanal Plains. The FFS commenced in January 2009 after it was launched in the same month. The pilot FFS was scheduled for 22 weeks for the entire crop cycle, with graduation held on 18 June 2009. Training of Trainers (ToT) was organised for the participants to facilitate FFS up-scaling program in the rural areas of the provinces with two proposed sites: Weathercoast of Guadalcanal and Bina in Malaita. A total of 14 participants successfully completed the training and graduated on 14 June 2009.

Achievement against activities and outputs/milestones.

Objective 1: To describe and evaluate sweet potato supply systems in Papua New
Guinea and Solomon Islands

No
Activity
Outputs
Milestones
Completion date
Comments
1.1
Desk study
Literature review
documented
March 2010 document completed
The draft copy was completed and made available to all project partners.
1.2
Write-up of sweet potato survey in the Solomon Islands
Analyse and report findings on weakness and strengths of seed system and other agronomic
January 2010 report
completed
The final report was completed and made available to all project partners.
1.3
Finalse modification of questionnaire
Circulated to peers
for remarks
12 April 2010
Sweet potato draft questionnaire in PNG.
1.4
Conduct the sweet potato seed system study survey
Appropriate and necessary data on sweet potato seed system in PNG is collected in a survey
21 April 2010
PNG conducts survey to evaluate the seed system in PNG.
1.5
Compile survey data and analyse
Survey data compiled
4 June 2010
The final report and interpretation of the survey on PNG sweet potato seed system will be published following its draft circulation.
PC = Partner Country, A = Australia

Objective 2: To introduce and evaluate improved sweet potato varieties

No
Activity
Outputs
Milestones
Completion date
Comments
2.1
The 20 varieties undergoing virus indexing
20 popular SI varieties (10 CIP; 10 KGA) sent to QDPI&F
Ongoing
From the 20 varieties only 18 varieties are undergoing further treatment to final indexing. Two varieties lost during heat treatment. Local varieties are still undergoing thermotherapy and virus indexing. Some varieties did not handle the process well. It is still expected that these varieties will be successfully virus indexed.
2.2
Preliminary trials on SPC and local varieties
Available local varieties were tested against other introduced overseas PT varieties from SPC
Ongoing
This will be completed in June with trials being set up on Guadalcanal and Dala in Malaita Province. SPC variety trial was established using single vine cutting. MAL is responsible for the trial in Malaita.
2.3
On-station evaluation of exotic sweet potato lines
Exotic SP lines made available for use to the PNG farming communities
28 October 2009
Following the introduction of exotic sweet potato lines, the trials have been conducted on station farm site. From the six exotic SP lines introduced, two were discarded: one because of high susceptibility to leaf and vine scab and one for consistent low root tuber yield. The remaining four SP lines are held in the field gene bank; however, they are lost from tissue culture in PNG.
2.4
Positive selection to investigate yield comparison using three weight categories
Three trials were established for yield comparison using two popular varieties
June 2010
The comparison trials were set up at three different sites on Guadalcanal with treatments, farmers cutting, <500 g, 650- 850 g, and >1,000 g. The varieties are Kaulogu and Wana Wana.
2.5
Farmer participatory evaluation (FPE)
Participating farmers are trained on good sweetpotato farming practises
June 2010
The FPE was delayed due to the preparation of the clean material, and result shows that the local check variety yield comparatively higher than PT exotic lines. As the remaining four SP lines were lost from tissue culture in PNG, re-introduction was necessary. However, to fast track this component, other lowland cultivars available from tissue culture in PNG will be used in this activity. Basana (SI 85) and Sinulu (SI 108) both in the field and tissue culture to commence this activity
2.6
Maintaining PT screenhouses from both partners
Ensure the PT plants are maintained to supply healthy plants to local partners for production and research
Ongoing activity
Supervision made by CIP staff by visiting screenhouses at MAL and KGA.
2.7
MAL imported some PT sweet potato clones from SPC-Fiji
28 overseas PT sweet potato clones available to the Solomon Islands
March 2010
MAL is coordinating the next batch of sweet potato clones from SPC-Fiji to be tested in various agro-ecological sites in the country. PT clones originated from Peru, USA, Cook Islands, Bolivia, Burundi, and China

2.8
Collate and evaluate harvest data from field trials
Accumulate baseline
data on local SP
varieties sent to
QDPI&F
May 2010
The local varieties and SPC tested at the new site on Guadalcanal Plains
2.9
Importation
of Ipomea
Setosa
seeds
50 seeds imported
to the Solomon
Islands
50 seeds imported
to the Solomon
Islands through CIP-Lima
April 2010
The seeds will be raised in the protected quarantine screenhouse to detect virus presence on PT and non- PT plants.
PC = Partner Country, A = Australia

Objective 3: To introduce, refine, and disseminate technologies for improved sweet
potato seed supply systems for small holders practicing low-input agriculture

No
Activity
Outputs
Milestones
Completion date
Comments
3.1
Completion of Pilot FFS at Binu
Pilot FFS on sweet potato integrated crop management with emphasis on PT planting materials production was prepared
18 June 2009
The FFS program ran for 22 weeks at Binu farm site. The curriculum being developed became a useful tool for participants. 14 graduates completed the training.
3.2
14 participants graduated
The participants selected from 3 institutions and farmers around Binu and Don Bosco Tetere.
18 June 2009
The participants received their certificate of FFS completion. 10 men and 4 women sweet potato farmers from around Binu and Don Bosco at Tetere from 3 other institutions.
3.3
Closing ceremony
The closing ceremony held at Don Bosco at Tetere.
18 June 2009
Closing program was attended by representatives from partners, NGOs, government officials, and media. The guest speaker was the Director of Research and Development Mr. Jimmy Saelea.
3.4
Training of Trainers (ToT)
14 ToT participants received their certificates of completion.
26 June 2009
These participants will be the key players in the FFS implementation in rural areas in the future. The institutions involved are Vois Blong Mere Solomon, MAL, Guadalcanal Agriculture Extension, Kastom Gaden Association, and key leader farmers. Program runs for 6 days.
3.5
Proposed FFS
Two sites have been chosen for scaling up FFS.
Indefinite
period
The FFS for the scaling-up program is indefinite. The sites have been identified with MAL in Malaita and Guadalcanal, particularly on the Weathercoast.
3.6
FFS site for PNG
In the training
curriculum, skills and
knowledge acquired as
useful tools for farmers participants
May-Nov. 2010
The FFS will be introduced in PNG when the preparation is accomplished in May 2010 is scheduled to begin. Harvesting and marketing aspects will focus on the low-lands of PNG.

3.7
Rejuvenating seed/roots from local varieties
Roots selected at harvest were raised in nursery bed. To be planted by farmers on Guadalcanal Plains.
Ongoing
Roots from Kaulogu, Matana Aso, and Wana Wana were selected from various weight categories: <500 g,<1,000 g, and >2,000 g and planted when the seeds have produced seedlings in next couple of weeks.