Development of disease management recommendations for the durian and jackfruit industries in the Philippines using farmer participatory research

Abstract

Promoting the adoption of improved technologies among smallholder farmers is a challenge faced by agricultural scientists and extension personnel around the world. In the southern Philippines, Phytophthora diseases severely affect the yields of durian and jackfruit. A limited understanding of these diseases among farmers and extension professionals compromises their effective management and significantly reduces yields. Recommended management interventions were rarely validated in field trials. A participatory research approach was used to collect information on current farming practices, identify industry constraints, and to develop and promote management strategies for smallholder durian and jackfruit growers. Farmers identified the development of effective disease management strategies as the highest priority so information on the biology, epidemiology and management of the suspected pathogen, Phytophthora, and other pests and diseases, was presented and discussed. Participants were then asked to propose and design research trials to diagnose the pathogen and to test simple management interventions on their crops. The trials were established and managed by participants and monitored by the group of growers, researchers and extension staff over 3 years. Responsibility for the on-farm trials encouraged participants to become directly involved in the research process, improving their skills in developing and critically assessing solutions for management of their orchards, and in decision-making processes. Results from the Participatory Action Research (PAR) trials were subjected to simple benefit-cost analyses and used to formulate a series of low-, medium- and high-input disease management packages. The low-input options included sanitation and manual pruning and weeding, and other activities requiring relatively low levels of time and financial investment. Medium- and high-input options required greater investment of time, resources and finances and included application of soil amendments, water management through construction of drainage channels and mounding, and the application of pesticides. The availability of a range of options facilitates the adoption of improved management by farmers from diverse backgrounds, resources and capacity.