University of Western Australia

The project aims to gather baseline information and provide a framework for the development of long-term salinity management strategies in central and southern Iraq. The assessment of salt distribution and its drivers and irrigation water salinity at different scales - farm, irrigation district, and river basin - are the key features of the project. This information will be used to develop methodologies for salinity control and productivity enhancement of saline water and salt-affected soils. The project implementation sites are in Wasit (Al-Dujaila area/project), Babil (Al-Musaib area/project), and Basra (Abu-Al-Khaseeb area/project).
The overall project objectives are: (1) To develop a robust conceptualisation of salinization processes in central and southern Iraq based on information available on salinization at field and basin level and quantify salt and water fluxes and areas affected by salinity; (2) To determine appropriate strategic approaches to manage salinity that suit local environmental and socio-economic conditions; (3) To assessment of key productivity limitations and opportunities to wheat-based irrigated agricultural systems; and (4) To develop investment options for ongoing salinity management in Iraq.
The project objectives are addressed by undertaking research across three scales (i.e. regional, irrigation district, and farm) and through seven research components (A to G) and four process components (H to K). The project objectives are further divided into specific objectives at the component level. The specific objectives of the project research and process components are:
At regional scale:
A: To quantify the spatial distribution of soil salinity based on information available on salinization at field and basin level and its causes in central and southern Iraq (Component A)
B: To describe the qualitative and quantitative trends in river and drainage water for central and southern Iraq (Component B)
At irrigation district scale:
C: To quantify and describe the relationship between groundwater levels, groundwater salinity and irrigation activity (Component C)
D: To assess the current state of irrigation and drainage infrastructure (Component D)
At farm scale:
E: To demonstrate best bet practices for different salt tolerant crops, crop varieties and fodders (Component E)
F: To develop methodologies to improve soil, agronomic, irrigation water and drainage management for salinity control (Component F)
All scales:
G: To identify socio-economic and policy constraints to the effective use and remediation of saline land and water resources in central and southern Iraq at the basin-, irrigation-district and farm-scales (Component G)
H: To build capacity of Iraqi researchers involved in the project (Component H)
I: To develop investment options for supporting continued salinity management in Iraq and linking with other potential donors (Component I)
J: To integrate project research components to deliver on the project objectives and outputs (Component J)
H: To communicate for building the teams and networks in Iraq, and ensure 'sustainability' of the project-led activities in the post-project phase (Component K)
The project was launched with an inception workshop at ICARDA on 5-9 December 2010, with 29 participants from five ministries of Iraq (Agriculture, Water Resources, Science and Technology, Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Environment); 16 from ICARDA; one from the University of Western Australia; four from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO); two from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI); and three from International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA); and two from Syria. The representatives of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Ms Erica Fergusson; and Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Dr Ian Willett also participated in the inception workshop. The participants worked on the project work plan with outputs and activities for the seven research components along with the budget allocation to these components. Since the start of the project, there have been regular visits of scientists from the international and Australian institutions to follow up on planning of the project-led activities.
The first meeting of the Project Steering Committee was held on 9 December 2010 under the chairmanship of Dr Mahdy Al-Qaisi, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Iraq. It approved the terms of reference for the Project Steering Committee, composition of the Project Technical Committee and its terms of reference, and approved the project work plan and budget for year 1.
After the inception workshop, ICARDA as the coordinating organization communicated with the each partner institution to sign Memorandum of Agreement for distribution of funds as a part of the funding arrangement. Fund transfers to all the institutions for the first six months have been undertaken according to respective institutional budget allocations.
Although the project work plan and budget were prepared in December 2010, the communication and follow-up on project-led activities from Iraq were very slow during January-February 2011. This was due to the late project approval notification (23 February 2011) from the Iraq Ministry of Agriculture along with the establishment of teams for research components from Iraq. Without this notification, the project team was not able to undertake project activities officially. The communication and follow up at the project and component level remained highly variable during March-April 2011.
The first meeting of the Project Technical Committee was held on 25-26 April 2011 at ICARDA headquarters. The meeting specifically: (1) Revisited work plan for research components - expected changes at activity level, person(s) responsible for each activity, details of training activities in each component, budget estimation for each research activity and training; (2) proposed corrections, additions or suggestions for the research and process components in regard to the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework; and (3) developed work plan for process components.
Since the first meeting of the Project Technical Committee, there have been significant progress and communication leading to a good recovery from the delayed start and implementation of project-led activities. This was noted in the second meeting of the Project Steering Committee, which was held on 14-15 May 2011 under the chairmanship of Dr Mahdy Al-Qaisi, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Iraq. This meeting was initially scheduled back-to-back with the first Project Technical Committee meeting at ICARDA headquarters, but had to move to Amman because of travel advisory to the members of the Project Steering Committee from Australia. The second Project Steering Committee reviewed the progress of project research and process components including the communication strategy, financial and administrative matters, resource mobilization, and integration of M&E Framework into project activities and its implementation to monitor and evaluate the project progress. While considering significant overlap between components I (investment options for supporting continued salinity management in Iraq and linking with other potential donors, and J (integration of project research components to deliver on the project objectives and outputs J), the committee approved the merger of both for effective implementation and reporting.
During the reporting period, there were two training events organized at ICARDA headquarters: (1) training course on using GIS, field-scale spectral, and salinity measurement techniques (20-28 March 2011); and (2) training workshop on field sampling design for salinity mapping (29-31 March 2011). A comprehensive training plan has been developed to undertake six training courses and three working sessions by involving 24 scientists from Iraq. These training courses and working sessions will be organized in Amman, Jordan, 19-30 June 2011. These training courses and working sessions will help the Iraqi team in follow up and implementation of project activities in Iraq. These training courses and working sessions were initially scheduled at ICARDA headquarters, but had to move to Jordan because of travel advisory to the scientists from Australia.
In order to have effective communication among the project members, Iraq Salinity Project Web Portal has been operational since 14 March 2011. This Web Portal provides a range of options at the project level communication among the members such as uploading project documents and work plans, documents related to salinity and Iraq, and relevant data (large files up to 20 MB size) for use by other members; adding schedules of training and meeting events; communicating through blog entries; and adding new members as and when needed. Currently, there are more than 50 members of the Web Portal. They can access this Web Portal from any internet-based facility.
In terms of external communication and introduction of the project, a draft brochure has been prepared. This brochure provides information on project background, objectives, and approach in terms of salinity distribution at different scales and salinity management for productivity enhancement of saline water and salt-affected soils.
Overall project coordination and communication amongst ICARDA, Iraqi institutions and Australian institutions, and international organizations was managed by e-mail, Project Web Portal, and telephone.

The project aims to increase crop productivity, profitability and sustainability in the drylands of northern Iraq through development, evaluation and promotion of conservation cropping technologies involving zero-tillage, stubble mulching, improved crop cultivars and better crop management. Project activity is focussed in Ninevah Governorate.
The objectives are:
1. To demonstrate and promote uptake of "best-bet" improved varieties and crop management systems for wheat, barley and pulse and forage legumes
2. To evaluate and select new, improved germplasm of wheat, barley and pulse and forage legumes for promotion in demonstration programs
3. To evaluate and select new, improved crop management technologies for promotion in demonstration programs
4. To facilitate agricultural planning and development through utilisation of GIS and crop modelling
5. To develop, evaluate and promote efficient and sustainable local seed production and supply systems
6. To monitor and evaluate adoption and impacts of project technologies, and identify enabling policy options to enhance uptake by farmers
7. To enhance capacity of Iraqi research and extension programs to develop and promote improved conservation cropping technologies.
The project commenced with the first reporting/planning meeting at ICARDA in September 2008, with 17 participants from Iraq, 7 from Australia and 20 from ICARDA. Activities and achievements from the previous project (CIM/2004/024) were presented and the 2008-09 workplan for the new project developed and circulated.
Under the demonstration objective, on-farm demonstrations were established as planned at 12 locations in Iraq evaluating wheat, barley, chickpea, and lentil lines under zero-tillage (ZT), chisel cultivation and conventional cultivation (CC). ZT area in the demonstrations covered 52ha. Six collaborating farmers independently sowed 440ha of ZT crops using a Rama seeder modified for ZT. The year was very dry with <150mm of rainfall at half the locations. Inspections in April-May 2009 confirmed that harvests were possible in only 4 sites, with crops failing because of low rainfall in the other 8 sites. Field days were held at Alqush on 7 January (12 farmers and staff); Telkief on 24 May (18 farmers and staff); and Alqush on 25 May (16 farmers and staff).
In linked demonstrations in Syria, 2070ha of ZT crops were established by 41 farmers in on-farm comparisons of ZT vs CC using locally-made ZT seeders. These farmer crops were inspected and discussed to promote understanding of ZT/stubble mulching with 12 farmers and 12 scientists from Iraq and 7 scientists and 10 farmers from Syria during training-study visits on ZT research, development and seeders in the spring of 2009.
Under the germplasm and crop management research objectives, the project conducted a total of 66 research trials. The University of Mosul and State Board of Agricultural Research Ninevah established 50 trials: 31 on evaluation of elite lines of wheat, barley, chickpea and lentil and varieties of vetch, lathyrus, saltbush, safflower, oats and peas; 19 on crop management and agronomy involving mixtures, rotations, polymer gel, hardpan amelioration and IPM. Trials were regularly inspected and evaluated. Unfortunately, crop growth was poor in many sites due to the very dry year, with reasonable growth and harvests expected from only 12 trials in 4 locations. Harvesting commenced in May/June.
At ICARDA, 16 trials for technology refinement/verification and Iraqi scientist and farmer training were conducted on crop growth under ZT and CC, local seeder performance under ZT and evaluation of alternative crops (oilseeds, oats, peas). All trials established and grew well with 280mm of rain. Growth was consistently better from ZT than CC and early than late sowing. Locally-made ZT seeders performed well. Trials were harvested in May/June.
Under the capacity enhancement objective, there were 91 Iraqi scientist and technician training visits to ICARDA with 74 participating in 10 formal training courses and 17 participating in the reporting-planning meeting where Australian collaborators gave 3 seminars on ZT machinery development, participatory extension and germplasm evaluation under ZT. The formal training focused on specific areas related to project implementation: adoption and impact analysis; seed multiplication and marketing; experimental methods and statistics; ZT seeder principles and operation; variety description and maintenance; GIS/remote sensing; germplasm improvement and breeding; and participatory extension methodology/practice. Australian collaborators delivered 3 of these courses.
In a May 2009 study visit, 11 farmers from Iraq and 8 from Syria spent a week inspecting and discussing ZT research and local farmer demonstrations in northern Syria. This was a very significant visit which enhanced farmer knowledge of conservation cropping systems and encouraged farmer involvement in development and evaluation of ZT/stubble mulching systems in Ninevah and Syria.
Six Iraqi project scientists attended several other significant capacity enhancement opportunities closely related to project activities:
a) one Iraqi economist undertook impact and adoption analysis training at an ACIAR-sponsored Crawford Fund Master Class in India in March 2009.
b) three Iraqi cereal breeders undertook crop breeding and seed production training at an AusAID sponsored course followed by a conservation cropping study tour in Australia in June-July 2009.
c) two Iraqi scientists/project leaders participated in, and presented a project poster at, the 4th World Congress on Conservation Agriculture and undertook a study tour of ACIAR-supported conservation cropping projects in India in February 2009.
During the year, project findings and research and demonstration trials were shown to and discussed with 50 farmers at field days and 21 agricultural engineering students in Iraq and over 500 visitors at ICARDA, which exposed the project and technology widely.
Detailed project information including project documents, reports and presentations is available through the ICARDA web site (http://www.icarda.cgiar.org/ACIAR/Index.htm). The website averaged150 hits/month during July 2008 - April 2009.
Since ZT technology was first exposed and introduced into Iraq by the previous project in 2006-07, the known area of ZT crops has increased to 489ha in 2008-09.In project-related development in Syria where the technology was similarly unknown and untested, total ZT area from project interactions was about 2126ha in 2008-09. A further 160ha of ZT crops is being grown in research and development projects involving Syrian research and extension groups. The recent increase in awareness, research and development on the technology, the keen involvement of farmers and seeder manufacturers in testing and taking up ZT sowing and seeder fabrication, and the higher yields and lower costs being experienced with the technology, provide a good foundation and confidence for wider adoption and impact. However, it has been difficult and disheartening for researchers, extension officers and farmers to develop, promote and evaluate better varieties and conservation cropping technologies during two successive severe droughts. We will hope for a wetter year in Iraq and Syria in 2009-10.

The project aims to increase crop productivity, profitability and sustainability in the drylands of northern Iraq through development, evaluation and promotion of conservation cropping technologies involving zero-tillage, stubble mulching, improved crop cultivars and better crop management. Project activity is focussed in Ninevah Governorate.
The objectives are:
1. To demonstrate and promote uptake of "best-bet" improved varieties and crop management systems for wheat, barley and pulse and forage legumes
2. To evaluate and select new, improved germplasm of wheat, barley and pulse and forage legumes for promotion in demonstration programs
3. To evaluate and select new, improved crop management technologies for promotion in demonstration programs
4. To facilitate agricultural planning and development through utilisation of GIS and crop modelling
5. To develop, evaluate and promote efficient and sustainable local seed production and supply systems
6. To monitor and evaluate adoption and impacts of project technologies, and identify enabling policy options to enhance uptake by farmers
7. To enhance capacity of Iraqi research and extension programs to develop and promote improved conservation cropping technologies.
The second project reporting/planning meeting was held at ICARDA on 27 September-1 October 2009, with 31 participants from Iraq, 3 from Australia and 15 from ICARDA. The Australian Ambassador and the First Secretary (Development Assistance) from the Australian Embassy in Baghdad attended and opened/closed the meeting. The Indian leader of the ACIAR project on enhancing wheat quality from the Directorate of Wheat Research in India also attended the meeting to share and discuss project experiences. Activities and achievements from 2008-09 were presented and the 2009-10 workplan developed and agreed.
In Ninevah, demonstrations of ZT, chisel cultivation and traditional cultivation with early/late planting using a local variety of barley, bread wheat, and durum wheat were established at 13 locations with 15 farmers. Lentil and chickpea were included at several sites. Rainfall (230-740mm) and harvests were good at 11 locations. Demonstrations covered 168 ha, with 56ha of ZT.
Three farmers grew 1025ha of ZT using their locally-modified modified Rama or John Shearer seeders. Thirteen farmers grew nearly 700ha of ZT crops using 3 Syrian 4m-wide trailed ZT tine seeders and one Syrian 4m-wide trailed ZT disc seeder. Overall, about 1800ha of ZT crops were grown by 31 farmers in Ninevah.
Field days were held in Ninevah at four demonstration sites. The first was arranged by farmers involved in ZT seeder modification at Nimroud on 20 February 10 (25 farmers-staff). Others were arranged by DOA at Mahalabia on 20 April 10 (31 farmers-staff), Telkief on 6 May 10 (42 farmers-staff) and Alshekhanon on 13 May 10 (80 farmers-staff).
In farmer demonstrations with collaborators in northern Syria, some 200- 250 farmers established about 8,000-10,000ha of ZT crop. Field days were held at Salamiya on 20 April (200 participants), Kamishley on 22 April (250) and Jarjanaz on 28 April (350).
Demonstrations and field days were used in training visits by Iraqi scientists and farmers, to inspect and discuss ZT activities with Syrian researchers, extension officers and farmers. Many Iraqis initially sceptical about ZT, low seed rates and early planting were very positive by the end of their visits.
In Ninevah, 54 research trials were conducted under the germplasm and crop management research objectives. The University of Mosul and State Board of Agricultural Research Ninevah established 41 trials: 28 on evaluation of elite lines and varieties of wheat, barley, chickpea, lentil, vetch, lathyrus, saltbush, safflower, oats and peas; 13 on crop management involving mixtures, rotations, polymer gel, hardpan amelioration and IPM. Trials generally grew well with harvesting in May/June.
At ICARDA, 14 trials for technology refinement/verification and Iraqi scientist and farmer training were conducted on: crop and variety performance under ZT and CC; local seeder performance; time, seed rate and depth of sowing; comparison of local ZT seeders; evaluation of alternative crops (oilseeds, oats, peas); and increasing wheat frequency in wheat-lentil-camelina rotations. All trials established and grew well with 270mm of rain. Growth was consistently better from ZT than CC and early than late sowing. Locally-made ZT seeders performed well. Cereals and legumes seemed to do best when planted early with 100kg/ha of seed planted at 4-8cm depth. Trials were harvested in May/June.
Experience in 2008-09 with the first 3 local Syrian-made ZT seeders by farmers and researchers identified needs for stronger, wider, trailed or 3PL seeders with more-widely spaced tines and press wheels. Seven new models (10 units) were made 2009-10 in collaboration with El Bab, Qabbasin and Kamishley manufacturers. Four seeders were sent to Ninevah for evaluation and use in farmer demonstrations. These have worked well with several requiring some adjustment and strengthening.
In Ninevah, was not possible to engage local manufacturers in ZT seeder fabrication. However, three local farmers, one the owner of the Nimroud demonstration site, continued innovative ZT modification and experimentation with local seeders, developing and testing robust and effective tines and narrow points in collaboration with Australian specialists. The farmers organised and funded a successful field day on 20 February attended by 25 farmers-scientists, showing and describing their positive experiences with ZT seeder modification and ZT crops. This farmer leadership in developing, testing, demonstrating and promoting modified ZT seeders is thought by project leaders to be a first for Ninevah/Iraq, and represents a major outcome and impact from the project.
There were major efforts in Ninevah to develop on-farm seed production. Foundation seed production of bread wheat, durum wheat and barley varieties was commenced at Rashidiya RS. Some 225ha of wheat (15 vars) and barley (4 vars) was grown in 10 locations by 21 seed production farmers; these will form the foundation of project-led village-based seed production enterprises.
In capacity enhancement at ICARDA, there were 77 Iraqi scientist and technician training visits with 47 participating in 12 formal training courses and 30 in the annual meeting where one Australian collaborator gave a seminar on climate change. The training remained targeted, with Australian partners delivering 3 of the courses, and focused on specific areas related to the project: Socio-economic planning and evaluation; GIS landuse/cover mapping; Crop management and post harvest operations in quality seed production; ZT plot seeder assembly, operation and maintenance; Advanced design and analysis of experiments; Best practices for collecting and conserving genetic resources; Participatory extension; Iraqi farmers ZT study visit; Variety identification and maintenance; Data management, ANOVA, regression: Excel and Genstat; GIS/Remote sensing; ZT and agronomy research experience. In addition, 14 collaborating Syrian scientists also participated in some of these courses.
There were two very significant visits, one by 18 Iraqi and 14 Syrian farmers, and one by 16 Iraqi and 8 Syrian extension officers, to inspect and discuss ZT research, farmer experiences with ZT, and ZT seeder fabrication across northern Syria. The groups attended three major field days with 200-350 participants in Salamiya, Kamishley and Jarjanaz. These visits greatly enhanced knowledge of ZT and effective ways to undertake participatory R, D and E with demonstrations and field days.
Seven trainees travelled to Australia on study visits focused on ZT, hay and seed production at UniAdelaide (3 participants), soil and plant nutrition at AgWA in Albany (1 participant), weed management at UniAdelaide (2 participants) and a PhD on conservation cropping at UniWA (1 participant).
During the year, project findings and research and demonstration trials were inspected and discussed with 175 farmers and staff at field days in Iraq. In Syria, 800 farmers and staff attended project field days in Salamiya, Idleb and Kamishley. At ICARDA, 100 Iraqi project staff and 300 visitors inspected and/or discussed project research trials. These visits exposed the project and ZT technology widely in the region and beyond. As an example, the Minister for Agriculture from Lebanon visited in mid-May 2010 and was surprised and impressed that crops could be grown with ZT and stubble retention; he has since requested specifications of project-developed ZT seeders and manufacturer details and plans to purchase seeders to promote ZT R&D in Lebanon.
The project generated considerable publicity and media coverage in Australia, with three articles published in development magazines and many reports in the rural press and on ABC radio and TV, including features on Late Night Live, Bush Telegraph and Landline. Detailed project information including project documents, reports and presentations is available through the ICARDA web site (http://www.icarda.cgiar.org/ACIAR/Index.htm).
Since ZT technology was first exposed and introduced into Iraq by the previous project in 2006-07, the known area of ZT crops has increased to 1,800ha in 2009-10.In project-related development in Syria where the technology was similarly little known or tested, total ZT area from project interactions was about 8,000-10,000ha in 2009-10. A further 700ha of ZT crops was grown in research and development projects involving Syrian research and extension groups. ICARDA grew about 200ha of ZT crops in trials and rotation/seed production areas. The on-going increase in awareness, research and development on the technology, the keen involvement of manufacturers and farmers in ZT seeder fabrication and testing and taking up ZT, and the higher yields and lower costs being experienced, provide a good foundation and confidence for wider adoption and impact. The more favourable year in 2009-10 has encouraged farmer enthusiasm and confidence in Ninevah and Syria.

The project aims to increase crop productivity, profitability and sustainability in the drylands of northern Iraq through development, evaluation and promotion of conservation cropping technologies involving zero-tillage, stubble mulching, improved crop cultivars and better crop management. Project activity is focussed in Ninevah Governorate.
The objectives are:
1. To demonstrate and promote uptake of "best-bet" improved varieties and crop management systems for wheat, barley and pulse and forage legumes
2. To evaluate and select new, improved germplasm of wheat, barley and pulse and forage legumes for promotion in demonstration programs
3. To evaluate and select new, improved crop management technologies for promotion in demonstration programs
4. To facilitate agricultural planning and development through utilisation of GIS and crop modelling
5. To develop, evaluate and promote efficient and sustainable local seed production and supply systems
6. To monitor and evaluate adoption and impacts of project technologies, and identify enabling policy options to enhance uptake by farmers
7. To enhance capacity of Iraqi research and extension programs to develop and promote improved conservation cropping technologies.
The second project reporting/planning meeting was held at ICARDA on 19-23 September 2010, with 45 participants: 30 from Iraq, 3 from Australia and 12 from ICARDA. 2008-09 activities and achievements were presented and the 2009-10 workplan developed/agreed.
In Ninevah, demonstrations of ZT versus traditional cultivation with high and low seed rates with barley, bread wheat and durum wheat were established at 13 locations with 13 farmers. Chickpea was included at the Al Kosh site. Rainfall varied from 123 to 547mm with harvests good in 10 locations. Demonstrations covered 168 ha, with 161ha of ZT.
Numbers of farmers and areas of ZT outside the demonstrations were as follows:
- 20 farmers grew 5135ha of ZT using their modified local seeders
- 1 farmer grew 30ha of ZT using a new ZT seeder made by farmers/Riad Hamdoun Engineering Mosul
- 6 farmers grew 483ha of ZT crops using the three 4m-wide trailed ZT tine seeders from Syria
- area grown using 14 new Syrian seeders funded by USA project in Twajna, Hamdania unreported
Overall, 6000ha of ZT crops were grown by 54 farmers in Ninevah. About 80% of this area was actual adoption, by farmers using their own or a rented/borrowed ZT seeder.
Field days were held in Ninevah at demonstration sites in Al Namroud on 14 May, Al Kosh on 15-6 May and Tel Kief on 23-24 May, with some 120 farmers and technicians attending from Ninevah and neighbouring Anbar, Kirkuk and Wasit Governorates. There were presentations and inspections of ZT demonstrations with wheat, barley, lentil, chickpea and lentil; seed rate comparisons; and new oat and pea crop introductions. Farmers were very interested in local ZT seeders and the excellent performance of ZT crops.
In linked participatory extension in Syria, farmer demonstrations were established in 11 locations across north and west Syria. Some 450+ farmers established 15,000+ha of ZT crops. About 70% of this area was actual adoption, by farmers using their own or a rented or borrowed ZT seeder. The rest was sown with local ZT seeders provided without cost or charge by ICARDA, Aga Khan Foundation and Aleppo Agricultural Machinery Center.
Autumn field days were held in Syria in October-November at 9 Aga Khan on-farm demonstration sites at planting of ZT/CC treatments. A spring field day planned on 3 May for the Extension Training Course was cancelled due to security concerns and replaced with visits to Aga Khan farmers and the GCSAR Research Station in Salamiya.
Some ZT farmer fields, as well as research trials at ICARDA, were used during training courses involving Iraqi and Syrian researchers, extension officers and farmers, and for many visitors, to inspect and discuss ZT. It was a first exposure for many to trials and demonstrations on crop management issues such as ZT, low seed rates and early planting and they were impressed by possibilities for improved yields and reduced costs.
In Ninevah, 33 research trials were conducted, with 23 at UniMosul and SBAR on evaluation of elite lines and varieties of wheat, barley, chickpea, lentil, faba bean, vetch, lathyrus, oats and peas and 10 at UniMosul on crop management involving weed surveys, hardpan amelioration, press wheels, ZT vs CC/herbicide comparisons in wheat and irrigation-fertilizer responses in peas. Trials grew well with harvesting in May/June.
At ICARDA, 14 trials for ZT technology verification/refinement and Iraqi scientist and farmer training were conducted on: crop and variety performance under ZT and CC; time, seed rate and depth of sowing; evaluation of alternative crops (oilseeds, oats, peas); and increasing wheat frequency in wheat-lentil-camelina rotations. All trials established and grew well with 259mm of rain. Growth was generally better from ZT than CC and early than late sowing. Cereals and legumes did best with early planting, 50-100kg/ha seed rate, 4-8cm seeding depth, and press wheels. Trials were harvested in May/June.
In Iraq, local ZT seeder fabrication continued with the Ninevah farmer group Eighteen ZT modification kits costing $1,200 were made with 17 fitted to farmer seeders and one given to the University of Mosul for teaching. These 17 new seeders, plus the 3 prototypes made earlier, were used to sow 5135ha of ZT crops. A new 2.3m ZT seeder for small farmers was fabricated by the farmer group together with Riad Hamdoun Engineering in Mosul and used to sow 30ha on one farmer field. The farmer group set up and registered the "Mosul Conservation Farming Group" and hopes to interact with other No Till Farmer's Associations.
In Syria, collaboration on ZT seeder fabrication was expanded to include 3 more manufacturers in north eastern Syria, who all produced excellent ZT seeders. There are now 7 manufacturers in Syria, which provides more diversity and locations for purchase and maintenance by Syrian and Iraqi farmers and projects. Between 2008 to mid-2011, Syrian manufacturers had made 65 ZT seeders for local and regional clients.
Major efforts by DOA, UniMosul and SBAR to develop on-farm seed production continued. Spike/line selection and production of foundation seed of wheat and barley varieties continued. New varieties from ICARDA were introduced into the program. The 21 VBSE farmer seed growers planted 100t of certified durum wheat purchased with funds provided by the Ninevah Governor and 83t of seed produced in 2009-10 and expect, with access to irrigation, to harvest over 1820t of seed. This would exceed the project target of 9 VBSE groups producing 100t of seed.
Major efforts were also made to undertake the socio-economic survey on adoption and impact of project technologies (especially ZT) and technical and financial aspects of farmer seed production. Following the training course on surveying and data collection at ICARDA in February, participating UniMosul and DOA staff arranged and coordinated surveys to collect data from 500 farmers, from demonstration locations and from seed producers. Surveying is proceeding following harvest and, once data is assembled in Ninevah, it will be analysed and evaluated in Baghdad.
In capacity enhancement at ICARDA, there were 73 Iraqi scientist and technician training visits with 43 participating in 6 formal training courses and 30 in the annual meeting where one Australian collaborator gave a seminar on achievements of the ACIAR Project on enhancing profitability, production and quality of wheat in India. This training, with Australian partners delivering two of the courses and an Iraqi partner delivering one, was focused on specific priority areas for the project: Photography and presentations; Seed enterprises and marketing; Socio-economic surveying and evaluation; ZT seeder design, fabrication and operation; Variety identification, maintenance and seed production; and Participatory extension. In addition, 24 scientists, farmers and machinery manufacturers from Syria and North Africa also participated in the ZT and extension courses. The mix of trainees from different countries provides rich exchange of experiences and ideas.
Two visits, one by 9 Iraqi, 13 Syrian, and 5 North African/Turkish scientists and seeder manufacturers for ZT seeder training, and the other by 13 Iraqi and 6 Syrian extension officers for participatory extension training, which involved field visits to collaborating machinery manufacturers, farmers, extension offices and research stations, were valuable in enhancing knowledge of ZT seeders and effective participatory R, D and E.
Eleven Iraqis and 2 Syrians travelled to Australia on study visits and post-graduate training. After long delays, one PhD and 4 MSc students started English studies and research proposal development in January-February 2011 in preparation for enrolment at the Universities of Adelaide and Western Australia. Following English evaluation, it is clear that language training will take at least 12-18 months rather than the allowed 6 months.
Six Iraqi and 2 Syrian extension officers/researchers undertook an extension/zero tillage study visit to Western Australia in August/September 2010, visiting research and extension centres and participating in field days.
Unfortunately, 3 trainees who travelled in May-June 2010 to Australia on a weed management study visit to the University of Adelaide (2) and a conservation cropping PhD to the University of Western Australia (1) had difficulty settling into their studies and returned to Iraq in August, before training was completed.
Project activities and developments were communicated to scientists, farmers, students, policy makers and the public in many ways. ICARDA receives a large number of visitors each year; many were shown project R & D activities with selected groups also travelling outside ICARDA to visit local ZT seeder manufacturers and farmers adopting ZT.
The project generated considerable publicity and media coverage in Australia, following visits by journalists from the ABC and Cosmos Science magazine. Detailed project information including project documents, reports and presentations was updated on the ICARDA web site (http://www.icarda.cgiar.org/ACIAR/Index.htm).
The project collaborated with Syrian Extension and Research Directorates to develop an extension/demonstration film for TV to raise farmer awareness of conservation cropping and its benefits for local agriculture. The 18 minute film, in Arabic, is excellent and was broadcast regularly on Syrian TV before autumn planting. DVDs were distributed to Iraqi trainees and other visitors.
Since ZT technology was first exposed and introduced into Iraq by the previous project in 2006-07, the known area of ZT crops has increased to about 6,000ha in 2010-11. In project-related development in Syria where the technology was similarly little known or tested, total ZT area from project interactions was about 15,000ha in 2010-11. The on-going increase in awareness, research and development of the technology, the keen involvement of manufacturers and farmers in ZT seeder fabrication and testing and taking up ZT, and the higher yields and lower costs being experienced, provide a good foundation and confidence for wider adoption and impact. In Iraq, interest and visits from other Governorates are spreading ZT technology beyond Ninevah.
The project has greatly increased awareness and experience of ZT technology. The Ministries of Agriculture in both Iraq and Syria are considering adoption of conservation cropping as a major platform for future dryland cropping systems development.

Project Background: Direct seeding as a method of crop establishment in rice is increasingly common in the Philippines and throughout Asia generally. Concomitant with this shift, however, is a more complex weed problem faced by farmers. Herbicide application has become their first line defence against weeds. Farmers spray herbicides at least once and up to three times per season. There are two rice seasons in the Philippines and hence, farmers spray herbicides up to a maximum of six times per year. This intensive and prolonged herbicide application can cause shifts in weed populations. The development of herbicide resistance is also a potential problem associated with prolonged usage of a single type of herbicide. However, there are limited data available in the Philippines regarding herbicide use, weed shifts and herbicide resistance.
Objective 1. To sample and document farmer's current weed management practices, perceptions (including HR and health risks due to herbicide) and information sources in relation to direct seeded rice in the Philippines.
A survey was designed and implemented in two major rice growing areas, Nueva Ecija and Iloilo, where direct-seeding is used intensively. Preliminary results show that farmers used a combination of cultural practices and herbicides to manage weeds. Land levelling is the most common cultural practice in both provinces.. Almost all farmers used herbicides at least once per season or twice per year. The usage of herbicides from herbicide groups known to have high risk of resistance development is increasing in both provinces. Farmers have little or no knowledge of herbicide resistance. Farmers are concerned about the environmental impact and health hazards associated with herbicide usage.
Objective 2. To test, evaluate and adapt a promising (low herbicide) direct seeded rice production method in farmer's fields in the Philippines.
Participatory on-farm trials have been established in four sites (Rizal and Aliaga in Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon and Barotac Nuevo and Dingle in Iloilo in the Western Visayas). The trials have tested an integrated weed management (IWM) strategy consisting of a combination of good land preparation, intermittent water management, and single herbicide application of a pre- or early post-emergence herbicide. The IWM trial was tested side-by-side with the farmers' current weed management practice. Results obtained from the four sites for the first cropping season were consistent in indicating a better weed control, increased yields, and higher profits with the use of integrated weed management as compared to current farmers' practice. The on-farm trials will be on-going in further seasons and be adapted to local situations in collaboration with farmers and extension workers. Simultaneous with the on-farm trials, farmers' season-long training courses on Integrated Crop Management in Rice were conducted, using a participatory approach. This training aimed to educate farmers on how to manage pests and weeds so they can grow a healthy rice crop for better yields.
Objective 3. To assess the status of herbicide resistance in rice weeds in the Philippines.
Regional awareness of herbicide resistance risks and avenues to report suspected populations has been raised through Philrice extension networks. Preliminary results of the first screening for herbicide resistance of eight populations of Echinochloa crusgalli and E. glabrescens taken from the four project sites indicated possible resistance to butachlor + propanil herbicide. The screening is currently being repeated to confirm the observation. A dose response assay is also being done using the same weed samples.
Objective 4. To develop an economic framework for policy analysis of herbicide resistance and weed management issues in the Philippines and Australia.
A study has been completed on the economics of pre-emptive management by farmers to conserve the herbicide glyphosate and published in Crop Protection (Weersink , Llewellyn & Pannell 2005). A paper to be published in Technological Forecasting and Social Change (D'Emden, Llewellyn & Burton 2005 (in press)) has used duration analysis to show that the decline in the price of glyphosate since the 1990's has caused a significant increase in the adoption of soil-conserving tillage practices in Australia. Another study is identifying the economic surplus gained by growers as a result of the patent-related fall in herbicide price and research that can lead to reduced glyphosate resistance. An initial literature review looking at issues related to conservation of the herbicide resource (particularly from a public good aspect), and modelling approaches that have been used to investigate this, has been completed. It is considered that the conservation of some herbicides and herbicide uses can have a public good component, particularly when the herbicide supports environmentally-beneficial practices and/or herbicide resistance can spread due to weed mobility. It is expected that future work will focus on weed mobility issues, which may be particularly relevant to flooded rice growing systems.

Project Background: Direct seeding as a method of crop establishment in rice is increasingly common in the Philippines and throughout Asia generally. Concomitant with this shift, however, is a more complex weed problem faced by farmers. Herbicide application has become their first line defence against weeds. There are two to three rice seasons in the Philippines and hence, farmers spray herbicides up to a maximum of six times per year. This intensive and prolonged herbicide application can cause shifts in weed populations and the development of herbicide resistance is a potential problem associated with prolonged usage of a single type of herbicide. However, there are limited data available in the Philippines regarding herbicide use, weed shifts and herbicide resistance.
Objective 1. To sample and document farmer's current weed management practices, perceptions (including HR and health risks due to herbicide) and information sources in relation to direct seeded rice in the Philippines.
The results of a survey of 400 rice-growers in two major direct-seeded rice provinces, Nueva Ecija and Iloilo, has highlighted the trend towards greater herbicide reliance and important factors to consider in the R,D&E for integrated weed management. Results showed that almost all of farmers' current weed management practices involved a combination of cultural practices and herbicide use. But, if water availability became a problem, farmers failed to do good land preparation and tended to use more herbicides to control weeds. It was observed that farmers are increasing their use of herbicides that have a higher risk of developing herbicide-resistance. Most farmers were concerned about possible environmental and health hazards associated with herbicide use. None were aware of the possibility of herbicide resistance development from continual use of the same herbicide. Farmers relied on extension personnel from both the government and the chemical companies, and other farmers for their information about weed management.
Objective 2. To test, evaluate and adapt a promising (low herbicide) direct seeded rice production method in farmer's fields in the Philippines.
Participatory on-farm trials have now been running for several seasons at four sites (Rizal and Aliaga in Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon and Barotac Nuevo and Dingle in Iloilo in the Western Visayas). The trials have tested an integrated weed management (IWM) strategy consisting of a combination of good land preparation, intermittent water management, and single herbicide application of a pre- or early post-emergence herbicide. The IWM strategies have been tested side-by-side with the farmers' current weed management practice (Farmers' Practice plots). Better weed control, increased yields, and higher profits were obtained during the Wet Season (WS) 2005 and Dry Season (DS) 2006 with the use of integrated weed management as compared to current farmers' practice. These were consistent with the results obtained during the first cropping season (DS 2005). The on-farm trials will be continued in further seasons and be adapted to local situations in collaboration with farmers and extension workers. Issues to be addressed in further on-farm trials include: the need for an adapted strategy for farms with less reliable water availability; options for a reduction in land preparation time; and row seeding. After successful trials, uptake by the local farmer group members is now beginning to be observed.
Objective 3. To assess the status of herbicide resistance in rice weeds in the Philippines.
The project established a herbicide resistance testing procedure through PhilRice, and via a field survey and a national network of extension/agronomy agents was able to screen a number of populations of major weeds for resistance to important herbicides. The exercise confirmed the existence of the first cases of herbicide resistance in Echinochloa spp. to herbicides butachlor and propanil in the Philippines and has greatly increased awareness of resistance risks and the ongoing capacity to confirm and characterise further cases.
Objective 4. To develop an economic framework for policy analysis of herbicide resistance and weed management issues in the Philippines and Australia.
The survey of growers in the Philippines highlighted the real and perceived likelihood of weed mobility across and between properties. Together with the increasing level of costly forms of resistance in Australian grain growing, this has made research into the economics of herbicide resistance management in the presence of weed (and resistance) mobility a priority. Results from economic analyses so far have begun to demonstrate: the reduced incentive for investment in resistance prevention when gaining resistance from a neighbour is likely; the importance of determining actual resistance risks; and the economic benefits of preventing mobility.

Project Background: Direct seeding as a method of crop establishment in rice is increasingly common in the Philippines and throughout Asia generally. Concomitant with this shift, however, is a more complex weed problem faced by farmers. Herbicide application has become their first line defence against weeds. There are two to three rice seasons in the Philippines and hence, farmers spray herbicides up to a maximum of six times per year. This intensive and prolonged herbicide application can cause shifts in weed populations and the development of herbicide resistance is a potential problem associated with prolonged usage of a single type of herbicide. However, there are limited data available in the Philippines regarding herbicide use, weed shifts and herbicide resistance.
Objective 1. To sample and document farmer's current weed management practices, perceptions (including HR and health risks due to herbicide) and information sources in relation to direct seeded rice in the Philippines.
A survey was conducted to (1) determine the farmer-cooperators' perception of the effectiveness of IWM technology for weed management, (2) determine the uptake of the IWM technology in the farmer-cooperators' fields, and (3) assess diffusion of the IWM technology to other farmers' fields at the midterm of project implementation.
Results indicate that uptake of the IWM technology to the farmer-cooperators is fast. After four seasons involved in the trial, 75% had adopted all components of IWM on their farms. The remaining 25% had adopted it partly. Fifty six percent of the farmer cooperators in Iloilo rated IWM effectiveness as very good while the remaining 44% rated it as good. In Nueva Ecija, 80% of the farmers rated it good while 20% rated it very good. Farmers also said that they have reduced their herbicide application from 2 to 3 per season to just one per season.
Farmers had shared their knowledge on IWM with other farmers. Forty five percent of all neighbouring farmers were aware of the IWM technology. Of the IWM components, the use of the Weed Control Action Indicator (WCAI) and use of post-emergence herbicides after WCAI assessment were the least familiar to the farmers. Factors identified by farmers that limit adoption included relative advantage, difficulty in understanding and applying the complex new technology, and risk. The neighbouring farmers said that for them to adopt IWM, they need training, to see a successful IWM farmer in the community, and to be convinced of the clear benefits of IWM.
Objective 2. To test, evaluate and adapt a promising (low herbicide) direct seeded rice production method in farmer's fields in the Philippines.
Participatory on-farm trials were established in eight sites: Rizal (2) and Aliaga (3) in Nueva Ecija, and Barotac Nuevo (1) and Dingle (2) in Iloilo. The trials have tested an integrated weed management (IWM) strategy consisting of a combination of good land preparation, intermittent water management, and single herbicide application of a pre- or early post-emergence herbicide. The WCAI was used to help farmers decide on subsequent weed management strategy at 15, 30 and 45 DAS, if need be. During the dry season, an 8 week training using a participatory approach and consisting of half day meetings and field visits was conducted in newly added sites to re-inforce concepts about integrated weed management as well as integrated crop management. Results of the field trials from the new sites were similar to the results obtained in the previous sites, and indicated better weed control, increased yields, and higher profits with the use of integrated weed management as compared to current farmers' practice. A row seedling method was also tested as suggested by farmers and extension workers side-by-side with farmers' practice of hand broadcasting the seeds. Field days were conducted in different sites to demonstrate the importance and effects of integrated weed management. The on-farm trials will be on-going in further seasons and be adapted to local situations in collaboration with farmers and extension workers.
Objective 3. To assess the status of herbicide resistance in rice weeds in the Philippines.
Progress was made on the screening for herbicide resistance to pretilachlor in barnyard grass (Echinochloa spp.). Seven populations of barnyard grass previously identified as butachlor+propanil resistant were also found to be resistant to pretilachlor. Six populations exhibited resistance and one was rated as developing resistance. Response dose assay showed that only two populations did not survive the 4 l/ha dose which is four times the recommended application rate for pretilachlor.
The F2 generation of the surviving plants from the previous resistance screening test for butachlor + propanil were also tested for resistance heritability. The F1 generation of the seven populations were highly resistant with 50 to 70% survival rate. In the F2 resistance heritability screening test, the survivors ranged from 18 to 78%. The 78% survival rate was observed in one population from Nueva Ecija. One population from Iloilo had greater than 50% survival rate.
A survey was conducted in the direct seeded areas of Nueva Ecija and Iloilo to determine the extent of infestation of weedy rice and to collect samples of weedy rice biotypes present in these areas. Laboratory and screenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the morphological and agronomical characteristics of these weedy rice biotypes. Five biotypes were found to be associated with cultivated rice in 32 municipalities of Nueva Ecija, and eight biotypes were found in five municipalities of Iloilo.
Objective 4. To develop an economic framework for policy analysis of herbicide resistance and weed management issues in the Philippines and Australia.
The survey of growers in the Philippines highlighted the real and perceived likelihood of weed mobility across and between properties. Together with the increasing level of costly forms of resistance in Australian grain growing, this has made research into the economics of herbicide resistance management in the presence of weed (and resistance) mobility a priority. Results from economic analyses so far have begun to demonstrate: the reduced incentive for investment in resistance prevention when gaining resistance from a neighbour is likely; the importance of determining actual resistance risks; and the economic benefits of preventing mobility.

Year 1 (01/07/2002-30/06/2003)
Objective 1: The economics of cultured fish production in freshwater reservoirs
The goal is to assess how close, or how far, from an economic optimum current fishing systems are. Surveys were planned to collect data, and a multi-species bio-economic model will assess the economic viability of different cultured fish systems. The first wave of surveys is planned to provide data on the extent of variability in input and output factors, as well as in fishing system characteristics, such as purchasing or production of fingerlings, fish feeding if any, and harvesting techniques. The second wave will focus on understanding the day-to-day dynamics over time. As at end of March 2004, this first wave was nearly complete in the south, but has just started in the north. Surveys focus on nurseries providing fingerlings and on three types of fish for market operations-in cage culture, cove culture, and farmer-managed reservoirs. The second wave of surveys will only begin, as planned, after a thorough analysis of the first wave data is completed.

A specific sub-objective of Objective 1 is to develop (or adapt) a model for identifying the economically optimal management strategy of a cultured fishery, in terms of input levels, harvest levels, and species mix, given current and projected costs and prices. Work has started on inputs to the bio-economic model. Two research assistants have been hired. A review of the existing literature, including previous ACIAR and related reports, has been done, so as to determine the best modelling strategy. The first stage will be to model the larger farmer-managed reservoirs of the south, between 100 and 1000 ha in size. The smaller reservoirs will be dealt with later: they are more complex to model because of increased multi-species interactions in a more confined volume of water, and levels of oxygen, nutrients and other requirements may constrain the fishery.

Objective 2: Market development for value-enhancement of cultured fish
The goal is to identify how current markets and marketing arrangements constrain the economic potential of fish produce, and propose alternative arrangements that would increase the economic value per kg of fish produced. Surveys follow the same pattern as for production. The first group are nearly completed in the south but not yet in the north. Surveys target so-called 'middlemen' (often women) who sell fingerlings to, and market adult fish for, fishing operators. Analysis of the first sets of data has begun for the south.

Objective 3: Incentive structures for maximising the value of cultured fisheries for local fishing populations
The goal is to identify regulatory, policy and incentive constraints that limit the efficiency in production and marketing, and to propose alternative structures to enhance such efficiency. Data gathering strategy parallels that for production and marketing. Again, first surveys have been completed in the south but not in the north. Surveys have targeted local authorities at the Provincial, District and Village (Commune) levels, as well as the extension services at the Provincial level. Analysis of the first sets of data has begun for the south.

As at end of 2004, this project has progressed relative to each one of its three objectives as follows:

Progress on objective 1: two aspects are involved, surveys and model building.
- Surveys in two phases were planned to collect data. The first phase were completed in 2004 and have provided data on the extent of variability in input and output factors, as well as in fish farming system characteristics, such as purchasing or production of fingerlings, fish feeding if any, and harvesting techniques. The second phase started in September 2004 and aims at understanding the day-to-day dynamics over time, and to collect the necessary data to calibrate a bioeconomic model for different aquaculture systems (see below). Surveys focus on two types of fish for market operations: cage culture and farmer-managed reservoirs; production of fingerlings is also included. This second phase of surveys is still under way both in the north (Yen Bai and Thai Nguyen provinces) and in the south (Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc provinces). A recent government decision to ban cove culture in large reservoirs means that further investigations on this aquaculture system may have to be abandoned. It seems the government does not want fishers to cut off coves from the main reservoir by building permanent earth dykes - an activity the consequences of which the project will need to evaluate.
- Model building: A first version of "BRAVO", or Bioeconomic model of Reservoir Aquaculture for Vietnamese Operations, was constructed during 2004 and successfully calibrated to the northern small reservoir systems, based on data provided by the sister project FIS/2001/013. More data are needed before it can be calibrated to the larger systems of the south. BRAVO contains both a multi-species biological module and an economic module. BRAVO is implemented in Excel so as to make it portable and easily usable by Vietnamese project participants. It is at this stage a simulation model and does not optimise for species mix, stocking rates and harvesting strategies. BRAVO was presented, together with some first simulation results, at the First Project Workshop held at Nong Lam University on 8 December 2004, of which a report is available. These results were also presented at the 49th Annual Conference of the Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society in February 2005. The next stage in model development will be to include the uncertainty and riskiness of aquaculture outcomes.

Progress on objective 2:
- Surveys of marketing systems follow the same pattern as for production. The first phase was completed in 2004, yielding the result that marketing conditions, like production, vary widely in the sample, reflecting the early learning stages of this nascent industry. The second phase of surveys began in September 2004 and target so-called 'middlemen' (often women) who sell fingerlings and market adult fish to wholesalers and retailers. A number of local informers/surveyors have been hired for a day-to-day follow-up of fish marketing transactions, with species, quantities, prices and other marketing characteristics being recorded over a fishing season. It is expected the data should yield insights into the dynamics of price fluctuations and into differences between prices paid to fishers and prices paid by consumers. This part of the project is being complemented by an extension to the sister project FIS/2001/013 which includes fish market analysis.
- A 'business plan template' has been designed with the triple goal of gathering important economic information on the riskiness of aquaculture operations; allowing operators to become aware of their financial strengths and weaknesses; and possibly reducing in the future the cost of official bank loans in terms of collateral, and so the need for exorbitant unofficial loans. The template was designed using current bank loan forms as a starting point, but focuses on production and price risks. The second phase surveys will include training of local participants to use such a template for future purposes. It is a tool aimed at roughly estimating an operation's creditworthiness, and for calibrating the next phase of BRAVO.

Progress on objective 3:
- Data gathering strategy parallels that for production and marketing. The first phase surveys were completed in 2004 and targeted local authorities at the Provincial, District and Village (Commune) levels, as well as the extension services at the Provincial level. Phase two surveys will take the form of case studies and will follow completion of production and marketing phase two surveys. They will include input and feedback from local stakeholders. Aquaculture cooperative charters have begun to be translated and analysed, as well as government regulations impinging on aquaculture.

As at end of 2005, this project has progressed relative to each one of its three objectives as follows:

Progress on objective 1: two aspects are involved, surveys and model building.
- Surveys in two phases were planned to collect data. The first phase was completed in 2004 and has provided data on the extent of variability in input and output factors, as well as in fish farming system characteristics, such as purchasing or production of fingerlings, fish feeding if any, and harvesting techniques. The second phase started in September 2004 and aimed at understanding the day-to-day dynamics over time, and to collect the necessary data to calibrate a bioeconomic model for different aquaculture systems (see below). Surveys focused on two types of fish for market operations: cage culture and farmer-managed reservoirs; production of fingerlings was also included. The second phase surveys were held, as for the first phase, both in the north (Yen Bai and Thai Nguyen provinces) and in the south (Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc provinces). Surveys and case studies have yielded much raw data which, further analysed, should yield useful understanding of the constraints to and potential of aquaculture development in the country. Recent government decisions to ban cove culture and restrict cage culture in large reservoirs mean that investigations have been primarily focused on farmer-managed reservoirs, whether in cooperative or household arrangements.
- Model building: A first version of "BRAVO", or Bioeconomic model of Reservoir Aquaculture for Vietnamese Operations, was constructed during 2004 and successfully calibrated to the northern small reservoir systems, based on data provided by the sister project FIS/2001/013. More data are still needed before it can be calibrated to the larger systems of the south. The model has been modified to allow for these larger southern systems, and a fishing 'effort function' has now been introduced. BRAVO contains both a multi-species biological module and an economic module. BRAVO is implemented in Excel so as to make it portable and easily usable by Vietnamese project participants. It is at this stage a simulation model and does not optimise for species mix, stocking rates and harvesting strategies; but we are looking into adding an optimisation module to it. BRAVO was presented, together with some first simulation results, at the First Project Workshop held at Nong Lam University on 8 December 2004, of which a report is available. These results were also presented at the 49th Annual Conference of the Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society in February 2005. A second version of BRAVO has included the uncertainty and riskiness of aquaculture outcomes, in particular due to fluctuating prices. A paper summarising this stochastic version was written for the 50th Annual AARES conference in February 2006. Currently, the model is being developed along two lines. First, we allow for some basic institutional aspects by differentiating between two (later several) money flows into and out of the aquaculture system; cooperative and individual finances can thus be distinguished. Secondly, we are trying, data permitting, to include the economics of fish feeding into the effort function, along with stocking and harvesting effort.

Progress on objective 2:
- Surveys of marketing systems follow the same pattern as for production. The first phase was completed in 2004, yielding the result that marketing conditions, like production, vary widely in the sample, reflecting the early learning stages of this nascent industry. The second phase of surveys began in September 2004, both in the south and in the north, and targeted so-called 'middlemen' or tradespeople, often women, who sell fingerlings and adult market fish to wholesalers and retailers. A number of local informers/surveyors were hired for a day-to-day follow-up of fish marketing transactions, with species, quantities, prices and other marketing characteristics being recorded over 14 months, starting in January 2005. The data has now been collected and entered in a data base, and is yielding insights into the dynamics of price fluctuations and into differences between prices paid to fishers and prices paid by consumers. This part of the project has been complemented by an extension to the sister project FIS/2001/013 which included detailed fish market analysis in the north over one harvesting season.
- A 'business plan template' had initially been designed with the triple goal of gathering important economic information on the riskiness of aquaculture operations; allowing operators to become aware of their financial strengths and weaknesses; and possibly reducing in the future the cost of official bank loans in terms of collateral, and so the need for exorbitant unofficial loans. The template was designed using current bank loan forms as a starting point, but focused on production and price risks. However, after several field trips, it appeared that the constraints to aquaculture credit were institutional rather than informational, and this tool was deemed by local people to be premature in the current situation. It therefore had to be dropped.

Progress on objective 3:
- Data gathering strategy has parallelled that for production and marketing. The first phase surveys were completed in 2004 and targeted local authorities at the Provincial, District and Village (Commune) levels, as well as the extension services at the Provincial level. Phase two surveys took the form of case studies. They have included input and feedback from local stakeholders, in particular using Project Workshop no. 2 as a platform (see below). Aquaculture cooperative charters have partly been translated and analysed, as well as government regulations impinging on aquaculture (work still ongoing). A Vietnamese Masters student has chosen to work on this data for his thesis at the University of Western Australia.

Project Workshop no. 2, held on 6 and 9 December 2005. (Detailed report to be soon available).
This workshop was held in two different areas, one in the north, and one in the south. Whereas Workshop 1 had had an academic and methodological focus and had been held in English at Nong Lam University, Workshop 2, both north and south, was stakeholder focused and was held in Vietnamese. The purpose of both was, first, to inform project stakeholders of the work done so far and of the interpretation of our findings from the surveys, and second, to obtain feedback from stakeholders regarding our work, its relevance, and the correctness of our interpretation of the data. A third goal was to allow people from different provinces and from different institutional levels to exchange questions and answers on relevant topics. Accordingly, both workshop sessions, organised similarly, had presentations in the morning and discussions in the afternoon, organised into four groups according to specific institutional mixes. Discussion questions had been raised during the morning during questions and answers sessions. Notes were taken in every discussion group and later summarised into English. Summaries of workshop outcomes are yet to be fed back to stakeholders for comment.

Workshop 2 North was held in Yen Bai province on 6 Dec. 2006, and was co-organised by RIA 1 and VIFEP (MOFI). Attended all project participants and collaborators from that province as well as those from Thai Nguyen province. These included local officials, extension workers, tradespeople and fishermen.

Workshop 2 South was held in Ho Chi Minh City on 9 Dec. 2006, and was organised by Nong Lam University. Project participants from Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc provinces were invited. These included local officials, extension workers, tradespeople and fishermen.

Overall, both workshops confirmed what we had learnt from field studies during the year. However, a certain degree of caution from participants did not allow an open discussion of the more sensitive issues, for example the bidding system for reservoir fishing rights. As expected, identifying the institutional constraints to improved aquaculture development has proven to be the more difficult aspect of the project. On the other hand, much has been learnt about fish marketing networks and price dynamics.

In this, the first year of the project, although some difficulties were encountered, progress has been made with all project objectives.

Drought stress studies were completed at Khumultar and Nepalgunj but the detailed and relatively expensive field trials needed for the 'utera' (relay sowing) research could not be completed due to late receipt of funds.

There has been outstanding progress in terms of screening for Fusarium wilt resistance. At ICARDA more than 2000 accessions were tested. Some, like ILL 7167, showed strong resistance. The international nursery was established in Nepal at two sites. At Khumultar in 2002 over 30 varieties showed resistance whilst one, ILL 6256, was highly resistant. ILL 8188 and ILL 7892 were disease free in the ICARDA nursery trial at Nepalgunj. This screening will be more definitive next year as the newly established 'wilt sick' plots in Nepal increase in inoculum levels and in uniformity.

Adaptation to acid soil is an important characteristic for some areas of Nepal and involves both the lentils and associated rhizobia. Rhizobial strains RRI 590 and RRI 607 selected from collections made by Dr Jo Slattery in Nepal provide a new source of acid tolerance.

The G x E study is in its second year at Australian sites (2 in Victoria and 1 in WA) and will be continued with again 2 sites in Nepal. Data so far are inconclusive but indicate little cross adaptation of Australian selected cultivars in Nepal, although one line performed well in Rampur, Nepal and in Merredin, WA. Disease in Nepal and the Victorian sites was a factor that influenced the results and further effort will be devoted in the coming seasons to limit disease incidence and the consequent bias of results.

Whilst previous seed priming research in project PN9436 has resulted in practical recommendations for growers, the most recent study indicates the need to ensure that primed seed is sown into moist soils or the advantages may be lost or yield even reduced.

Low toxin (ODAP) lines of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) selected at CLIMA have been seed increased in Nepal and Carnarvon, WA. They will be available for field evaluation in Nepal in the 2002/2003 growing season.

Training of Nepali and Bangladesh scientists is underway. Plant pathologist Ms Sharada Joshi underwent a highly successful visit to ICARDA for detailed studies of Fusarium wilt. Ms Renuka Shrestha is to undergo studies of drought stress in lentils for a Ph D supported by a Allwright Fellowship with assistance for operating costs from the current project.

Plans for current and future seed increase and release of best performing lentils were put in place by Mr R. Neupane in consultation with Dr A. Sarker of ICARDA. This process will be augmented with specific project funds in 2002/2003.The ICARDA lines selected in Nepal: ILL 6829, ILL 7537, ILL 7979 and ILL 7164 could constitute the next batch for future seed increase and farmer participation.

Significant progress has been made in most of the 7 project objectives

1. Waterlogging tolerance
Compared to grass pea, all the lentil cultivars under evaluation performed poorly when subject to excess soil moisture in the flowering period at Nepalgunj. Previously reported differences (J Clements) in seedling tolerance did not hold for more mature plants but the interaction with root and leaf diseases may have confounded any effect of differential tolerance to poor drainage.

2. Root diseases and acid soils
Useful resistance to the wilt-root disease syndrome has been defined in 9 selections from 110 screened in 2002/3. These selections represent a significant improvement in the resistance level of current Nepali and Australian cultivars. The fungal disease Stemphyllium emerged as a major threat and is one which is being assessed in conjunction with the root rot screening trials

Dr Jo Slattery has prepared 4 acid tolerant Rhizobial isolates: RR510. 590, 607, 613 for trial in Nepal in the forthcoming 2003/04 season A mapping exercise (J Berger and Renuka Shrestha) has defined the extensive range of acid soils where a combination of rhizobial strain with best adapted genotypes is a likely boost for lentil production.

3. Genotype x Environment interactions
These will need a successful final year for conclusive results following elimination of sites due to drought in Australia in 2002 and flooding at the Nepalgunj site in Nepal. It is apparent so far:
a) Ascochyta in Australia severely affected many sub-continent genotypes.
b) 'Australian' selections perform poorly in Nepal as well as being highly susceptible to Stemphyllium
c) Early phenology so far showed no significant effects compared to the best local cultivars even at the low rainfall site at Merredin in WA

4. Seed priming
Seed priming technology research conducted by NARC and CLIMA has been one of the successes of the ACIAR project. It has now resulted in NARC framing a recommendation for its use by growers. The data is in line with Indian experience with similar or greater increases in some trials (up to 43%) have been recorded by NARC.

5. Grasspea selections.
Though lentil is very much the favored crop in Nepal because of ease of export and the prices the farmers receive in the market place, it is however by no means the species ideally adapted to the farming systems on account of the lentil's susceptibility to waterlogging and diseases. Low ODAP early maturing grasspea lines could well make an impact in Nepal. The low ODAP line, 20 B, developed by Prof K Siddique and Dr C Hanbury grew well in a restricted sowing in Nepal but has yet to be assessed in larger plots. It is however later flowering (ca 10 days) than local varieties. This may be a disadvantage in the shorter seasons of the Terai. Seed increase has been fast tracked in Western Australia and will be available for the 2003/04 season in Nepal.

6. Training
Lentil breeder Mr. N K Yadav attended the 12th Australian Plant Breeding conference in Perth and an associated Plant Breeding Master Class conducted by Canadian plant breeder Dr D Falk.

The conference in Kathmandu focused on lentil and grasspea and drew on the research and practical experience of delegates from Nepal, Australia, ICARDA, India, Bangladesh as well as ICRISAT and APAARI. Some 50 delegates attended. A set of abstracts was provided to the delegates prior to the conference. The conference was opened by Director of NARC, Mr. R P Sapkota in the presence of local press. This ensured very good publicity for the ACIAR contribution. A full set of the conference papers is to be compiled into a 'Proceedings' publication by ICARDA.

A training initiative on statistical analysis was held at immediately after the post conference field tour to Rampur and Nepalgunj. Conducted by Dr Jens Berger, CLIMA, and Ms Jane Speijers of the Western Australian Department of Agriculture at Lumle in the Mid-hills, the workshop was attended by 21 delegates.

7. Extension systems
Farmer participation in field trials and seed increase is strongly encouraged by NARC and ICARDA collaborator Dr Ashutosh Sarker. Farmer participation is in fact very necessary given the limited size and resources of the NARC Research Centres. Importantly it gives growers immediate access to new varieties and technologies. In the Nepalgunj region alone single replication yield trials were sown at 10 farmer sites - each with 10 lentil lines. The villages also undertake seed increase. At the village of Betahani this was outstanding. ILL 7723 with improved seed size and some Stemphyllium resistance has consistently out yielded Simal in the farmer participatory trials in the Nepalgunj area. ILL7723 is the chosen candidate for fast tracking release via the system.

Year 3 (01/07/2003-30/06/2004)
A good season in Australian in 2003 and in Nepal 2003-04 will see the completion of the GxE analysis with a three-year set of data from seven sites. The poor performance of Australian adapted Cumra was evident. Of special importance to the mid hills region were the high yields of ILL6829 and ILL7537, which mirrored the earlier results. Every effort should be made to fast track their release.
Farmer participation has helped in developing systems for rapid uptake of new cultivars. Seed has been provided at low cost to farmers for on farm evaluation. The system employed to further the release of ILL7723 for large scale plantings in 2004-05 has also seen the approval for the same process to apply to ILL2580 a line broadly adapted throughout the Terai and successful particularly in the relay rice system. Other promising lines include ILL7982 (with wilt and Stemphyllium resistance) and ILL6829 (for the mid hill). These require additional farmer exposure prior to release.
In terms of community Impact, the project should directly result in the release of a new cultivar of lentil (ILL7723) for the Terai of Nepal. In all 16 tonnes of seed produced by participatory farmers and on research stations will potentially see a rapid uptake of the new cultivar-far surpassing that of previous releases. Besides resistance to wilt, it also has a significant degree of resistance to rust and Stemphyllium blight and promises to be an important cultivar for the major lentil-growing region of the Western Terai.
Vascular wilt caused by F. oxysporium f. sp. lentis continues to be an important disease of lentil in Nepal and is aggravated by the increasing frequency of lentil cropping to meet demand and good prices received by the farmers. The only realistic method to control the disease is the use of resistant varieties. These are emerging as a result of the evaluation conducted in the ACIAR project and promise to be one of its major successes. Two lines (Digger (ILL5722), ILL1704) were rated highly resistant, 38 lines and varieties were rated resistant and 53 were recorded as moderately resistant. An important result was that the new line ILL7723 scheduled for release is rated at resistant. ILL 7982, under consideration for release in the mid hills, was also rated as resistant as was ILL7979 another promising variety for the mid hills. ILL4402 and ILL 2580 proposed for the whole of the Terai, and ILL6829 for the mid hills had moderate degrees of resistance. ILL7537, shown to have a high degree of resistance to Ascochyta blight in Australia in the first stage of the ACIAR project, is also rated resistant to wilt in the current series. This is a potentially important result for the Australian National Breeding Program as the line is being used widely in crosses.
Relay sowing of legumes into standing rice is common in the Indian sub-continent, often resulting in waterlogging of any under sown (relay) crops. Grass pea is reputedly more tolerant to this system than lentil - the favoured crop in Nepal. Glasshouse research in Perth and field trials in Nepal confirmed this. Low ODAP (a toxin) lines CLIMA 1 and CLIMA 2 are earlier and have been most promising in row evaluation at Rampur where they were sown for the first time-essentially for seed increase (R K Neupane). In addition, earlier maturing low lines from Bangladesh Bari Khesari 1 and Bari Khesari 2 were forward to NARC for evaluation against the well-adapted local line Sarlahi.

Significant progress has been made on the 7 project objectives over the 4-year course of the project.

1. Waterlogging tolerance
Compared to grass pea, all the lentil cultivars under evaluation performed poorly when subject to excess soil moisture in the flowering period at Nepalgunj. Previously reported differences (J Clements) in seedling tolerance in the lentils did not hold for more mature plants but the interaction with root and leaf diseases may have confounded any effect of differential tolerance to poor drainage.

2. Root diseases and acid soils
Root disease was screened in both the GxE trials and in the now mature wilt sick nurseries. In screening on wilt sick plots at Khumultar and Nepalgunj more than 100 lines with moderate to high resistance have been identified. Two lines (ILL5722, ILL1704) were rated highly resistant. Data from the GxE trials have also revealed the agronomically promising ILL 6256 and ILL7982 to have a significant degree of resistance. ILL7982 was one of the highest yielders in 2003/04 farmer participatory trials. These provide a good set to progress for agronomic evaluation or in the case of agronomically well-tested cultivars to provide additional criteria to support their release. In the 2003/04 set promising lines ILL7537 and ILL7723 were rated as resistant and the pending release, ILL2580 (Shital), as moderately resistant. The research also provides an avenue for more effective breeding in pinpointing parents such as the highly resistant ILL1704 of likely value in combating the disease syndrome. The resistance of Digger in the wilt sick nursery is good result for preemptive breeding in Australia. The fact that it is a parent in many crosses (M Materne private communication) is a safeguard for the future. It would be advantageous for promising advanced lines of Digger parentage (or sister lines) to be sent to Nepal for evaluation in their now well-established 'wilt sick' plots. The wilt sick nurseries are thus a valuable asset in selection of lines to progress for further agronomic evaluation as they enable early exclusion of the highly susceptible lines.

Stemphyllium was not recognised in Nepal as a major problem until recent years after the project commenced. It is now clear that the disease is spreading rapidly in both Nepal and Bangladesh. Release of tolerant varieties is a priority. In two years screening during the current project some resistance is evident. The challenge is to combine Stemphyllium and wilt resistance.

Dr Jo Slattery has prepared 4 acid tolerant Rhizobial isolates: RR510. 590, 607, 613 for trial in Nepal. RR 590 produced a 47% yield advantage over non innoculated plots on an acid soil the 2003/04 season A mapping exercise (J Berger and Renuka Shrestha) has defined the extensive range of acid soils where a combination of rhizobial strain with best adapted genotypes is a likely boost for lentil production .

3. Genotype x Environment interactions
The G X E studies indicated strongly that the ICARDA Nepal based breeding program is very much on track for producing improved varieties for Nepal

The generally larger seeded 'Australian' cultivars perform poorly in Nepal as well as being highly susceptible to Stemphyllium. As compared to South Asian genotypes, West Asian genotypes were poorly adapted in Nepal due to late flowering.

Crossbreds produced 20% higher seed yield than South Asian genotypes. They acquired early ground cover, early flowering & maturity traits from South Asian parents and improved yield potential, harvest Index & seed size traits from West Asian parents.

4. Seed priming
Seed priming technology research conducted by NARC and CLIMA has been one of the successes of the ACIAR project. It has resulted in NARC framing a recommendation for its use by growers. The NARC data, in line with Indian experience, has produced similar or greater yield increases in some trials (up to 43%).

5. Grasspea selections.
Lentil is very much the favored crop in Nepal because of ease of export and the prices the farmers receive in the market place. It is however by no means the species ideally adapted to the terai farming systems on account of the lentil's susceptibility to waterlogging and diseases. Low ODAP early maturing grasspea lines could well make an impact in Nepal both for grain and their superior forage production. The low ODAP line, 20 B, developed by Prof K Siddique and Dr C Hanbury grew well in a restricted sowing in Nepal but has yet to be assessed in larger plots. It is however later flowering (ca 10 days) than local varieties. This may be a disadvantage in the shorter seasons of the terai. Early generation low ODAP crossbreds (F3) made with 20B and the early maturing Nepal cultivar Sarlahi selected in Perth 2004 will be available to NARC for the 2005 season in Nepal.

6. Training
Lentil breeder Mr. N K Yadav attended the 12th Australian Plant Breeding conference in Perth and an associated Plant Breeding Master Class conducted by Canadian plant breeder Dr D Falk.
Plant Pathologist Ms S Joshi trained at ICARDA with Dr B Bayaa. Agronomist Mr R K Neupane visited programs and farmer organisation in Western Australia and Victoria. He was very impressed with the Horsham breeding and selection program - Australia's National program.

A successful conference was held in Kathmandu with a focus on lentil and grasspea. It drew on the research and practical experience of delegates from Nepal, Australia, ICARDA, India, Bangladesh as well as ICRISAT and APAARI. Some 50 delegates attended. A statistical analysis training course was held at Lumle immediately after the post conference field tour to Rampur and Nepalgunj. Conducted by Dr Jens Berger, CLIMA, and Ms Jane Spiers of the Western Australian Department of Agriculture at Lumle in the Mid-hills, the workshop was attended by 21 delegates. In light of the success of the 2003 course an equally successful follow up was conducted at Lumle in 2004.
7. Extension systems
Farmer participation in field trials and seed increase is strongly encouraged by NARC and ICARDA collaborator Dr Ashutosh Sarker. Farmer participation is in fact very necessary given the limited size and resources of the NARC Research Centers. It has become a major focus of the project for the evaluation and release of new varieties. Most importantly, it gives growers immediate access to new varieties and technologies. In the Nepalgunj region alone single replication yield trials were sown at 10 farmer sites - each with 10 lentil lines. The villages also undertake seed increase. At the village of Betahani this was outstanding. ILL 7723 with improved seed size and some Stemphyllium resistance have consistently out yielded Simal in the farmer participatory trials in the Nepalgunj area. ILL7723 is a chosen candidate for fast tracking release via the system.

Despite a difficult year with the unsettled political situation consequent upon the Maoist activity, significant progress in most of the 6 defined objectives has been made. This is thanks largely to the combined efforts of NARC staff. The completion of the project objectives can be achieved in 2006/07

1) Disease screening and agronomic control packages
Disease screening both for wilt and Stemphylium blight was largely successful in 2005/06 and comprised a major part of the program. Particularly encouraging was the fact that a number of selections had tolerance of both diseases. These included ILL 6811, ILL6256, ILL7164, ILL8093 and ILL6408. The fact that lines like ILL7982 which were selected for farmer participation on the basis of wilt and Stemphyllium did not perform as well in 05/06 trials, strongly indicates the need for several years of data before final conclusions can be drawn on disease resistance. Nevertheless the results and associated yield and seed quality data will continue to be the main criteria for introduction in to the farmer participatory research. In the different regions of Nepal farmer participation has been a feature of NARC activities and one strongly encouraged by ICARDA. In all more than 250 farmers in the various regions received seed samples or participated in NARC trials. Lines like ILL 7723, ILL7164, ILL7982, ILL7537 ILL4402 and ILL7979 have all been distributed to farmers in the Terai - Central, East and West and the Mid Hills regions. Cases for formal registration of new lines are to be considered prior to next planting season. Already one new cultivar, Shital, has resulted directly from the program.

Associated with the disease screening were trials based on plant density and time of planting which proved to have little impact on disease incidence. Fungicide application however proved effective in reducing disease incidence in a susceptible commercial cultivar, Simal. Depending on the cost and availability of herbicides it seems 2 sprays can be an economic action. However, widespread use amongst the small farmers is not anticipated in the immediate future because of cost and problems of distribution.

2) Lathyrus low ODAP lines
Lathyrus lines were grown in Perth as an F 4 population. Growth vigor and maturity were assessed. After testing
for the neurotoxin ODAP only low ODAP lines are forwarded to Nepal for field evaluation. Pale flower colour which can be
used as a marker has also been selected in Perth and 28 F4 lines will be forwarded to Nepal for row evaluation in
06/07. Seed increase as F5 lines of all lines will be conducted in Perth during 2006 to ensure adequate seed supplies
for further bulking by NARC. The F4 population in Nepal failed in 2005 - a combination of drought and herbicide drift.

3) Inoculant systems for acid soils
The difficulty in gaining frequent access to acid soil sites in the West of Nepal, has seen these trials deferred until 2006

4) NARC In-service training and data presentation
A follow up course on statistical analysis was planned to be located in Nepal, but due to DFAT travel warnings
this had to be deferred until next season when it is to be hoped security will be improved. The course
planned has been successfully undertaken by Dr Jens Berger in the past and has involved some 20 Nepalese
scientists. He is happy to undertake the course which is now scheduled for early 2007.

The project supported 5 delegates to the international Grain legume conference in New Delhi at which two poster
papers and two posters were presented.

5) Linkage with ICARDA specialist
ICARDA lentil breeder Dr Ashutosh Sarker has remained in close contact with NARC scientists both through the
International Grain Legume Conference in New Delhi and a visit to the country in January 06. During his visit he
examined the farmer participation trials in the Mid hill and inner terai (Rampur). Some 40 new line were made available
from his breeding program for assessment in Nepal. These were evaluated for the first time at Rampur in seed increase
rows.

6) Project administration, communications and publications
NARC staff have fully documented their results despite the number of administrative changes. The return to Nepal of Dr Renuka Shrestha after her successful PhD studies considerably strengthens the NARC team after a series of administrative changes at NARC.

Objective 1. Appropriate and effective screening/evaluation protocols identified for each key character listed.
During 2004 protocols to be used by all the collaborators for measuring agronomic and disease traits in the agronomy field trials were discussed and a protocol document was circulated for all collaborators to use.

The plant pathologist position at the University of Western Australia to develop screening/evaluation protocols for key disease characters was advertised in late 2004. The position has been filled and the research will be initiated in late February 2005. During 2004 isolates of Sclerotinia were collected in Western Australia.
A plant pathologist was also appointed on the project at the University of Melbourne during 2004 to investigate Australian white rust isolates. During 2004 Australian isolates of the white rust pathogen, Albugo candida, were collected and screening protocols for white rust resistance were initiated using the Australian isolates.
Disease resistance screening was also initiated in India.

Objective 3. Enhanced oilseed Brassica germplasm in all collaborating countries though germplasm exchange, crossing and selection.
The enhancement of Brassica germplasm in all countries for the key characters was initiated through the exchange of germplasm among the three countries. Twenty five Australian B. napus cultivars, 12 Australian B. juncea lines 20 Chinese B. napus cultivars were distributed to the collaborators in each country in late 2004. The seed arrived too late for sowing in the 2004/2005 season but the material was multiplied in India and China to provide a larger quantity of seed for the coming season's trials. In addition, some field observations were taken in India and analysis of fatty acid profile and oil content was undertaken.

Efforts were initiated to obtain government approvals for the distribution of the remaining lines (10 B. juncea lines from China and 22 B. juncea and 3 B. napus lines from India). A list of the characteristics of each of the lines was also distributed to all the collaborators. In total, the exchange of germplasm will result in field trials with 48 B. napus and 44 B. juncea lines. It is expected that all of the germplasm will be sown in each of the collaborating countries in the 2005/06 season.

Objective 4. Heterotic pools for production of elite germplasm or F1 hybrids identified from genetic distance studies on germplasm from all three collaborating countries.
The research associate position at UWA to study genetic variability/distance among the germplasm was advertised in late 2004 and the research will be initiated in 2005.

Objective 6. Scientific skills of Chinese and Indian scientists enhanced through scientific exchanges and training.
Indian scientists from each of the collaborating institutes visited Australia during the period 22nd Sep to 7th Oct. The visit included two meetings to discuss project plans, including exchange of seed. In addition, the visit included tours of canola field trials in Western Australia and NSW, visits to molecular and chemistry laboratories and meetings with key Brassica breeding and research personnel. This scientific exchange and training visit also involved the Indian collaborators participating in the 4th International Crop Science Congress in Brisbane and the Australian Oilseeds Federation Annual Conference in Melbourne.

Preparations for Dr Phil Salisbury and Assoc Prof Martin Barbetti's trip to India in January 2005 were undertaken during the visit of the Indian scientists.

Significant progress was made during 2005 to identify variability for key agronomic, quality and disease resistance characters through the use of screening protocols. The first exchange of germplasm of B. napus and B. juncea between Indian, China and Australia was completed by mid 2005 to allow sowing of field trials in the 2005/06 season. The material to be assessed in each country for the key characters consists of, B. napus: 25 Australian, 20 Chinese and 3 Indian lines and B. juncea: 22 Indian, 12 Australian and 10 Chinese lines. In Australia the field trials were sown in Vic, NSW, SA and WA and were harvested at the end of 2005. The data from these trials will be analysed in early 2006. In China the germplasm was sown at two sites in Wuhan in Sep/Oct 2005 and the key characters are currently being assessed. In India the germplasm was sown in Oct/Nov 2005 and to date emergence, early vigour and initiation of flowering data have been recorded. Results from a preliminary screening of Australian and Indian germplasm in India in the 2004/05 season indicated that there is substantial variability in key characters including date of emergence, seedling vigour, white rust incidence, oil and glucosinolate content and fatty acid composition. Screening and characterisation of B. juncea and B. napus for seedling stage thermotolerance and terminal stage heat tolerance is underway in the field and laboratory at HAU Hisar and PAU Ludhiana, India. Drought tolerance screening is also underway at HAU. Screening of germplasm for Sclerotinia was also initiated in 2005 at HAU, India and UWA, Australia. In Australia it was observed that most B. juncea germplasm was highly susceptible to Sclerotinia, based on the length of stem lesions, although there were some more resistant lines from Australia and China. Significant differences for white rust resistance between Australian B. juncea lines were also observed in WA.

During 2005 activities were initiated to enhance the germplasm in all countries for key characters through selection and breeding. At PAU, India interspecific hybridisation between B. napus and B. carinata / B. juncea was undertaken and desirable F2/BC1 plants from both the crosses will be backcrossed with selected Australian B. napus lines. At HAU, India 40 crosses have been made between Indian and Australian lines of B. juncea, and 60 crosses between Australian and Indian lines of B. napus are also being attempted this season. At TERI, India shattering tolerant B. napus lines (developed at TERI) have been sown and will be crossed with the Australian lines to transfer shatter tolerance. In NSW, Australia, 21 crosses were made between Sclerotinia tolerant Chinese lines and elite Australian lines and further crossing will be done in 2006.

Progress was made in 2005 towards the identification of genetic distance and heterotic pools. At UWA, useful SSR markers were identified on all chromosomes for estimation of genetic distance among B. napus lines from Australia, China and India, and selfing and purification of these lines began for future genetic studies. At HAU, China a preliminary experiment was conducted to assess marker techniques for genetic diversity analysis. Results indicated that SRAP (sequence-related amplified polymorphism) are distributed on all 19 chromosomes of B. napus more equally than AFLP and the technique is more efficient than SSR, so SRAP and SSR markers will be used to evaluate the genetic diversity of all B. napus and B. juncea lines. At PAU, India DNA isolation from all the B. juncea genotypes has also been completed.

During 2005 significant progress was made towards the objective of increasing the scientific skills of scientists collaborating in the project through scientific exchanges. Dr Abha Agnihotri, Dr Dhiraj Singh and Dr Surinder Banga visited Australia in 2005 for a scientific interaction/study program. The program included 3 days of NIR training at Wagga Wagga Research Institute, visits to Brassica trials in NSW, Victoria and SA, meetings with scientists at CSIRO, Canberra, a meeting with John Cullen and attendance at the Australian Research Assembly on Brassicas (Port Lincoln, SA). Dr Maharaj Singh (NRCRM, Bharatpur) also visited Australia from Sep to Dec 2005 for training. Dr Singh conducted a drought tolerance project supervised by Dr Rob Norton (University of Melbourne) at DPI Horsham. Dr Singh learned to use a range of equipment, visited scientists at CSIRO and ANU Canberra to discuss drought screening and also attended the Australian Research Assembly on Brassicas. Assoc Prof Phil Salisbury and Assoc Prof Martin Barbetti visited India in February 2005 for discussions with project collaborators. In addition, Dr Martin Barbetti and Dr Caixia Li attended the International Sclerotinia Workshop in California in June 2005. Following this workshop, Dr Li visited Huazhong Agricultural University and Wuhan Oil Crops Research Institute, China, where she met with oilseed Brassica scientists working on this ACIAR project, and, in particular, had the opportunity to assess and develop common approaches on study of Scelorotinia disease.

Advances were made in 2006 in the development of screening protocols for sclerotinia and white rust resistance. Severity of Sclerotinia infection was found to be related to stem diameter and stem lesion length 3 weeks after inoculation was significantly and positively correlated with the percentage of plant death at maturity, which indicated the value of the stem inoculation method for the effective identification of Sclerotinia resistance under field conditions (UWA-B). Assessment of white rust screening protocols demonstrated that controlled environmental conditions are suitable for rapid identification of resistant genotypes and that genotypes with high levels of resistance can be reliably identified at either the cotyledonary, seedling, or flowering stages (UWA-B). Pathotyping experiments of the white rust pathogen have identified only race 2 pathotype 2A isolates in Australia to date (UM). Further surveying is underway to determine if the virulent pathotype (2V) is present in Australia.
During 2006 considerable progress was made in the identification of variability for key agronomic, quality and disease resistance characters in the Indian, Chinese and Australian B. napus and B. juncea germplasm in each country. In addition, breeding programs to enhance the germplasm in all countries for shatter resistance, disease resistance, agronomy and quality and drought tolerance characters progressed. Crossing programs, which were initiated in 2005, have advanced significantly, and the first generation of populations developed from the crosses have been sown and are currently being screened.
Some key characters that were identified in the germplasm screening that will be beneficial to the breeding of improved lines for each country included: white rust resistance in Australian and Chinese B. juncea lines; low erucic acid and low glucosinolate levels in Chinese and Australian B. napus and B. juncea lines; drought tolerance in Australian B. juncea lines; variation for Sclerotinia tolerance among all B. napus lines (varied among locations); potential blackleg resistance in Chinese and Indian B. juncea germplasm in Australia
Cluster analysis of Australian and Indian B. napus and B. juncea varieties by HAU and PAU showed no association between geographical distance and divergence based on morpho-physiological traits as genotypes from different locations fall in the same group and vice versa, which may be due to continuous exchange of germplasm.
Extensive work was undertaken in China (HZAU, IOCR, XAAS), India (HAU, PAU) and Australia (UWA-C) during 2006 to identify genetic distance, heterotic pools and heritability of key traits in the germplasm. Dendrograms showing the relationships among the 48 B. napus lines have been prepared at UWA-C and HZAU. Clustering in the HZAU dendrogram indicated that the Chinese B. napus lines were relatively more genetically diverse. Clustering in the UWA-C diagram showed the clear distinction of Indian B. napus to accessions from other countries, and a higher proportion of "private alleles" in Indian and some Chinese accessions. Genetic distance analysis of B. juncea is also underway at UWA-C.
Crosses have been made for hybrid vigour studies and at most institutes the F1 generations have been sown or will be sown soon. At UWA-C, selections were made for F1 hybrid evaluation based on the most homozygous selfed plants from each accession. Results from India (PAU), indicate that hybrids involving Australian B. napus germplasm and Indian non canola types were most productive. In China, (HZAU), examination of B. napus hybrids at the vegetative stage found positive mid-parent heterosis. Analysis of hybrid vigour in B. juncea was undertaken in China (XAAS) with diallel crosses using five Australian and five Chinese lines. The productivity of most of the F1s was higher than their parents and although the maturity of the varieties from both Australia and China was similar, the maturity of F1 was later than their parents.
Preliminary data has been generated in China to study the relationship between hybrid performance of B. napus and genetic distance. Results from IOCR indicate the performance of hybrids for yield traits was not consistent with genetic distances, although the genetic distances did show correlation with hybrid performance to a certain degree. At HZAU, neither a positive nor negative relationship was observed between molecular genetic distance and mid-parent heterosis for seedling traits of the F1 hybrids. Further analysis is underway to determine whether or not correlations exist between F1 seedling characters and F1 yield and yield-related characters, and between F1 yield and yield-related characters and their parents' molecular genetic distance.
During 2006 significant progress was also made towards the objective of increasing the scientific skills of scientists collaborating in the project through scientific exchanges. Mr Wan Zhengjie (PhD student), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, began 5 months of molecular biology training at UWA in Assoc Prof Wallace Cowling's laboratory on 30 October 2006. Mr Wan Zhengjie will work on two projects at UWA: (i) identification of a gene for male sterility in B. juncea, and (ii) genetic distance studies on B. juncea in the ACIAR project collection. Mr Mei Desheng, Oil Crops Research Institute, Wuhan, began 6 months of molecular biology training at CSIRO Plant Industry with Dr Allan Green in mid November 2006. Mr Mei Desheng's project will involve cloning of a range of fatty acid biosynthesis genes from the Crambe abyssinica oilseed species.

During 2007 the second round of screening of the series I B. napus and B. juncea germplasm from India, China and Australia was completed. Useful variation for several key agronomic, quality and disease resistance characters in the germplasm from each country was confirmed. The best performing lines have been used in breeding programs to enhance the germplasm in all countries for shatter resistance, disease resistance, agronomic and quality traits and drought tolerance. The second series of germplasm exchange was also undertaken in 2007, with 58 B. napus lines (25 Chinese, 2 Indian and 31 Australian) and 60 B. juncea lines (20 Chinese, 23 Indian and 17 Australian) exchanged.
Some key traits were identified in the series II germplasm screening that will be beneficial to the breeding of improved lines for each country. These included white rust resistance in Australian B. juncea lines, low erucic acid and low glucosinolate levels in Chinese and Australian B. napus and B. juncea lines, Sclerotinia resistance in Chinese and Australian lines, terminal stage thermotolerance in Australian B. napus and Chinese B. juncea lines and seedling stage thermotolerance in Indian B. juncea lines, blackleg resistance in Australian B. juncea lines and shatter resistance in Indian and Australian B. napus lines.
In 2007, advances were made in verifying shatter resistance screening techniques. A very high correlation between the results of visual shatter observations and percentage of pod shattering on the main stem of Brassica lines that were left standing in the field 4 weeks post maturity was observed in India, indicating that either method is valuable for estimating shatter resistance.
The genetic distance analyses of the series I B. napus and B. juncea germplasm, using the SSR technique, was completed in 2007. Cluster analysis of the data showed abundant genetic diversity among the lines of both species, and will assist breeders in their selection of the most diverse lines to widen their genepools.
The first F1 hybrid field trials of 13 B. napus parents and 84 F1 hybrids were conducted in Australia (WA, NSW, Vic), China (2 sites in Wuhan) and India (Punjab) in 2007-08. The F1 hybrid seed produced by hand-crossing in 2006 was distributed in 2007 together with seed of pure breeding lines of the parents. The parallel trials were designed with a special spatial randomisation program with 1-3 replicates per entry. The first data were received from Australian sites at the end of 2007. Seven agronomic traits were measured (vegetative vigour, date of 50% flowering, height of first branch, height of first pod, mature height, seed yield and 1000-seed weight) and data analysis is underway using a multi-environment trials analysis. Heterosis measured in F1 hybrids and combining ability measured in diallel crosses of pure lines and the relationship between molecular genetic distance and heterosis will be reported.
F1 seed produced from the second series of exchanged germplasm has been or will be sent to collaborators in 2008 for F1 hybrid trials in Australia (WA, NSW, Vic), China (1 site in Wuhan) and India (Punjab, Harayana) in 2008-09.
Analysis of the relationship between molecular genetic distance and heterosis was also carried out in an additional experiment in China using 12 parents and 36 hybrids. The lines were planted in two Chinese locations and 11 traits were recorded. Positive mid-parent heterosis and positive high-parent heterosis for seed yield were observed. Most of the correlation coefficients between molecular genetic distance and mid-parent heterosis were positive, but few items were at a significant level. However, when dividing hybrids into intra- and inter-regional hybrids, correlations between genetic distance and mid-parent heterosis increased among intra-regional hybrids for most traits especially siliquas per plant and seed yield per plant. The results indicated that it may be possible to predict heterosis by molecular markers among intra-regional hybrids.
During 2007 significant progress was also made towards the objective of increasing the scientific skills of scientists collaborating in the project through scientific exchanges. Mr Wan Zhengjie (PhD student), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, completed his 5 months of molecular biology training at UWA in Assoc Prof Wallace Cowling's laboratory. Likewise, Dr Mei Desheng, Oil Crops Research Institute, Wuhan, completed 6 months of molecular biology training at CSIRO Plant Industry with Dr Allan Green. In addition, Dr Chirantan Chattopadhyay (NRCRM, Bharatpur, India) undertook a 3 week training program in Australia in September 2007. Dr Chattopadhyay presented a paper at the Australian Research Assembly on Brassicas, participated in the pre-conference tour, met with project collaborators in WA, NSW and VIC, toured disease nurseries and attended a scientific writing workshop at the Australasian Plant Pathology conference.
In April 2007 a mid-term project progress meeting was held in Wuhan, China, and was attended by collaborators from each institute. The 3 day meeting consisted of presentations, trait group discussions and tours of laboratories and field trials.
In early 2008 (Jan 28 to Feb 3), a progress meeting was held in India. The meeting comprised a one day workshop, followed by visits to each of the collaborating institutes to inspect the exchanged lines in the field.

Seeds of Life managed a flying start by engaging an Australian Team Leader and two Research/Extension Advisors prior to the official commencement date. . This allowed the Australian and MAFF team members to develop an activity plan before the start of the main cropping season in collaboration with other stakeholders. Within a few months, field staff were employed by MAFF to conduct on-farm and on-station trials, the office was established and a set of office procedures in place, a network of SoL collaborators developed, a number of training courses conducted and district personnel had been coached on the installation of replicated and on-farm demonstration trials. Most research activities were concentrated in the districts of Liquica, Baucau, Alieu and Manufahi during the first year of operation. A brief summary of progress by component follows:
Component 1: Seed production and storage and distribution.
Activities in this component include the rehabilitation of Betano and two other research stations; utilization of the Alieu research site; seed production and storage at MAFF stations and districts, training in seed production, storage and testing; formulation of a seed certification, seed import and variety release policy.
A comprehensive farm plan for Betano station was developed and a perimeter fence constructed during 2005-2006. Buildings were designed and their construction tendered out to contractors who visited the site in July, 2006. It is envisaged that construction will commence in September.
The Alieu research site was well managed in 2005-2006 and will continue conducting research and being involved with a small amount of seed production for the foreseeable future.
Seed production remained part of the SoL program during 2005-2006 and sufficient seed was produced with the assistance of farm production to fulfil the requirements of the SoL program. Training on seed production, storage and testing was provided by SoL personnel and by CGIAR centres.
A scheduled consultant input due early in 2006 to develop policy/guidelines on seed certification, seed import and variety release will be delayed until later in the year. In the meantime, SoL drafted guidelines for the establishment of a variety release committee. This will be finalized with the MAFF in 2007 and the first SoL varieties of rice, sweet potato and maize released early in the year.

Component 2: Evaluation of new germplasm and associated technologies.
Activities in this component include the introduction, evaluation and maintenance of new varieties, training of staff, the development of an inventory of local varieties and the integration of agricultural information with the Agricultural Land Geographical Information System (ALGIS) system.
All five CGIAR centres collaborating with SoL provided well-adapted breeding lines and varieties of maize, cassava, sweet potato, rice, peanut and pigeon pea for evaluation in TL during 2005-2006. Twenty three replicated trials were installed in the main season. These were cultivated at Corluli (Maliana), Betano (Manufahi), Quinta Portugal (Ailieu), Fatumaca (Baucau) plus at the University of Timor Lorasae, Hera . An additional two replicated trials of maize (at Betano and one farmers field) and one of peanuts (at Betano) were installed during the second season in 2006. Included in the germplasm were 20 maize (mainly from CYMMYT), 20 peanut (mainly from ICRISAT), 6 pigeon peas (mainly from ICRISAT) and 40 cassava clones (mainly from CIAT). IRRI and CIP also provided germplasm for evaluation. Within each trial were at least two local varieties. In addition, five varieties of locally available velvet beans were compared.
Select maize varieties demonstrated yield advantages in excess of 100% over locals. LYDMR (Late Yellow Downey Mildew resistant) and Suwan5, which proved to be superior yielding selections in previous years, will continue to be included in on-farm trials. Two white varieties (HAR05 and HAR12) which showed superior weevil tolerance during initial trials will also be included.
In the sweet potato trials, the introduced sweet potato clones coded as CIP1, CIP6, CIP7 and CIP8 all possessed yield advantages in excess of 130% over the local varieties in previous years. They are also good eating. In 2005-2006 similar yield advantages were demonstrated. Two clones will be included in on-farm trials.
The top five cassava clones out yielded local varieties by 40-60% over a number of years in SOL1. Two varieties (CA14 and CA15) illustrated similar yield advantages in 2005-2006. However, local farmers cultivate cassava for personal consumption and sweetness is preferred over yield. From the trials, sweet introduced varieties were identified which possess yield advantages of 20-65% over locals. These will be evaluated further in 2006-2007.
Replicated rice trials spread over a number of sites and years during SOL1 did not identify new varieties with significant yield advantages over local varieties. No replicated rice trials were conducted in 2005-2006. However, farmers have identified PSB RC 54 as a preferred rice because of its consistent good yielding and good taste. Seed of this variety will be released in for commercial multiplication in 2007.
New peanut lines performed inconsistently across ecosystems in 2005-2006 with one out yielding a local variety (PT14) by 94% while others underperformed. Further trials need to be conducted to identify specific varieties for particular environments. In the meantime, farmers have expressed a desire to grow PT5 as a preferred peanut because it is large seeded and good yielding. This variety was included in on-farm trials and will be released in 2007.
The results of the pigeon pea and velvet bean trials were not available for comment prior to publication.
Training of MAFF staff and other members of the RDUs was an important part of the overall program in 2005-2006. Included were a large number of short courses provided by Australian staff, CARE, OXFAM, visiting scientists from CGIAR centres and consultants. English language training was also provided.
Component 3: On-farm demonstrations and trials (OFDTs)
Component 3 contains elements of social research, Research and Development Unit (RDU) training, development of OFDT material, implementation of OFDTs and the development of improved crop production packages.
A social scientist from the Australian National University (ANU) and two social science graduates from UNTL commenced collecting information from farmers to formulate a farm practice calendar and to investigate food security issues in agricultural areas. Their studies will continue into 2006-2007 for completion in 2008. Other monitoring of impacts will be done through RDU members.
Formal training of RDU members included FPR techniques, English language training, statistics, cassava production, implementation of OFDT's, proposal writing, seed production and storage, and maize production. Informal training accompanied the implementation of the OFDTs through the ATL, R/EAs and visiting scientists.
OFDT training material developed and disseminated in 2005-2006 included Fact sheets on sweet potato, maize and peanuts. A draft of a FPR manual was also prepared. This manual will be completed and distributed for use by RDUs in 2006-2007. SoL material continues to be circulated through MAFF Agriboletins.
Improved crop production packages were under development in 2005-2006. In addition to improving yield through the testing of improved varieties, other challenges to overcome include storage problems and weed control. Both of these aspects will be further investigated in detail during 2006-2007 in addition to evaluating disease and soil fertility issues.
654 OFDT's were installed during the main growing season spanning from October, 2005 to April, 2006. Included were 196 maize, 146 sweet potato, 41 cassava, 187 peanut, 4 velvet bean and 80 rice trials. By district, the number equalled 257 in Alieu, 164 in Baucau, 166 in Manufahi and 108 in Liquica. In addition, 23 Maize and 23 peanut OFDTs were established during the second season. Gender disaggregated views on the new varieties were collected.
The yield advantage for introduced composites identified in replicated, on-station trials were also illustrated under farmers conditions for maize. LYDMR and SW5 out yielded local varieties by approximately 50%.
The OFDT's for rice, sweet potato, velvet bean and cassava were not harvested at the time this report was compiled. This data will be available at a later date.
Both test peanut varieties of PT5 and GN11 yielded more than the local check in 7 of the 8 sub-districts. The highest yield advantage of 71.4% was reported at Aileu Vila. PT5 consistently yielded more than both the local check and GN11 with a yield advantage of approximately 30% across the sub districts. A sub-district and Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ) effect was also evident.
Support for the OFDTs was provided by NGOs including the local NGO Rai Maran in Liquica, Austcare in Maliana, CARE International in Liquica, CONCERN in Manufahi and with the Peace Corps and OXFAM. An extra 262 OFDTs were installed by Austcare, Concern and CARE Australia using SoL protocols. Included were 122 velvet bean, 7 cassava, 37 maize, 46 sweet potato and 43 peanut trials. The US Peace Corps also installed nine OFDTs in the district of Los Palos. Results of these trials were pending prior to completion of this report.
Component 4: Program management and coordination and institutionalization of crop research and extension in MAFF.
Component 4 includes elements of office staffing, coordination of activities, the development of a national extension strategy, progress reviews and planning, reporting, TAG visits and the M&E framework.
SoL was fully staffed by the end of the initial year. Four expatriate staff members filling team leader, research/extension advisor (2) and office manager positions were hired as were one local research assistant for each of the eight sub districts. Office support staff and drivers were also engaged. The office was fully operational and possessed efficient operational procedures. An internal audit system has been developed for implementation.
SoL advisors and MAFF personnel plus other members of working groups in the districts worked closely throughout the initial year of implementation both verbally and with written reports. Collaborated during the compilation of monthly reports was also good, MAFF employed all SoL engaged research staff and drivers, included RDU members in training courses and held regular meetings. Collaborators were kept informed with monthly reports, informal and formal meetings and via email.

SoL activities during its second year of operation were planned taking into account the results of the 2005-2006 wet and dry season trials and reviews by researchers, committees, district personnel and consultants. A brief summary of progress by component follows:
Component 1: Seed production and storage and distribution .
Activities in this component include the rehabilitation of Betano and two other research stations; utilization of the Alieu research site; seed production and storage at MAF stations and districts, training in seed production, storage and testing; formulation of a seed certification, seed import and variety release policy.
Construction of an office, two-2 bedroom houses, two-3 bedroom houses and a storage warehouse at Betano were completed in May, 2007 and officially handed over to the Ministry in June, 2007. Other rehabilitation activities completed at Betano during the year include the construction of perimeter and internal fencing, clearing of scrub re-growth plus the installation of access roads between research and seed production plots and the commissioning of an irrigation system in the seed production area. MAF funding provided in the 2007-2008 budget will rehabilitate two further houses.
Land ownership issues prevented the rehabilitation of Loes Research Station. An alternative site in Maliana, Bobonaro district however is available and is being investigated by MAF personnel for improvement into a seed multiplication station.
An additional research station site was identified at Darasula on the Baucau Plateau approximately 30 minutes from Baucau. This 12 ha site was made available by local government officials and will complement existing laboratory facilities at Triloka, approximately 15 minutes drive away. The area was surveyed for topography and soil type and a plan for its development was underway during 2007. Darasula will service the four districts of Region 1 (Manatuto, Baucau, Viqueque and Los Palos).
The Alieu research site was well managed in 2006-2007 and will continue conducting research and being involved with a small amount of seed production for the foreseeable future.
Seed production remained part of the SoL program during 2006-2007 and sufficient seed was produced with the assistance of on-farm production to fulfil the requirements of the SoL program. During the year, SoL supported MAF with the production of 21.5 ha of maize seed, 3.2 ha of peanuts, 12 ha of rice, 0.33 ha of sweet potato and 0.44 ha of cassava. Some seed will be stored on-station and the remainder at regional centres prior to distribution. Training in seed production is part of an on-going process involving local personnel plus the inputs of personnel from CGIAR centres.
ARP funded two consultants to assist MAF develop policy/guidelines on seed certification, seed import and variety release. A draft "Needs Analysis" was prepared early in 2007 and is available for comment. A MAF established variety release committee composed of representatives from the Government and Non Government sectors met in March, 2007 and released two SoL maize varieties, one rice variety, one peanut and three sweet potato varieties. All were given local names excepting Suwan 5 maize.
Component 2: Evaluation of new germplasm and associated technologies.
Activities in this component include the introduction, evaluation and maintenance of new varieties, training of staff, the development of an inventory of local varieties and the integration of agricultural information with the Agricultural Land Geographical Information System (ALGIS) system.
All five CGIAR centres collaborating with SoL (CIAT, IRRI, CIMMYT, ICRISAT, CIP) provided well-adapted breeding lines and varieties of maize, cassava, sweet potato, rice, peanut and pigeon pea for evaluation in TL during 2006-2007 and will continue to do so in 2007-2008. Replicated variety trials for maize, peanuts, sweet potato, and cassava were installed at four sites plus rice at two sites (a total of 18 replicated trials). Germplasm maintenance of these crops remain an additional duty for the four research sites.
Training of MAF staff and other members of the RDUs included "on the job training" with regular visits from both SoL advisors, CGIAR visitors and trainers. In addition, short courses were provided in central locations across a range of disciplines including agronomy, GPS and computer training, soils, statistics, finance packages proposal writing, farmer participatory research training and presentation training. When security issues prevented training courses in Dili, they were held in both Alieu and Baucau. One hundred and thirty eight (138) courses were presented between September, 2006 and August, 2007 equalling over 331 days of training.
A training needs assessment conducted by the IRRI training centre provided suggestions for incorporation into the SoL training plan. English language training was identified as a need to allow MAF personnel take advantage of short and long term training abroad.
Collection of local varieties of the main food crops will commence after a two week training course on germplasm collection in April, 2008. It is expected that at least 100 varieties each of rice and peanuts will be collected at the end of the growing season.
Component 3: On-farm demonstrations and trials (OFDTs)
Component 3 contains elements of social research, RDU training, development of OFDT material, implementation of OFDTs and the development of improved crop production packages.
A social scientist from the Australian National University (ANU) and two social science graduates from UNTL surveyed farmer practices during 2006 and 2007 to provide a baseline of techniques for SoL. A draft report titled "Cultivation practices for staple foods (maize, rice, sweet potato, cassava, peanuts and pigeon pea): A study of Seeds of Life farmers in Aileu, Baucau, Liquica and Manufahi districts" was completed during the year. The information contained in the report will assist SoL prepare suitable OFDT's for implementation during latter parts of the program. Farm practice calendars were also prepared for distribution to MAF and organizations working with agriculture in Timor Leste. In addition, a report on food security titled "Household stocks and flows of food supplies during the wet and dry seasons, and food shortage period: a longitudinal case study among subsistence farmers in Aileu, Baucau, Liquica and Manufahi Districts, Timor Leste." This report provides baseline information on food consumption of farmers in the four SoL districts. The results provide further information for SoL researchers to develop strategies for the alleviation food insecurity problems.
Formal training of RDU members included English language training, statistics, cassava production, green manure training, maize storage, implementation of OFDT's, proposal writing, and weed identification. The majority of courses were English (58%), agronomy (13%), statistics (8%) and soils training (7%). Informal training accompanied the implementation of the OFDTs through the ATL, RE/As and visiting scientists.
OFDT training material developed to be disseminated in 2006-2007 included 8 information brochures on the major food crops. These were for 2 newly released maize varieties, 1 peanut, 3 sweet potato and 1 rice variety. A FPR manual prepared in Tetun was printed in July, 2007. This manual will be distributed for use by RDUs. Agriboletin Number 5 Volume III containing SoL material was issued in January, 2007 and further SoL material will continue to be circulated in the same manner.
1030 OFDT's were installed on 592 different farms across 11 sub districts during the year. Included were 340 maize, 206 sweet potato, 138 cassava, 202 peanut and 144 rice trials. By district, the percentages were 25% in Alieu, 35% in Baucau, 30% in Manufahi and 10% in Liquica.
Improved crop production packages were developed to overcome challenges with grain storage and weed control. Trials during the wet season investigated ways of reducing weed burdens using velvet bean (Macuna pruriens)and through greater crop densities to shade out weeds. Resistance of different maize varieties to weevil infestation was also investigated as were a range soil fertility issues on different soil types.
Component 4: Program management and coordination and institutionalization of crop research and extension in MAF.
Component 4 includes elements of office staffing, coordination of activities, the development of a national extension strategy, progress reviews and planning, reporting, Technical and Advisory Group visits and the Monitoring and Evaluation framework.
The office was fully operational and possessed efficient operational procedures throughout the year. An internal audit system was developed in collaboration with the University of Western Australia department of internal audit and implemented during the year. Extra RAs were employed at the beginning of the season to be trained in readiness for an expanded program into two extra districts in 2007-2008. The RAs gained experience with the R/EAs, other SoL staff and RDU members.
A volunteer (initially from VIDA) was commissioned for ten months to assist UNTL research utilizing SoL funds. In addition, a final year student from the University of Tasmania investigated soil problems at Betano station over a six week period commencing in January, 2007. A request has been placed with VIDA for a placement in 2008 to continue activities at UNTL and Betano. A final year student from the University of Queensland visited the program twice and is using some of the data from the program to develop his final year project.
SoL advisors and MAF personnel plus other members of RDUs in the districts worked closely throughout the initial year of implementation both verbally and with written reports. Collaboration during the compilation of monthly reports was also good. One RE/A, Mr Alex Dalley completed his two year contract at the end of August, 2007 to pursue other interests. He will be replaced by Ms Rebecca Andersen, previously working as a volunteer with UNTL.
MAF employed all SoL engaged research staff and drivers, included RDU members in training courses and held regular meetings, thereby minimising communication issues. SoL will also collaborate closely with the MAF during development of the National Extension Policy. Monthly, six monthly and annual reports were produced and widely distributed.
A mid term review or SoL activities and plans during June, 2007 resulted in the recommendations for the program to continue for three more years. The review provided a number of options for SoL to expand. These were under consideration by the donors at the end of August, 2007.
An M&E Framework first drafted in February, 2006 was finalized in February, 2007. Recommendations from the report commenced being implemented in March, 2007.
MAF continues to absorb responsibilities for research and seed production under its own budget and has plans to include the salaries of 39 SoL staff members in their budget for 2007-2008.

SoL commenced operation on 1 September, 2005. In May, 2008, an extra $2.55 million in funding was provided to expand activities on seed production and social science research over the remaining two and half years. A Seed Production Advisor (SPA) was employed in March, 2008. Social science research will increase during the second half of 2008.
Progress for eight months of the third year is presented below and takes into account the wet season research for 2007-2008 (Nov-March). A brief summary of progress by component follows:
Component 1: Seed production and storage and distribution .
Rehabilitation of the main buildings at Betano Research Station were completed and handed over to the MAF by the building contractors during the first half of 2007/08. Station surrounds were improved over the ensuing months. This included the painting of storage sheds, installation of culverts, construction of storage shelves in the seed store, construction of gates and the commissioning of an irrigation system. In addition, the station was equipped with 1 tractor, 1 utility vehicle, a seed cleaner, laboratory and office equipment. The station was inaugurated by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, HE Mariono Asanani Sabino on 29 November, 2007.
The MAF was successful in accessing a former research station site a Loes, Liquica District and land in Darasula, Baucau District for rehabilitation and development respectively. The MAF have provided funds for fencing at Darasula and Loes and the formulation of a rehabilitation plan for Loes was underway during the second quarter of 2008.
Research sites at Alieu, Maliana, Betano and Fatumaca were well managed during the period. Replicated trials planted at the sites included maize, cassava, sweet potato and peanuts. A field day was held in Alieu on 7 November, 2007 and at Maliana later in the month associated with the harvesting of the cassava varieties. These were supplemented with small field days held by each RA in his/her sub district for each crop to introduce the new tested varieties to local farmers.
Seed production and storage training was provided to by SoL personnel in an on-going basis by the R/EAs and the newly appointed SPA. CIAT in collaboration with SoL also presented training on cassava production at field days in Alieu and Maliana in November, 2007 and a maize seed storage training course was arranged through the University of the Philippines in March, 2008.
SoL coordinated with ARPIII to assist the MAF formulate a draft Seed Law in January, 2008. The Seed Law draft contains the elements of a policy for the release, quality guidelines, labelling, certification and importation of seed. Some of these elements were already in place with the development of a Variety Release Committee to enable the release of SoL varieties in March, 2007. At the end of May, 2008, the draft Seed Law was being prepared for consideration by the Council of Ministers.
Five of six seed production officers were selected for placement in six districts to improve the quality and quantity of seed production. Plans are afoot to produce at least 5 ha of high quality SoL released rice, maize and peanut seed plus a half ha of sweet potato cuttings during the wet season of 2008-2009 in each district. Prior to harvest, seed cleaners and other seed production equipment will be procured for the program. In the meantime, sufficient seed for research purposes has been multiplied on research stations.
Component 2- evaluation of new germplasm and associated technologies
New varieties of food crops commonly cultivated in TL were introduced for evaluation in replicated trials. Included were 20 maize (mainly from CIMMYT), 11 peanut (mainly from ICRISAT), 11 varieties of sweet potato (mainly from CIP) and 24 cassava clones (mainly from CIAT). Within each trial were at least two local varieties. Two irrigated rice evaluation trials were conducted at Aileu and Betano, Introduced germplasm was cultivated during the season at Corlulu (Maliana), Betano (Manufahi), Quintal Portugal (Ailieu), Fatumaca (Baucau) plus at UNTL, Hera. Eighteen replicated trials were installed and under evaluation during February, 2008. Included were four trials each of maize, cassava, sweet potato and peanuts. Two trials on rice were also established. In addition, the effect of velvet bean control of weeds in maize was studied at three sites. The timing of planting peanuts was also studied at three sites in an effort to improve productivity.
Conservation of new germplasm is a constant challenge. Seed was conserved on research stations throughout the year. This was particularly difficult with cross pollinated maize varieties. The SPA has developed a plan to improve conservation procedures. This will be implemented over the next two years.
Training of members of research and development units (RDUs) involved with the program was a priority during the six month period. Members of the RDUs, MAF staff members from Dili and the districts plus representatives from NGOs and international organizations were included in training programs on agronomy, seed production, statistics and English language. A total of 1159 days of training were provided over the nine month period. Most of this was English language training (781 days) to assist team members with computer work, reading scientific papers and attending training courses abroad. Of the other 378 days, 27% was on agronomy, 20% seed production and 53% on statistics. In addition, the R/EAs and visiting scientists provided constant on the job training in soils, the use of Excel, GPS, soil pH testing equipment etc.
The collection of cassava varieties existing in East Timor prior to the commencement of SoL were being maintained in Corluli, Maliana. During the second quarter of 2008, the SPA also held a short course on germplasm indicators.
Component 3- On-farm demonstrations and trials
Seven hundred and thirty (730) maize, peanut, cassava, sweet potato and rice on farm demonstrations and trials (OFDTs) were established in 15 sub districts during the 2007-2008 wet season (Nov-April). Included were 243 maize, 190 sweet potato, 87 cassava, 190 peanut and 77 rice trials. By district, the number equalled 127 in Alieu, 241 in Baucau, 125 in Manufahi, 196 in Liquica, 8 in Manatutu and 20 in Ainairo. More rice trials are due to be installed in Liquica and Alieu later in the year.
Household data was collected throughout the eight month period by the SOSEK team. Two East Timorese social scientists were assisted by an ANU research advisor plus for a short period by an ANU student. While this was being done, reports of impact at a household level were recorded. Included were farmers reports of harvested surplus cassava, sweet potato and peanuts on sale where previously they were barely self sufficient.
Each RA also developed plans to conduct four mini fields day at an OFDT site, one for each species. The field days commenced as the crops matured. The crop was harvested during the field day, weighed and results discussed. Feedback on the crops characteristics were then solicited from the visiting farmers.
Agro-ecological zone maps of East Timor were refined by the ALGIS laboratory and distributed to the RAs to assist in site selection for OFDT's. An effort is made to spread the OFDTs across a range of AEZs to evaluate the new varieties under different conditions. GPS manuals were also distributed to the RAs to assist in locating sites on maps.
Calendars of farming activities performed by East Timorese farmers living in different AEZ's developed by the SOSEK team over the previous 12 months were completed and printed in September, 2007. These calendars were distributed to each of the districts to assist the RA's and District agricultural officers develop their work plans.
Research to develop "packages of technology" included experiments on improving the spacing of peanuts, Velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens) to control weeds in rice and soil problem identification. Effort was also placed on completing a manual of weeds in Timor Leste and on insect pests in the main food crops.
Component 4 Program management and coordination and institutionalization of crop research and extension in MAF
One of the two Research/Extension Advisors was replaced at the beginning of Year 3. Mr Alex Dalley completed his two year contract and decided not to continue. Ms Rebecca Andersen, who had gained experience with SoL as a volunteer at UNTL, applied for the position and commenced work with SoL on 01 September, 2007.
The SoL Office Manager, Ms Sarah Winnan also completed her contract and was replaced by Mr Mark Vaughan who commenced work on 03 March, 2008. He will be assisted by a new finance officer who commenced work in October, 2007.
Two OFDT coordinators were hired at the beginning of Year 3 to help train the RAs and coordinate the installation and monitoring of OFDT's. Seven new research assistants were also employed to manage the research program in two new districts and fill RA positions vacated to accept OFDT coordinator positions.
As a result of the Mid Term Review, the position of Seed Production Advisor was also filled by Dr Asep Setiawan. Dr Setiawan had previously worked with SoL as the CIP representative and resident sweet potato expert. In addition, a farm manager was employed to manage Betano Research Station. This assignment will relieve one of the RE/As of much of this work.
SoL activities continued to be administered from the office at Fomento, Dili, although most team members were based in the districts. Weekly meetings were held on Monday mornings to coordinate activities. Minutes were taken and circulated amongst the staff.
A personnel evaluation system was established to help guide staff improvement. Competency based assessments commenced in January, 2008. These will be included in the Annual Personnel Evaluation due later in the year.
MAF allocated funds to pay the salaries (US$150 per month) of 32 SoL staff from 01 January, 2008. This move indicates the commitment of MAF to the SoL program. SoL will continue to pay the 30% salary subsidy.
SoL personnel kept in close contact with Regional Directors and District personnel, AusAID, ACIAR, and CGIAR centres. Also with other agricultural based programs through the RDUs and regular meetings (for example the monthly MAF/Donor "Harmonization meetings" and the monthly Sustainable livelihoods meetings) and with the involvement of NGOs in conducting OFDTs. Activities were effectively coordinated between the major stakeholders. Maize, peanuts and rice seed was provided to GTZ, World Vision, OCAP, AusCARE, CARE, Oxfam, ETA, and Friends of Luro for extension purposes.
An agreement was reached between MAF, SoL, ARPIII and GTZ for SoL to field a consultant to assist MAF elucidate and document current directions of an extension philosophy within MAF and outline a policy for agricultural extension for discussion. This input was completed during May, 2008 and GTZ has accepted responsibility to assist MAF finalize the policy.
An Annual Plan for 2007-2008 developed in March, 2007 for the Review Team was in effect at the end of May, 2008. This plan will be modified to field extra programs in addition to those included in the PDD when extra funding becomes available. The APC visited the program three times during the eight month period to monitor progress against the plan and remains in regular contact with Program Manager at ACIAR. A TAG visit is scheduled for August, 2008.

The Seeds of Life program within the East Timorese Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries expanded its activities into seven of the country's thirteen districts during the fourth year of implementation. The program's progress is summarized by component below.
Component 1: Seed production and storage and distribution .
Rehabilitation of research stations advanced considerably over the past year. The main research related buildings at Betano Research Station are now complete and operating. In 2008/2009 the MAF added to these with the construction of a large warehouse, a meeting building, one house and tractor repair shed. No major construction is planned for Betano in 2009/2010.
One house at Loes Research Station was rehabilitated in January, 2009. A tender with a building contractor for rehabilitation of the remaining buildings was signed in May and construction will commence in June. The MAF has allocated US$60,000 for a chainlink perimeter fence around the station. An Australian volunteer has been designated to work at Loes station for 16 months from May, 2009. He will assist supervise the rehabilitation of the station.
The research station site at Darasula, Baucau has been fenced by MAF, a station manager assigned to oversee its development and an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) drafted. MAF will slash the grass on the site to determine the amount of arable land is available for research. MAF wish to complete activities on Loes before commencing construction at Darasula.
All research sites for replicated trials (Aileu, Maliana, Betano, Fatumaca) were well managed during the period. Replicated trials planted at the sites included maize, cassava, sweet potato and peanuts. Part of the Loes station was temporarily fenced off and maize, peanuts and sweet potato trials installed. Field days were held at Aileu and Betano during which farmer observations of different varieties were recorded. These were supplemented with small field days held by each RA in his/her sub district for each crop to introduce the new tested varieties to local farmers. MAF staff will continue these activities during 2009-2010.
Seed production and storage training was provided to by SoL personnel in an on-going basis by the R/EAs and the Seed Production Advisor (SPA). Four hundred and fifty nine (459) days of training were presented to seed production staff, MAF personnel, NGOs and farmers over the period from 01 September, 2008 to 31 May, 2009.
The Seed Law drafted with the assistance of SoL personnel was with the Council of Ministers at the end of May for consideration. The SPA will continue to work with the MAF during 2009/2010 to develop regulations to complement the Law.
Seven seed production officers across six districts working with seed officer and advisor to produce 9t Nakroma seed, 15t Sele, 1t Suwan 5, 40,000 sweet potato cuttings and 5t Utamua in 2008. In 2009 the area was increased and 73t of Sele, 1t Suwan 5, 50,000 sweet potato cuttings and 16t Utamua. FAO agreed to purchase seed produced in country on behalf of MAF. Seed dryers and seed cleaning equipment has been purchased to improve the quality for 2009/2010.
Component 2- evaluation of new germplasm and associated technologies
New varieties of food crops commonly cultivated in TL were introduced for evaluation in replicated trials. Included were 20 maize (mainly from CIMMYT), 15 peanut (mainly from ICRISAT), 16 varieties of sweet potato (mainly from CIP) and 25 cassava clones (mainly from CIAT). Within each trial were at least two local varieties. One irrigated rice (20 entries) evaluation trial was conducted at Aileu. Introduced germplasm was cultivated during the season at Corluli (Bobonaro), Betano (Manufahi), Quintal Portugal (Aileu), Fatumaca (Baucau) and Loes (Baucau). Twenty eight replicated varietal evaluation trials were installed and under evaluation or had been harvested in May 2009. Included were four trials each on maize, cassava and peanuts; eight on sweet potatoes; one mungbean; one trial on rice; five on climbing bean and one on European potato. Three barley and two wheat varietal trials will also be installed in June.
In addition to the varietal evaluations, a number of farming systems trials were installed. These included time of planting/weeding of maize trials, weevil tolerance in maize varieties, the effect of phosphorus on peanuts and a planting distance on peanut yield trial. In 2009/2010, replicated trials on maize, peanuts, cassava and sweet potato will be conducted on four research stations. In addition, there will be varietal trials on mung beans, European potato, wheat, barley and red beans plus a range of farming systems trials.
A Seed Collection Curator was assigned during 2008 to collect and conserve germplasm. In the current collection are 80 cassava entries, 40 sweet potato varieties and 30 peanut varieties. Seed of the released varieties was conserved on the research stations both in the field and stored in warehouses.
Training of members of research and development units (RDUs) involved with the program remains a priority for SoL. Last year, members of the RDUs, MAF staff members from Dili and the districts plus representatives from NGOs and international organizations were included in training programs on agronomy, seed production, statistics and English language. A total of 2078 days of training were provided over the nine month period from September, 08 to May, 09. Most of this was English language training (1143 days) to assist team members with computer work, reading scientific papers and attending training courses abroad. Of the other days, 160 were on agronomy, 459 days on seed production, 301 days on statistics and 15 days on other topics. In addition, the R/EAs and visiting scientists provided constant on the job training in soils, the use of Excel, GPS, soil pH testing equipment etc. This level of local training will continue into 2010. In addition, an increased number of team members will pursue short term training courses abroad. It is envisaged that at least one team member will commence a masters course in Australia, hopefully on a John Allwright scholarship and two will be given the opportunity to travel to Indonesia for masters degrees studies.
Component 3- On-farm demonstrations and trials
Seven hundred and fourteen (714) maize, peanut, cassava, sweet potato and rice on farm demonstrations and trials (OFDTs) were established in 16 sub districts during the 2008-2009 wet season (Nov-April). Included were 259 maize, 204 sweet potato, 13 cassava, 147 peanut and 91 rice trials. By district, the number equalled 127 in Aileu, 238 in Baucau, 125 in Manufahi, 196 in Liquica, 8 in Manatutu and 20 in Ainairo. More rice trials are due to be installed in Liquica and Aileu later in the year.
Household data was collected throughout the nine month period by the SOSEK team. Two East Timorese social scientists worked for much of the year collecting data and preparing reports on the economic benefits of farmers involved in SoL in Aileu, Baucau, Liquica and Manufahi, some of which are included in the Annual Research Report for 2008. During the year, cropping calendars for SoL sub-districts in Aileu, Baucau, Liquica and Manufahi were complete and cropping calendars for new locations in Venilale, Maubisse, Natarbora and Turiscai commenced. A social science advisor from ANU commenced work with Seeds of Life on 08 April, 2009 to support this work.
Each RA held four mini field days in each sub district during the cropping season. One field day was held for each species. The crops were harvested during the field day, weighed and results discussed with the farmers and other members of the RDU. Feedback on the crops characteristics were then solicited from the visiting farmers.
OFDTs were installed in all major AEZs to evaluate the new varieties under different conditions. The coordinates of all were logged and mapped.
Research to develop "packages of technology" included experiments on the use of Velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens) to control weeds in maize, weeding trials in maize, the position of cuttings of sweet potatoes, phosphorus application on peanuts and weevil tolerance in maize.
Component 4 Program management and coordination and institutionalization of crop research and extension in MAF
SoL activities were administered from the office at the MAF compound in Comoro, Dili for the entire year. The office was expanded to cater for a larger number of team members and increased seed production activities.
The level of institutionalization of SoL into the MAF increased dramatically during the year. At end of year 3, MAF was funding 28 of 39 professional staff. The Ministry also designated managers for Betano, Darasula and Loes research stations. MAF buildings at Comoro and in the districts were utilized by SoL and MAF provincial personnel were running the research program in the districts. All SOL correspondence is channelled through MAF.
SoL personnel attend MAF "harmonization" meetings between donors and holds regular meetings with NGOs.
The TAG visited the program in August, 2008 and a report completed possessing recommendations for the future of SoL.
Personnel changes during the year include the assignment of a long term social scientist, three Australian volunteers and seven seed production officers started work in the districts.

The Seeds of Life program within the East Timorese Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries conducted its activities in seven of the country's thirteen districts during the final year of implementation. Towards the end of the fourth year a Technical Advisory Group prepared a Concept Note proposing a Phase III of the program. A design mission followed in April, 2010 and prepared a draft document which was under review at the end of May, 2010. It is envisaged that implementation will be to schedule and commence on 01 September, 2010.
Progress in the Second Phase of Seeds of Life is summarized by component below.
Component 1: Seed production and storage and distribution .
The rehabilitation of three research stations was proposed as part of Component 1. Mid way through the final year of implementation, all rehabilitation work on the buildings at Betano Research Station were complete and facilities operating. Five houses and two office buildings were also complete at Loes Research Station. Suitable farm equipment for both stations was purchased and that for Betano, was in operation in May, 2010. At Loes, the MAF funded chainlink fence around the perimeter of the station was complete. At the end of May, 2010, approximately $100,000 remained in the infrastructure budget. Some of this will be spent on a prefabricated shed and the remainder on the station's front fence.
The research station site at Darasula, Baucau has been fenced by MAF, a station manager assigned to oversee its development and an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) drafted. MAF has undertaken to slash the grass on the site to determine the amount of arable land available for research.
Replicated trials were conducted at four research station style sites during the year (Aileu, Loes, Betano, Fatumaca). These were well managed during the year. Replicated trials on these sites included maize, cassava, sweet potato and peanuts. Replicated trials on rice, wheat, barley, Irish potatoes and beans were also conducted on farmers fields as representative ecosystems for these crops were not available on research stations. Field days were held at Aileu and Betano during which farmer observations of different varieties were recorded. These were supplemented with small field days held by each RA in his/her sub district for each crop to introduce the new tested varieties to local farmers.
Training on seed production and storage was provided to by SoL personnel as an on-going basis by the R/EAs and the Seed Production Advisor (SPA). Twelve formal courses were held (one in Nov, 2009 one in Dec, 2009, one in Jan, 2010, two in Feb, three in March and four in April, 2010) over the period from 01 September, 2009 and May, 2010. A sweet potato production field day was also held in Nov, 2009. A total of 236 training opportunities were delivered over this period.
The Seed Law drafted with the assistance of SoL personnel was with the MAF at the end of May. The SPA will continue to work with the MAF during 2010 to develop regulations to complement the Law. This Law will not be submitted to Parliament for ratification until the MAF has sufficient personnel in place to administer the regulations.
Seven seed production officers operating in six districts worked with an advisor to produce 60t Nakroma seed, 20t of maize, 100,000 sweet potato cuttings and 18t Utamua during the reporting period. Seed dryers, seed cleaning equipment and storage facilities were installed at two sites and smaller depots were constructed at two other sites.
Component 2- evaluation of new germplasm and associated technologies
The Seeds of Life program continued to evaluate new varieties of food crops for cultivation in TL. Included were 20 maize (mainly from CIMMYT), 15 peanut (mainly from ICRISAT), 16 varieties of sweet potato (mainly from CIP), 20 irrigated rice (from IRRI) and 25 cassava clones (mainly from CIAT). In addition, preliminary research was conducted on climbing beans, barley, wheat and Irish potato. Within each trial were at least two local varieties. A collection of local legumes was also planted for evaluation. Introduced germplasm was cultivated during the season at Betano (Manufahi), Quintal Portugal (Aileu), Fatumaca (Baucau) and Loes (Baucau) plus on farmers fields. Forty two varietal evaluation trials were installed and under evaluation in May 2010.
Agronomic trials to evaluate weeding, spacing, pesticide and tillage systems were also installed. Approximately 10 of these trials were installed by the research section of SoL and a further 10 as part of the seed multiplication program.
Germplasm conservation during the year included 80 cassava entries, 40 sweet potato varieties and 30 peanut varieties. A collection of native legume species also added to the diversity of material under evaluation for East Timorese farming systems.
The SoL training program progressed at a rate of 9 persons being trained each working day of the year. The total number of training days was 1503 between 01 September, 2009 and 30 April, 2010. Courses were directed at members of the research and development units (RDUs) involved with the program. In addition, farmer field days were held in each of the sub districts and on the job training was on-going.
In addition to the seed production training, formal classes were provided each month for English and five courses were presented on mathematics or statistics. There were also workshops on SWOT analyses, development of research priorities and training by AQIS on pests and disease prevention. In addition, the R/EAs and visiting scientists provided constant on the job training in soils, the use of Excel, GPS, soil pH testing equipment etc. This level of local training will continue for the remainder of 2010.
Seven East Timorese were taken on a study tour of research facilities at Hermitage Research Centre in Queensland, Australia. Participants were able to observe the precision and methodologies utilized by Australian researchers and discuss methods for improving their own practices.
During the past year two SoL/MAF staff members attended MSc training in Bogor, Indonesia, two other students studied English at UWA in preparation for studying MScs (with John Allwright scholarships), one student completed his Masters in GIS in Australia with SoL funding and the ATL co-supervised a PhD student studying at UWA.
Component 3- On-farm demonstrations and trials
More than eight hundred (837) maize, peanut, cassava, sweet potato and rice on farm demonstrations and trials (OFDTs) were established in 17 sub districts during the 2008-2009 wet season (Nov-April). Included were 286 maize, 151 sweet potato, 120 cassava, 194 peanut and 86 rice trials. At the end of May, 2010 six hundred and thirty three (633) trials had been harvested and were under evaluation. A similar number of trials were installed during 2009-2010 but may not be harvested and reported until later in the year.
The SOSEK team conducted a series of studies on the impact of SoL technologies on farm households, examined the farmer adoption patterns for different crops and continued a consumption study in SoL adopter households. Much of this research is reported in the Annual Research Report for 2009. A series of cropping calendars for each district was also completed and published.
Each RA held four mini field days in each sub district during the cropping season. One field day was held for each species. The crops were harvested during the field day, weighed and results discussed with the farmers and other members of the RDU. Feedback on the crops characteristics were then solicited from the visiting farmers.
OFDTs were installed in all major AEZs to evaluate the new varieties under different conditions. The coordinates of all were logged and mapped. Some of these will be included in a map of sites for the Annual Research Report.
Apart from varietal development, research was also conducted to improve the "packages of technology" available to farmers which would complement the high yielding varieties. Weed control is a major constraint in the upland areas and experiments on this were installed on maize, peanuts and rice. Included was the use of Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) to control weeds in maize. Nitrogen application trials were also implemented on farmers rice fields.
Component 4 Program management and coordination and institutionalization of crop research and extension in MAF
SoL activities were administered from the office at the MAF compound in Comoro, Dili for the entire year. This office is in the same building as the Directorate of Research and Special Services. SoL personnel, especially the Australian Team Leader interacted regularly with the Director for Research and Director for Agriculture and Horticulture.
Institutionalization of SoL into the MAF continued during the year with MAF directors requesting an increase in the level of funding to be directly managed by the MAF. The managers of research stations at Betano, Darasula and Loes were also more active. Provincial personnel were running the research program in the districts. All SOL correspondence is channelled through MAF.
SoL personnel attend MAF "harmonization" meetings between donors and holds regular meetings with NGOs.
The final TAG visit for SoL II was held in August, 2009. This occasion doubled as an opportunity to prepare a Concept Note for a possible third Phase (SoL III). A TAG report was prepared and SoL personnel acted on the recommendations. Additionally, the Concept Note recommended a third phase of the program and suggested that emphasis now be placed on seed production and extension of the new material. A SoL Program Steering Committee meeting followed in September, 2009 endorsing the concept note and the desire of all involved parties for a new Phase. AusAID and ACIAR supported the concept note in separate meetings. In November, 2009 a preliminary design for SoL III was completed and a final design team visited East Timor in April to the final design. This design was under consideration by the Australian and East Timorese Governments at the end of May, 2010.
Personnel changes during the year include the assignment of a long term social scientist, the assignment of a climate change advisor and the departure of two Australian volunteers.