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Project Information

Project Summary

Rationale

In December 2021, FFTC and RDA-AFACI signed a Letter of Agreement (LOA) to implement the project titled “Collaboration to Improve the Performance of the Agriculture Development Programs.” This project is to hold a Post Project Review and Learning (PPRL) workshop by selecting one of the AFACI-hosted programs and inviting the participating countries of that program to attend the workshop. In the said workshop, participants in the program share their experiences of success and failure and technical and methodological processes. Expert advice to achieve the program objectives and suggestions for the program host and organizer are also discussed.

The features of the AFACI-FFTC PPRL workshop are as follows: (1) Experiences and data from more than 10 Asian countries that have conducted programs with the same subject and guidelines, but under different environments, can be shared. The topic will be of common interest to most Asian countries. (2) In general, AFACI programs run for more than three years, so it is possible to share empirical experiences and data intensively accumulated during the period. (3) As the AFACI program involves government agencies, along with specific technology-related issues, experiences in the dissemination of program outcomes for small farmers can be shared at the same time. These characteristics are expected to help AFACI to identify the areas of improvement in their program and potential future program, the participating countries to get lessons from each other’s experiences and expert advice, and FFTC to disseminate the empirical information to its member countries.

The subject of the AFACI program for the 2023 AFACI-FFTC workshop is “Innovation and Approaches on Vegetable Breeding Technology in Asia.” This workshop is under the program “Development of Vegetable Breeding Skills in Asia” which is a 3-year project from 2019 to 2022 hosted and supported by RDA-AFACI and organized by WorldVeg. The main purpose of this program, in which 14 AFACI member countries participate, is the capacity development of public sector tomato and pepper breeders, focusing on disease resistance through education and germplasm sharing. The overall goal is to foster independence in vegetable production sustainability through the development of vegetable cultivars to meet local farmer and consumer preferences. This workshop invited the principal investigators (PIs) of the said AFACI program in each of participating countries and experts from academia to share their experiences and expertise in the development of vegetable breeding technology in Asia.

Objectives

• Exchange knowledge and experiences on vegetable breeding.
• Strengthen the capacity of vegetable breeders in the Asian and Pacific region.
• Identify the areas of improvement in the AFACI program and potential future programs.
• Strengthen international cooperation on vegetable breeding in the Asian and Pacific region.

Themes

[Workshop]

• Keynote 1: Recent research on tomato heat tolerance collaborated with the WorldVeg
• Keynote 2: Overview of the project and the work done so far
• Session 1: Practice and experiences-Country Reports
• Session 2: Group Discussion-Achievements, Challenges, and Improvements
• Session 3: General Discussion-Conclusion and Suggestions
• Field Trip

Workshop highlights

Twenty-five researchers from fourteen countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam) who have been the Principal Investigators (PIs) of the AFACI-WorldVeg project, and 13 invited participants from three countries (Korea, Malaysia, and Taiwan) were invited to share their experiences and expertise on the vegetable breeding technology and discuss the future direction of vegetable breeding technology projects in the Asia-Pacific region.

Keynote Session

Dr. Kai-Yi CHEN, NTU, Taiwan (K1): Dr. Chen explained the detailed procedures of his recent work on Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) mapping on tomato heat tolerance. He conducted RAD-seq genotyping of 176 F7 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross between Siberia (a heat-tolerant variety) and Tsar (a heat-sensitive variety). Two hundred and two SNPs were preserved in the final genetic map after filtering SNPs with a high number of missing genotypes, identical genotypes, and genetically very closely linked. He also investigated the fruit set and pollen viability under mild chronic heat stress and proper growth temperatures for tomatoes. To conduct QTL analysis, phenotypic data for pollen number was transformed through a logarithm to fit into an approximately normal distribution. QTL analysis aimed to identify the genetic differences attributed to heat tolerance between the two parents, the heat-tolerant variety Siberia and the heat-sensitive variety Tstar. The results showed that five QTLs were identified in the four trials: at least one QTL was identified in each trial.

Dr. Derek W. BARCHENGER, WorldVeg (K2): Dr. Derek pointed out that although tomato and pepper are two of the most important crops across Asia, yields are far below optimal levels. The most economical and sustainable way to overcome the biotic and abiotic stresses, which are the sources of this yield gap, is genetic improvement. During Phase 1 of the AFACI VegBreeding project, cumulative 109 WorldVeg lines were selected as the high-performing lines by 12 countries. He emphasized that, in phase 2, by attempting a more individualized approach, such as supplying lines or seeds considering each country's conditions and setting a research focus, and resuming field monitoring and evaluation, the project's performance can be improved.

Session 1: Practices and experiences

In session 1, the PIs presented their general achievements and experiences during the 3 years of the AFACI-WorldVeg project. 

Dr. Akm QUAMRUZZAMAN, BARI, Bangladesh: Bangladesh PIs collected and evaluated 75 tomato germplasm, screened 11 lines, developed 52 hybrids, and registered 3 varieties. Training programs and consultations were conducted for farmers, and the research results were published in various workshops and journals. The germplasm and training provided by WorldVeg were of great help to their research, but the process of selecting high-quality varieties with high yields and the difficulty in responding to biological and abiotic stresses were constraints.

Ms. Laxmi THAPA, National Centre for Organic Agriculture, Bhutan: Bhutan PIs evaluated 50 lines of tomato. Through the participatory variety selection (PVS) involving local farmers and multilocation trials with 7 selected lines, 3 promising varieties were selected and provided to tomato entrepreneurs, organic growers, and in Model Organic Villages (MoV) for demonstrations. 102 small-scale farmers have adopted WorldVeg tomato varieties, 64 farmers trained on tomato seed production technology, and 12 researchers have been trained in the initiation of breeding of priority crops of tomato and chili in the respective regions. Video, leaflets, brochures, and two scientific papers on tomatoes have been published. COVID-19 lockdowns, lack of technical expertise and facilities in advanced breeding technologies, and experienced researchers in pest and disease research were the major limitations. Through this project, they could increase the availability of best-performing open-pollinated tomato varieties and increase the income of smallholder farmers. The government has started providing subsidies to greenhouse tomato cultivation.

Mr. Kean SOPHEA, General Directorate of Agriculture, Cambodia:  Cambodian PIs evaluated 53 tomato lines (40 from WorldVeg and 13 from local). 46 lines were used for seed multiplication, 2 best lines showed the highest yield, 4 potential tomato genotypes found Southern Blight disease resistance and 1 variety could be selected for release or registration. 59 technical staff, students, and lead farmers were trained in tomato cross-pollination and screening of tomato lines. 2 technical guidebooks and 1 scientific paper were published. The productivity and net profit of the WorldVeg provided AVTO 1711 variety were more than 10 times higher than that of the local variety.

Dr. Redy GASWANTO, Indonesia Agency for Agricultural Standardization, Indonesia: A total of 148 new chili accessions (60 introduced lines + 88 local genotypes) were added to the germplasm collections, 30 F1 hybrids accessions were obtained, 44 lines were screened for disease resistance and plant characteristics, and 25 promising lines were selected for resistant donor or open-pollinated variety candidates. The registration certificates for four chili genotypes were issued, 1 open pollinated variety already released in 2022 and one F1 hybrid candidate will be released soon. Three F1 hybrids chili genotypes had been proposed to get Plant Variety Protection (PVP) right.

Dr. Birzhan USUBALIEV, Kyrgyz Research Institute of Agriculture, Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan PIs evaluated 41 lines of tomato, successfully produced and conserved seeds of 11 lines for future work, and already registered 11 lines in the State Register of Kyrgyzstan. 120 people participated in the training on grafting vegetables, and 225 farmers benefited from consultations on the technology of growing tomatoes, and seedlings, soil preparation, the advantage of installing drip irrigation, and obtaining seeds. 1 brochure titled "Technology of cultivation of tomatoes" has been prepared and will be published.

Mr. Phathana SENGOUNKEO, Horticulture Research Center (HRC), Lao PDR: Lao PIs collected 352 tomato accessions (from World Veg 41 and from local 311), evaluated the assessments of 297 lines, conducted participatory evaluation/selection by local farmers, and selected 6 lines which showed good performance for cultivation under greenhouse condition. Besides, 24 tomato lines were highly resistant to soil-borne diseases. 1 variety with a 20% improvement in productivity compared to the reference variety was registered. 352 people attended a training course and field day event, and 25 model farmers were supported and got benefits from project activities.

Ms. Nominchuluun MUNGUNSHAGAI, Institute of Plant and Agricultural Sciences, Mongolia: Mongolian PIs studied 40 accessions from WorldVeg for their performance, and 2 best-selected tomato lines were approved as promising varieties for cultivation in Mongolia by the State Variety Council of MOFALI. The WorldVeg provided lines were relatively resistant to the diseases that mainly occur in Mongolia. 10 cross combinations were carried out, 4 combinations of F0 seeds were harvested, and F1 seeds from 4 combinations were studied in comparison to parental lines. Diagnosis of viruses in tomato varieties was determined for the first time in Mongolia. They organized 4 training and demonstration field days in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Light Industry of Mongolia, provincial departments of Agriculture, as well as Agriculture Extension Center. Totally, 730 participants including farmers, government officers, researchers, and students were involved.

Ms. Thaingi MYINT, Department of Agricultural Research, Myanmar: A total of 101 tomato accessions were evaluated and successfully produced seeds of all the accessions for future work and variety development. 17 Bacterial wilt Ralstonia solanacearum resistant lines and 14 Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Disease (TYLCD) resistant lines were found by collaborative research with Plant Pathology Research Section, DAR. Thirty-nine farmers were trained in Farmer Participatory Training, 3 pamphlets, and 1 booklet were developed and published, and 3 research papers were published. Two TV programs were broadcasted on the MRTV channel and WorldVeg’s YouTube Channel.

Dr. Surendra Lal SHRESTHA, National Horticulture Research Center, Nepal: Nepal PIs evaluated 58 tomato accessions in the past three years, developed 28 Single Cross Hybrids (SCHs) for high yield and BW and LB resistant, and selected 5 indeterminate and 4 determinate promising genotypes. A total of 11 field trials were conducted across the country and 17 farmers participated in the farmers’ field varietal evaluation trial. 2 varieties will be registered within December 2023. 61 farmers were trained on improved tomato and seed production technology and 5 researchers participated in the training course. A Video on “Improved Tomato Production Technology” was developed and disseminated through National TV, NARC websites, and Facebook, and one booklet and two policy paper were published.

Ms. Maria Narcisa V. GARCIA, Los Baños National Crop Research, Philippines: Philippine PIs collected and evaluated 49 tomato germplasms (39 from WorldVeg, 2 from Institute of Plant Breeding, 4 from Mariano Marcos State University, and 4 from National Seed Industry Council) for disease, characteristics, and quality. 6 field trials were conducted, and 10 promising tomato lines were identified for registration to the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC). 82 farmers and 29 researchers participated in the training course, 1 catalog (Guide on the Proper Way of Seeding Tomato) and 1 scientific paper were published.

Dr. Kamal Nishantha KANNANGARA, Field Crops Research & Development Institute, Sri Lanka: 75 chili Germplasms (60 WorldVeg & 15 local collections) were collected and evaluated for different agronomic traits, screened under field conditions for major pests & diseases, 1,500 new crosses have been made, and 6 promising F1s were selected for nation-wise yield evaluation (NCVT). Farmers, extension officers, seed producers, scientists, and the general public participated during the observatory evaluation process and their suggestions and views were considered while selection.

The awareness program was conducted for more than hundreds of farmers and 60 officers in a field day conducted and this program was included in the chili hybrid breeding research program of the FCRDI/DOA, Sri Lanka.

Ms. Saowanee KETSAKUL, Si Sa Ket Horticultural Research Center, Thailand: Thailand PIs collected 220 tomato lines (37 from WorldVeg, 183 from local), evaluated 150 accessions, and screened 100 lines for disease resistance, plant characteristics, and fruit quality. A total of 40 breeders and staff were trained on tomato plant disease evaluation in the field, and at the greenhouse. Despite the delay in importing seeds from WorldVeg due to domestic seed import regulations, Thailand PIs were able to proceed with the project by collecting and evaluating many seeds on their own in the country.

Dr. Thi Hanh NGO, Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute, Vietnam: 81 chili germplasms were collected and evaluated, 51 hybridizations were made, and 22 lines were screened for disease, plant characteristics, and fruit quality. 60 farmers participated in participatory verity selection, 90 farmers adopted the selected variety, and 80 farmers, 20 local extension officers, and technical staffs participated in the training course.  Also, 120 farmers and local staffs participated in the new hybrid chili pepper varieties 'field-day workshop. 500 leaflets on chili pepper production protocol, 215 booklets on chili pepper safe production following VietGAP guidelines, and 2 scientific papers on chili pepper line trial in Vietnam and chili pepper hybrid combination evaluation were published.

Mr. Sanjar ADILOV, Center of Knowledge and Innovation in Agriculture, Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan did not participate in phase 1 of the project but participated in phase 2 starting in 2023. They received 70 accessions of hot pepper, sweet pepper, and tomato from the World Vegetable Center in 2023 and 59 accessions of hot pepper and sweet pepper, and 11 tomato lines have been planted for trials. A total 0.05 ha greenhouse was built for tomato trial.

Session 2 – Achievements, Challenges, and Improvements (group discussion)

For group discussion, the workshop participants were classified into 3 groups as follows, taking into consideration the similarity of crops and regions of interest. They were asked to discuss 3 topics with reference to the given examples.

[Topic 1] What has been achieved through the project?

[Topic 2] Challenges faced during the project.

[Topic 3] Areas of improvement / Suggestions

Session 3 – Conclusion and Suggestions

(1) Group discussion result presentation (summary of 3 group presentations)

[Major achievements]

• Many varieties were collected, evaluated, and screened to discover, register, and release promising varieties suitable for the conditions of each region.
• A variety of hybrids could be developed using the collected varieties.
• Some accessions have been stored in the national gene bank.
• Training courses, education, and field day events were held for local farmers, researchers, and students to disseminate advanced technologies for growing tomatoes/peppers.
• Brochures, pamphlets, videos, websites, and TV programs on tomato/chili cultivation have been developed for public dissemination.
• Scientific papers were published through workshop proceedings or journals.
• Some farmers have improved their incomes by adopting new varieties.

[Challenges]

• There was a problem with the continuity of the project due to the change in the implementing agency and the person in charge.
• Lack of technical expertise in advanced breeding, disease evaluation, etc.
• Lack of facilities for research such as greenhouse.
• Unfavorable climate conditions such as low temperature, short growing season, heavy rain, extreme heat, etc.
• Government regulations on seed import or variety registration are complex or subject to change, hindering the project schedule.
• Mismatch of the financial period between AFACI and some country governments.
• Lack of pest and disease trials/experiments guidelines.
• Poor identification of local varieties.
• Limited exchange of information from principal investigators of other countries.
• In some country case, the provided seeds are not uniform, therefore extending the time to start the project.
• The testing procedure for anthracnose is not yet stable, in some countries the test results in the field and in the laboratory are different.
• In some countries none of the lines are resistant to viruses, therefore very difficult to find promising accessions.
• It is very difficult to develop varieties that can compete with commercial varieties by meeting the diverse needs of farmers such as yield, color, shape of fruit, plant habit, and quality (capsaicinoids, flavonoids).
• The price of F1 hybrid chili seed production is high because of manual emasculation.

[Area of improvements/suggestions]

• Capacity building of researchers related to breeding including molecular breeding.
• Conduct more face-to-face/practical training to capacitate PIs on vegetable breeding, disease evaluation and management, and other necessary knowledge needed for the proper implementation of the project.
• Opportunity for the training of students (MSc and Ph.D. in WorldVeg).
• Virus testing training and virus testing kits.
• Promising/potent germplasm exchange within AFACI member countries.
• Tomato germplasms tolerant/resistant to water logging conditions.
• Acquire and collect more lines of tomatoes that are climate-resistant and adaptable to multi-location.
• Trial guidelines for chili and tomato regarding disease resistance.
• A tutorial or hands-on training in the hybridization of tomato and chili.
• Constructions of PIs network to communicate.
• The key person/coordinator from RDA or WorldVeg for the sharing of information and other materials with each PI.
• Exchange visits of member countries during the cropping season.
• Resend the selected parental materials seed.
• Need support from Worldveg to have accessions with multiple agronomic characteristics.
• Need genetic materials that have resistance to salinity, high temperature, and water stress conditions.
• Request for breeding history/information of the promising/adaptable lines for variety registration.
• Require additional information on the agronomic traits, market demands and post-harvest processing of tomatoes.
• Publish the research findings either in WorldVeg or AFACI publications.

(2) General discussion

After each group’s presentation, there was a discussion about the issues raised in the presentation. The main points of the discussion are summarized below:

• Conduct more face-to-face/practical training to capacitate PIs on vegetable breeding, disease evaluation and management, and the other necessary knowledge needed for the proper implementation of the project. [AFACI and WorldVeg are preparing several onsite meetings and training for the AFACI member countries.]
• Emphasize provision of virus testing training, virus testing kits, and trial guidelines regarding disease resistance. [Virus test training will be included in the training course.]
• Create a network platform for AFACI member countries to share information and germplasms. [WorldVeg will create a WhatsApp group of PIs’ communication and will provide contact channel information of each country for germplasm exchange.]
• Designate the key person/coordinator of RDA and WorldVeg for the sharing of information and other materials with each PI. [WorldVeg will seek the direction of development after running the WhatsApp group for a year.]
• Provide more suitable lines for each country’s cultivation environment. [WorldVeg has a vast line of vegetables and is ready to offer them. Rather than simply asking for more lines, you need to explicitly request the desired characteristics.]
• Provide more information on the breeding history of the promising/adaptable lines for variety registration and the agronomic traits, market demands, and post-harvest processing. [All the necessary information will be provided as possible upon request.]

Outcomes:

49 people participated in this closed workshop, including 2 keynote speakers from Taiwan and WorldVeg, 25 principal investigators from 14 AFACI member countries, 14 invited participants from Taiwan, Korea, and Malaysia, and 6 observers from AFACI and Korea mission in Taipei. 2 papers, 16 PPTs, 12 discussion materials, and 4 presentation videos were submitted. The workshop was live streamed for 3 online participants (Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar) through the Cisco Webex Event (Max. 1,000). This workshop was centered on discussion, and participants actively exchanged opinions through group discussions and general discussions. The main points raised during the discussion are summarized in this report. In the feedback conducted through the workshop website, most respondents were very satisfied with the workshop in all aspects (content, relevance, and logistics).