University of Sydney

The cocoa pod borer (CPB), Conopomorpha cramerella, a most serious pest of the crop, was first detected in East New Britain Province (ENBP) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in March 2006 and was not eradicated despite intense efforts. CPB is now infesting 18 cocoa growing regions of ENBP as well as plantings at West Sepik and Madang. This project, commissioned in January 2008, is aimed at assisting cocoa stakeholders to effectively implement systematic and long term CPB management through enhancing knowledge and awareness, strengthening surveillance and monitoring efforts, develop pragmatic resource-matched and location-specific integrated pest management (IPM) programmes and development of farmer participatory training and research (FPTR) using discovery learning curricula.
The project commenced with an inception workshop held in PNG Cocoa, Coconut Institute Ltd. (PNG-CCI) over 23-24 April, 2008, with the main objectives of updating participants on the status/management of CPB in PNG and to agree on work plans and timelines for the deliverables of the various project activities. Forty-three people participated; 18 being project personnel, and the others invited to contribute to the proceedings. Visits to new CPB hotspots showed the pest to be increasingly serious in smallholder fields. Discussions with stakeholder agencies indicated keen interest to support and collaborate in the project; for example, AgMark, a local cocoa producer/buyer/supplier, has agreed to participate by hosting a replicate of the target pod spraying (TPS) trial at Tokiala Plantation and supplying the needed insecticide.
Following the inception workshop, a visit was made from 28 August to 4 September 2008 to follow up on activities of the project as agreed during the inception workshop with special emphasis on field experiments and activities, to collect more video and still materials for CPB publicity materials and DVD, to make preparations for the upcoming Training-of-Master Facilitators (TOMF) course and to resolve some administrative matters. About 70% of scheduled activities were initiated at the time of the visit. A problem with over-expenditure for the project inception workshop was also resolved by the PNG-CCI absorbing the additional cost as the institute's further contribution to the project. Members also agreed to be mindful of staying within the budget in all future aspects of the project.
Another visit was made to conduct the TOMF course at PNG-CCI, Tavilo on 14-21 November 2008. The course had 21 participants from PNG-CCI, Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the private sector. The course curriculum was comprehensive, covering wide ranging aspects from background information on CPB to FPTR through farmer field school (FFS), field practice of agro-ecosystem analysis (AESA), and logistical aspects of management and organization of Training-of-Facilitators (TOF) and FFS. As an important output, a TOMF course Manual was produced. Participants' and course evaluations showed the TOMF course to be suitable and to have successfully attained its aim of training a core of Master Facilitators to later train Facilitators and farmers on the IPM of CPB. Opportunity was also taken during and in the remaining time after the course to follow up on the other on-going activities of the project.
Soon after the TOMF course, the first TOF course was conducted on 14-24 January 2009 at the residence of one of the MF (Mr. Koniel Batil) in Napapar 1 Village, Central Gazelle Local Level Government (LLG), Gazelle District. Twenty-eight participants came from seven wards in Zone 2 of Central Gazelle LLG, ENBP, comprising a wide range of interested individuals (e.g. farmers, councillors, former banker, DPI staff, health worker and teachers). The course curriculum covered 4 lecture presentation sessions on general aspects of CPB, FPTR, facilitation, etc. The remaining sessions were practicals in both classroom and the field. Many of the farmer participants immediately implemented what they had learnt in their cocoa fields. The second TOF course was planned for 14-22 May, 2009. Unfortunately, this had to be cancelled suddenly (on 7 May) due to an administrative 'crisis' at PNG-CCI.
Notwithstanding the last problem, all activities of the project have commenced at the time of this report.

This 2nd Annual Report covers progress made during 1 June 2009 to 31 May 2010. Excluded is the progress made from project inception until 31 May 2009 which has been documented in the 1st Annual Report and which covered primarily the project background, inception workshop (held over 23-24 April, 2008), TOMF course (undertaken on 14-21 November 2008), the 1st TOF course (conducted from 14-24 January 2009), progress of research activities and the various follow-on activities after each of these events.
During the period under review, progress made were: completion of the 2nd and 3rd TOF courses, initiation of 3 FFS, conduct of the Mid-Term Review Meeting and the respective follow-up activities..
The 2nd TOF course was originally planned for 14-22 May, 2009. Unfortunately, this had to be cancelled suddenly on 7 May due to an administrative "crisis" at PNGCCIL. This was rescheduled and conducted on 20-28 August 2009 by six lead MF with assistance from several supporting MF. The course had 27 participants comprising farmers, extension workers, training staff from the private sector, staff members of DPI, ward councillors, and members of various groups/committees. Like the 1st TOF, the course curriculum was comprehensive and generally followed that of the November 2008 TOMF course but modified/abridged to suit the requirements of the TOF. Details of the course syllabus were subsequently compiled into a TOF Manual.
The 3rd TOF was conducted in addition to the two TOFs originally targeted by the project, primarily due to initiative and strong motivation of MFs. This TOF trained an additional batch of 16 local farmer Facilitators. This 3rd TOF course was conducted at PNGCCIL by five MFs; with both Dr. Samson Laup and Paul Gende giving overall support throughout the course. Details of course syllabus were similar to the training manual used in the 2nd TOF course.
In general, an important selection criterion of participants for both the TOFs was that the participants are in a position to conduct FFS on return to their farms and work places. Participants' and course evaluations showed the two TOF courses to be suitable both in substance and form and to have successfully attained their aim of training Facilitators to conduct FFS on the IPM of CPB.
Both MF and Facilitators after their training have started to organize and conduct FFS in early 2010. A total of three FFS (out of four FFS to be undertaken by the project) are now being conducted in three different locations and in varying stages of progress. Of the three on-going FFS, the one in Napapar, with 30 farmers, is in the most advanced stage with FFS training sessions in active progress. This FFS is expected to complete in May 2010. The 2nd FFS, with 33 farmers is in Kabaira. Farmer awareness and selection have been completed, including the baseline survey and a few initial FFS sessions. The 3rd FFS, with 32 farmers is in Kareeba. Farmer awareness and selection have been completed, with the baseline survey undertaken on 9 March 2010. A few initial FFS sessions have also been conducted.

The project Mid-Term Review Meeting was held at PNGCCIL at Tavilo on 17-18 March 2010. It was attended by 22 persons from project partner organizations and their associates. A total of 11 presentations were made covering status of infestation and management of CPB in PNG, progress of project activities, training and information dissemination, information resources, and partner insights. A visit was also made to the project FFS at Napapar. The meeting ended with a closed-door session for project partners.

During the meeting, participants were updated on various aspects and progress of the project, including identifying future work. These included:

1. CPB is continuing its spread in PNG, having found its way into cocoa of East Sepik, New Ireland, West New Britain and Bougainville. Management is clearly the only option in meeting the challenge of the pest, with awareness, training, establishment of demonstration blocks and research for constant improvement of said components being the main strategy.

2. On research, appropriate sampling intensities during delimiting surveys or post treatment census are essential for accurate reflection of CPB infestation as well as effectiveness of control inputs. There are indications from research of this project that current surveillance counts are under-sampling the CPB population, resulting in inability to detect low levels of infestation. Outputs of this project are expected to address this weakness. Sandwich trapping at cocoa canopy level has been shown to be a good alternative to current delta trapping, particularly when maximization of catches is important. This is another finding of the project that would improve monitoring of the pest. The use of improved planting material and development of biocontrol initiatives are important elements for strengthening integrated CPB management and should be priorities for future research.

3. Training modules and curriculum currently developed are appropriate and where they are successfully implemented, have provided encouraging results. The challenge is to ensure sustainability and expansion of training. Funding is always a constraint but the adoption of PAR and FFS approaches is expected to increase realization of these aims wherever training is carried out. The active participation of the private sector, e.g., AgMark's initiatives, will further contribute to these aims. Notwithstanding, the training curriculum must evolve to include additional aspects that would strengthen CPB control. Proper selection and training of trainers is also important in order to ensure their credibility and availability. Training must also always consider local culture and conditions in order to maximize acceptance by farmers.

4. Two posters on CPB biology and management and a multimedia DVD were presented during the meeting. These were well-received by participants. Corrections and amendments arising will however need to be incorporated.

5. Except for activities on evaluation of target pod spraying and demonstration plots, the project is generally on track. Dr. Ho spent considerable time in the week after the meeting to put the outstanding activities back on track. On training, the possibility of expanding FFS to a total of seven over the originally planned four sites will be explored.

6. Discussions between partners during and after the meeting led to consensus that 3 years was a short time for a project of the present scope and severity of the CPB problem. Even with the achievement of all the objectives of the project, outcomes can only at best be foundations for more extensive programmes for management of the pest. The priority will now be to finish the planned activities by end of the project in mid-2011 and propose a second phase to address additional work identified during the visit to further strengthen CPB management in PNG. A concept note on this has been submitted to ACIAR for their consideration.

Tonga
A field investigation into control of powdery mildew using fungicides, generally regarded as safe (GRAS) chemicals and inducers of natural resistance was conducted this season from July to October 2005. Powdery mildew severity was relatively mild this season. The most effective fungicide in this trial was Talius (both high and low rates) followed by Punch+Afugan, Sulphur, JMS stylet oil, Actigard and the Control (untreated). Exportable yield in t/ha was highest in Talius treatments with 17.21 (low rate), 15.30(high rate), 13.29 (Punch+Afugan, 12.71 (Rubigan), 12.20 (Sulphur), 11.29 (Actigard), 11.01 (JMS stylet oil) and 10.96 (Control). Sugar content was highest in the Punch+Afugan replicates with 9.81%, Actigard (9.64%), Rubigan (9.40%), JMS stylet oil (9.39%), Talius[high (9.15%)], Sulphur (9.08%), Control (8.70%) and the lowest sugar content was recorded in Talius [low(8.61%)].
Australia
An objective powdery mildew screening procedure was developed using a scanning program to assess % severity. Six cultivars of squash : Kabocha SPS8682, Kabocha SPS3742, Kabocha Amali Delica 2643R3KQJ, Kabocha SPS7764, Kabocha SPS8702, Hybrid Japanese Kurijiman F1were screened for resistance to powdery mildew. All were susceptible with no evidence of partial resistance. In glasshouse trials, whole leaf and detached leaf screening of GRAS and defence elicitors was conducted for control of powdery mildew prior to conducting a field trial. Milsana, Thiovit, Silica, an organic oil product GC3, an oil product Biocover, Actigard, and Ti Tree oil, were used and the best treatments selected for use in a field trial in late 2005. In separate trials optimum concentrations of Milsana and silica for PM control was determined. Milsana and Thiovit were significantly better at controlling powdery mildew in the preliminary trials. For the field trial, an integrated approach was developed in testing efficacy of both Milsana and Thiovit against conventional fungicide treatments. Treatments were: Milsana, Thiovit, Amistar, alternate Milsana + Thiovit, alternate Thiovit + Amistar, alternate Milsana + Thiovit + Amistar, Water and Surfactant, and Commercial Practice. The trial was completed in March 2006 and is currently being analysed.

Aim
To improve field-based crop protection and market quality of squash within a systems framework addressing a) Powdery Mildew, b) silver leaf whitefly, c) virus management, d) weed management and e) grower uptake and market implications.

Objectives
1. Development of integrated field management strategies for control of Powdery Mildew and other fungal diseases.
2. Investigation of sustainable cultural, biological and chemical control strategies to Silver leaf Whitefly infestations
3. Identification and control of the major virus diseases of Kabocha squash
4. Development of effective approaches to suppressing weeds that compete with and limit crop production and profitability for farmers in cropping.
5. Optimization of technological adoption and extension through use of on-farm trials and stakeholder workshops and increase awareness of market implications

Due to the retirement of Dr Pita Taufatofua, Dr Villami Manu, Head of Vaini Research Station, has taken over as Team Leader of the Tongan MAFF research team. In contrast to 2005 when a government strike interrupted trials, the team members have made significant progress in meeting the project objectives in 2006.
Both 2005 and 2006 trials in Tonga and Australia have shown that replacement of fungicides with Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) chemicals is just as effective in controlling Powdery Mildew as using traditional fungicides alone. The results indicate that environmentally friendly chemicals can be used in controlling powdery mildew without compromising control. Preliminary testing for fungicide resistance by Powdery Mildew suggests there is no resistance to the current suite of fungicides used in Tonga, but this needs to be verified by further testing with isolates from a greater geographical range.

Weed species and other cucurbit crops were screened as potential alternative hosts for viruses. ELISA tests found that Sonchus oleraceus and Chamaesyce sp. were alternative hosts for ZYMV and WMV. The results indicate that weed control around squash plantations is an important aspect of virus control. Further screening for alternative hosts will be conducted in 2007, as will testing for virus transmission via seed.

A survey of weed species and % cover during succession after ploughing was conducted. An early weed coloniser was Commelina sp. however within 3 weeks Macuna seeds had germinated and become the dominant leafy cover. Trials using Macuna pruriens as a cover crop during the fallow season were also begun in 2006. In July 2007, squash will be either planted through the herbicided Macuna or planted after the Macuna cover crop is ploughed in. Apart from the benefits of weed control, Macuna is expected to increase nitrogen levels in the soil, reducing the input of inorganic fertilizer.

Colonies of the introduced Silver Leaf Whitefly parasitoid Erotmocerus hayati died during early 2006. The parasitoid will be re-introduced from Brisbane in early 2007. Evaluation of safer insecticides that are compatible with IPM, was conducted in 2006. All were effective against SLWF, however data are yet to be analysed.

Ms Sela Tupouniau, the MAFF Plant Pathologist took up a JAF fellowship in January 2007 to study for her PhD. at the University of Sydney.

Under the leadership of Dr Viliami Manu, Head of Vaini Research Station, the Tongan MAFF research team made significant progress in meeting objectives in 2007. The 2007 field trial for controlling powdery mildew on squash using fungicides suggests there is no resistance to currently available fungicides in Tonga. Rotational use of the fungicides is important to prevent resistance development in powdery mildew strains.
The GRAS chemicals tested in Tonga and Australia show consistent effectiveness for the control of powdery mildew of squash. A recommendation will be made on the cost to the Tongan and Australian markets on incorporating GRAS chemicals into the spray schedule, reducing the reliance on fungicides.
A study on the powdery mildew populations in squash in Tonga is underway by Ms Tupouniua as part of her PhD study program. Samples of squash powdery mildew are being tested for their sensitivity against different fungicides along with a microscopic study for taxonomic identification.
Field evaluation of insecticides to control Silverleaf Whitefly was not conclusive because of very low infestation in squash during the experimental season (August 2007). An experiment on biological control of Silverleaf Whitefly in tomato is underway in controlled conditions with the introduced parasite of Eretmocerus hayati from Brisbane CSIRO. Methods for screening alternative hosts of viruses affecting squash production were demonstrated to MAFF personnel and the tests are being conducted.
The experiments for the effectiveness of the cover crop of Macuna pruriens that began in 2006 and again in 2007 has been shown to be beneficial in controlling weed population as well increasing economic returns from squash cultivation.
A survey was conducted in 2007 in squash growing areas for prevalence of insect pest and diseases and weed infestation. Good rainfall and a cool climate in 2007 resulted in increased production of squash, through increased fruit set, despite significant powdery mildew infestation during the season. The same climatic conditions reduced the population of Silverleaf Whitefly, and as a result, lowered the level of infection by virus.

In April 2008 a review of the project PC(then HORT)/2003/046, Integrated control of Powdery mildew and other disease, weed and insect problems in squash in Tonga and Australia, was undertaken and a report submitted to ACIAR. The review indicated that the project has performed well against most objectives, activities, milestones and outputs and the project team is to be congratulated on the work to date. Despite some minor setbacks and issues, significant progress had been made towards the aims and objectives.
For Powdery mildew, it was demonstrated, in Australia and Tonga, that generally regarded as safe (GRAS) chemicals such as Stylet Oil and Milsana could be effectively incorporated into commercial spray programs, thereby reducing the number of less-environmentally friendly fungicides applied. On this basis, recommended spray regimes have been developed. In addition, fungicide resistance to commonly used commercial powdery mildew fungicides has been detected in powdery mildew isolates from Tonga.
For Silverleaf whitefly (SLW), the parasitoid, Eretmocerus hayati, has been introduced from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia and released in Tonga. Two SLW insecticides that are compatible with integrated pest management (IPM) approaches, Chess and Applaud, have been identified for inclusion in an IPM strategy.
Two major potyviruses associated with virus diseases in squash in Tonga have been identified, along with a range of weed hosts and vectors.
To improve weed management, Mucuna has been demonstrated as a weed control technique, for use both pre-planting and as an inter-row cover crop.
In the area of technology transfer and extension, field days, workshops and IPM training workshops were held for growers and technical staff. Field surveys of powdery mildew and SLW distribution in commercial crops were completed.
Additional activities were undertaken, including studies on: cultivar resistance to powdery mildew, chemical resistance to powdery mildew strains, virus on seed transmissibility and planting directly into mulches.
Capacity building activities have included visits of staff of the Tongan Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Forests and Fisheries (MAFFF) to Australia for training, in-country workshops, transfer of technical and scientific skills (e.g. trial design and analysis, ELISA) and formal training through the John Allwright Fellowship Scheme.
While the project has achieved many of the intended milestones and outcomes, there are three major deficiencies that have the potential to severely restrict the project's impact: commercial recommendations have not been formally developed, nor have the elements, plus agronomy, been included in an integrated crop management package; demonstration and dissemination of these recommendations has not occurred; and robust economic analysis of these recommendation has not been carried out - i.e. demonstration that these recommendations are not only effective but also cost-effective.
The review team recommended an extension phase of the project to address the areas not yet completed. An Extension Application was submitted October 2008 and approved.

In December 2008 an extension was approved to June 2010 to complete the remaining tasks of the original project. In summary the extension was to allow time and funding to finalise the best options for control of powdery mildew, silverleaf whitefly (SLWF), viruses and weed management, based on the significant number of trials undertaken during the project period. The best options were to be communicated to extension officers and growers through an extension workshop and a grower's manual. Due to staffing changes these objectives were not fully achieved and, following end-of-project review in April 2010, the project has been extended to December 2010 to allow a final season for communicating the outcomes to the industry stakeholders. The project has now achieved many of the intended milestones and outcomes, and in the final 9-month extension, commercial recommendations will be disseminated as updated extension leaflets, with a farm demonstration field day in September 2010, and will include economic analysis of these recommendation to ensure they are not only effective but also cost-effective.
a. Powdery Mildew
Based on three years of trials, the results have demonstrated that it is a) important to alternate class of fungicide during the season to avoid resistance buildup of powdery mildew populations, b) it is possible to replace one or two hard fungicide (e.g. triazole) applications with GRAS options such as stylet oil or sulphur, c) systemic acquired resistance (SAR) may be useful as a seed treatment before sowing to obtain resistance throughout the plant. An extension workshop was held with farmers in February 2010 on safe use of pesticides and leaflets handed out on powdery mildew control in squash.
b. Weeds Project
Use of Mucuna during the fallow season has been very successful in suppressing weeds in the following squash season. An extension workshop was held with farmers in Feb 2010 on use of Mucuna to reduce weed problems. Extension material consisted of audio visual material as well as posters and leaflets. In the west of the island Mucuna has been adopted by one large squash grower which has had positive influence on others taking up the new intervention. The advantages of using Mucuna are: a) farmers are able to commence land preparation a later in May, b) it is easier to cultivate land compared to the vigorous grass weeds, c) there are less weeds in the squash crop, d) Mucuna adds nitrogen and organic matter to the soil, e) there is some evidence that Mucuna assists in the release of phosphorous, bound in the soil.
c. SLWF
SLWF has not been a great problem during the life of the project and therefore conclusions on the use of pesticides that complement IPM practices have not been confirmed. SLWF affects tomato crops in April-August and then moves across to squash. There were two releases of the parasitoid Eretmocerus hayatii; however heavy rain prevented the buildup of natural populations. This season, scouting will confirm whether the parasitoid is present or whether re-introduction is necessary.
d. Virology
It was confirmed that the following weeds tested as hosts for the following viruses: a) Synedrella nodiflora - positive for ZYMV & PRSV, b) Commelina benghalensis - positive for CMV, c) Commelina grandis - positive for PRSV, d) Malvastrium coromandelianum - positive for ZYMV and PRSV. The main vector identified was Aphis gossipii. No evidence of seed transmission was found. Recommended control of viruses in squash involves use of field hygiene such removal of field debris plus control of insect vectors.
Capacity building activities have included training through the John Allwright Fellowship Scheme.