Kosrae Research

High efficiency micropropagation of pineapple for mass-scale elite seedling production

May 2, 2016

KOSRAE, FSM. Dr. Virendra M. Verma, Researcher and Extension Specialist, Kosrae Agricultural Experiment Station

Pineapple Micropropagation and Commercial Cultivation to Enhance Productivity in Micronesia, is a multi-state research project approved by the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) for the Micronesian region. The project director of this project, Dr. Virendra M. Verma, shared that this project focuses on enhancing pineapple production in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) because non-availability of disease-free and elite seedlings, shortage of trained agricultural professionals, and limited acquaintance of farmers with commercial cultivation techniques have significantly restricted pineapple production in the Micronesian region. The ultimate aim of this project is to create opportunities of income generation for local farmers through providing a means of sustainable commercial pineapple cultivation, and thereby, improve food self-sufficiency, and nutritional security in the Micronesian region.

This project is of great significance as it is specifically designed to optimize micropropagation protocol and nursery management systems to produce elite and disease-free pineapple seedlings in bulk quantities in the Micronesian region. The project utilized biotechnological techniques for micropropagation and greenhouse acclimatization of tissue-cultured plants. The project activities also include educating local farmers in sustainable agriculture practices, and providing appropriate recommendations and training for commercial pineapple production.

The pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merrill), a tropical plant with edible multiple fruit consisting of coalesced berries, is the most economically significant plant in the Bromeliaceae family. The project involved undertaking a research study to develop an economically feasible, efficient, rapid and reproducible multiplication protocol for two local commercially important pineapple cultivars (Ananas comosus cv. Kosraean and Ananas comosus cv. Hawaiian). A highly efficient in vitro multiplication method for both cultivars was developed by using apical and lateral meristems. Murashige and Skoog, 1962 medium (MS) was used throughout the study. The cultures were initiated on MS medium augmented with various combinations and concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The medium augmented with 4.5µM BAP and 2µM NAA proved best for culture establishment. For further growth and subsequent multiplication, established cultures were first transferred on MS medium augmented with 9µM BAP and 3.5µM NAA, and later on the MS medium without any growth regulators. The number of multiple shoots produced from each explant after two subcultures varied from 18 to 35. A 16-h photoperiod with a temperature of 25^oC day and night, light intensity of 80µmol m^-2 s^-1, and 60% relative humidity were maintained for multiplication. Many micropropagated shoots formed roots while they were still on the multiplication medium. However, maximum rooting was observed on MS medium augmented with 0.5µM NAA and 0.5µM BAP. Rooted plants were transferred to soil: compost (10:1, v/v) mixture in pots and acclimatized with 93% survival rate. Hundreds of fully acclimatized, tissue-culture produced pineapple plants are ready to be planted in the field.

Successful implementation of this project has resulted in the development of a high efficiency micropropagation method for mass production of elite, diseases-free seedlings, and acclimatization of hundreds of tissue-culture raised plants of selected pineapple varieties through appropriate nursery management systems. Preparation has been started for designing, implementing and conducting research trials for commercial pineapple cultivation at multiple sites as well as for collecting data for analysis, and the development and publication of a commercial pineapple cultivation guide to specifically suit the needs of local farmers. Recommendations will be provided for sustainable pineapple production through training workshops, hands-on trainings, farm visits, and field days. Three pilot sites in the Micronesian region, specifically in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) will be developed as demonstration sites to carry out research, extension, and education activities of the project to encourage and promote sustainable commercial pineapple production among local farmers in the region.

Acclimatization of pineapple plantlets in greenhouse.

Acclimatized pineapple plants in nursery.

Acclimatized pineapple plants ready for field transfer.

USDA-NIFA approved second multi-state/site research project on pineapple for Micronesia

September 11, 2014

KOSRAE, FSM. Dr. Virendra M. Verma, Researcher and Extension Specialist, Kosrae Agricultural Experiment Station.

The United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) has approved another multi-state/site research project for Micronesian region. The project entitled: Pineapple Micropropagation and Commercial Cultivation to Enhance Productivity in Micronesia, is the second multi-state/site research project initiated after recent recommendations from the College of Micronesia’s Board of Regents. The project director of this project Dr. Virendra M. Verma shared that this project aims to enhance pineapple production in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) through micropropagation and commercial cultivation. Non-availability of disease-free and elite seedlings, shortage of trained agricultural professionals, and limited acquaintance of farmers with commercial cultivation techniques have significantly restricted pineapple production in Micronesia. This project aims to enhance pineapple production to improve food self-sufficiency, nutritional security, and provide means of income generation in Micronesia.

This project is of great significance as it is specifically designed to optimize micropropagation and nursery management systems to produce elite and disease-free pineapple seedlings in bulk quantities, provide appropriate recommendations and adequate opportunities to educate and train local farmers in sustainable and commercial pineapple production. Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merrill), the most economically significant plant in the Bromeliaceae family, is one of the most important horticultural crop in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. In Micronesia, pineapple is a desirable fruit in traditional feasts. The crop also has great potential for export. Mainly grown for fresh and canned fruit and juice, pineapple is the only source of bromelain enzyme that is used in pharmaceuticals and as a meat-tenderizing agent. The fresh fruit is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6 and copper, and a very good source of vitamin C and manganese.

To overcome the limitations affecting pineapple production in Micronesia, the project activities include: Collection of pineapple germplasm of local cultivars and establish in vitro cultures of collected germplasm; refinement of micropropagation protocol for multiplication of collected pineapple germplasm; optimization of acclimatization and nursery management systems to produce elite seedlings for commercial pineapple cultivation; designing, implementing and conducting research trials for commercial pineapple cultivation at multiple sites and collection of data for analysis; and development and publication of commercial pineapple cultivation guide to specifically suit the needs of local farmers. Recommendations will be provided for sustainable pineapple production through training workshops, hands-on trainings, farm visits, and field days. Two pilot sites in Micronesia i.e., one each at the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) will be developed as demonstration sites for research, extension, and education activities of the project aiming to promote commercial pineapple production.

The extension and outreach activities will develop positive attitudes, zeal for learning sustainable cultivation techniques and farming aspects of pineapple, and will change the behavior of the participating farmers. Participants of extension and outreach activities will be guided to adopt recommended techniques and start commercial pineapple production farms. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop sustainable commercial pineapple production systems in Micronesia through providing elite, disease-free pineapple seedlings and by providing training to local farmers to improve their knowledge and skills for sustainable, commercial pineapple production.

USDA-NIFA Approved First Multi-State/Site Research Project on Black Pepper for Micronesia

July 9, 2014

KOSRAE, FSM. Dr. Virendra M. Verma, Researcher and Extension Specialist, Kosrae Agricultural Experiment Station.

Tissue-cultured black pepper plants in the lab.

The United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) approved multi-state/site research project on black pepper for Micronesia entitled Micropropagation for elite seedling production: Comparison of local practices and commercial cultivation methods. This is the first multi-state/site research project initiated after recent recommendation from the College of Micronesia’s Board of Regents. The project director of this project Dr. Virendra M. Verma shared that this project aims towards developing sustainable black pepper production in Micronesia by providing elite and disease-free seedlings, appropriate recommendations for commercial production, and developing skills and improving knowledge of local farmers about black pepper cultivation.

The project is of great significance as non-availability of disease-free and elite seedlings, shortage of trained agricultural professionals, and limited skills of farmers for commercial production have caused serious decline in black pepper production in Micronesia. Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) belongs to the family Piperaceae. It is a universal table condiment used to flavor all types of cuisines worldwide and is known to stimulate metabolism, aid absorption of nutrients, and boost the efficacy of drugs. This project is specifically designed to develop micropropagation and nursery management systems to produce elite, disease-free seedlings in bulk quantities, and provide appropriate recommendations and adequate opportunities to educate and train local farmers in sustainable commercial black pepper production.

The project activities include: Collection of black pepper germplasm and establishment of in vitro cultures of collected germplasm; development of efficient micropropagation protocols for the multiplication of collected germplasm, development of acclimatization and nursery management systems to produce elite seedlings for commercial cultivation; designing comparative study of local practices and commercial cultivation methods; implement and conduct research trials at multiple sites and collect data for analysis; development and publication of commercial black pepper cultivation guide; and providing recommendations for sustainable black pepper production.

The extension and outreach activities will develop positive attitudes, zeal for learning sustainable cultivation techniques and farming aspects of black pepper, and will change the behavior of the participating farmers. Production of elite and disease-free black pepper seedlings will increase. Participants of extension and outreach activities will be guided to adopt recommended techniques and start commercial black pepper production farms. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop sustainable commercial black pepper production systems in Micronesia through providing elite, disease-free black pepper seedlings in bulk quantities and by improving knowledge and developing skills of local farmers about black pepper micropropagation, acclimatization and nursery management systems.

In vitro selection for salt tolerance in taro and sweet potato

February 10, 2014

KOSRAE, FSM. Dr. Virendra M. Verma, Researcher and Extension Specialist, Kosrae Agricultural Experiment Station.

In Vitro Selection for Salt Tolerance in Taro
Dr. Verma is Project Director of research project on In Vitro Selection for Salt Tolerance in Taro. Salinity, an abiotic stress that combines elements of water deficiency and sodium toxicity is among the most serious and widespread of agricultural problems on islands resulting in lost crop yield and arable land. Therefore, the efforts to develop salt-tolerant plants are of immense importance to increase crop productivity. In recent years, tissue culture based in vitro selection has emerged as a feasible and cost-effective tool for developing salt tolerant plants. Taro is one of the most important staple food crops in the Pacific Region for local consumption as well as for export. The crop contributes significantly to the socio-economics and provide livelihood to almost all island people and thus is crucial for ensuring nutritional and economic security.

In vitro selected salt tolerant taro plantlets with well-developed roots were acclimatized before transfer to the field. For acclimatization, the plantlets were transferred into pots containing sterile potting mix to avoid contamination and were kept in the greenhouse for subsequent 2-3 weeks. Acclimatized plants were then transferred to the nursery for maintenance. Fully acclimatized taro plants were evaluated for salt tolerance level in the field using randomized complete block design having 2’ distance between plants and 3’ between rows, ten plants per replication and six replications at two sites (coastal and inland) with susceptible local check in-between. Some plants of taro performed very well at coastal sites. In vitro conservation of selected salt tolerant taro germplasm for mass multiplication in future has been started.

Participants’ knowledge and skills about in vitro and in vivo selection techniques have been increased through collection and review of related literature, in vitro experimentation and conservation, establishment of nursery management system, development of high efficiency multiplication protocols, and production of elite seedlings.

Field days were organized at evaluation sites and participants from various municipalities attended and participated in the field days. The participants included enthusiastic small-scale farmers, producers, agriculture students, youths, extension agents, state government agricultural staff and agricultural professionals. During the field days, technical assistance and support were provided. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and appropriate answers were provided. All the participants showed great interest in the project and expressed willingness to participate in future training workshops.

Multi-color cultivation guide on taro has been developed, printed and distributed to all interested farmers.

In Vitro Selection for Salt Tolerance in Sweet Potato

KOSRAE, FSM. Dr. Virendra M. Verma, Researcher and Extension Specialist, Kosrae Agricultural Experiment Station. Dr. Verma is Project Director of research project on In Vitro Selection for Salt Tolerance in Sweet Potato. Salinity, an abiotic stress that combines elements of water deficiency and sodium toxicity is among the most serious and widespread of agricultural problems on islands resulting in lost crop yield and arable land. Therefore, the efforts to develop salt-tolerant plants are of immense importance to increase crop productivity. In recent years, tissue culture based in vitro selection has emerged as a feasible and cost-effective tool for developing salt tolerant plants. Sweet potato is one of the most important staple food crops in the Pacific Region for local consumption as well as for export. It contributes significantly to the socio-economics and provides livelihood to almost all island people and thus is crucial for ensuring nutritional and economic security.

Germplasm of different varieties of sweet potato collected from the Micronesia Region, have been planted and maintained in the greenhouse. Shoot apices were isolated from all varieties and inoculated on media to establish cultures. All varieties were established in vitro and maintained for further experiments. Different types of media were formulated by using various combinations of plant growth regulators along with other media components like organic and inorganic nutrients/minerals, vitamins and amino acids to develop suitable and efficient multiplication and maintenance protocols for all varieties. In vitro screening to study salt tolerance level in collected and tissue culture maintained germplasm of sweet potato has been started. Media formulation and preparation for in vitro screening for stress tolerance are under progress for sweet potato cultures. In vitro selected and acclimatized salt tolerant sweet potato plantlets will be further screened in the greenhouse and field.

Participants’ knowledge and skills about in vitro selection techniques have been increased through collection and review of related literature, in vitro experimentation, and development of high efficiency multiplication protocols.

Multi-color cultivation guide on sweet potato has been developed, printed and distributed to all interested farmers.

Extensive hands-on trainings on integrated sustainable agriculture for root crops, vegetables and fruit production

July 14, 2013

KOSRAE, FSM. Dr. Virendra M. Verma, Researcher/Extension Specialist, Kosrae Agricultural Experiment Station.

The key concept of the project was to implement and demonstrate to small-scale farmers, a successful integrated sustainable agriculture system that is promising in island conditions and is safe for the environment. The project provided adequate opportunities to educate and train farmers and rural communities in on-farm implementation of sustainable agriculture systems through hands-on trainings including PowerPoint presentations.

Project coordinator Dr. Verma, producers and participants maintained a high level of interest for development, implementation and demonstration of multiple integrated activities for cropping systems in a sustainable manner. Demonstration plots developed and used for demonstration of planned outreach activities to encourage establishment of integrated sustainable agriculture systems. At the project sites, vigorously growing crops, harvest of excellent sweet potatoes, bananas, eggplants, soft taro, pineapple, hot peppers, black pepper, watermelons, wax guard, Chinese cabbage and papaya attracted much attention of local communities.

Experiments are showing positive results and farmers are showing increased interest in developing agricultural farms. The extension activities have improved knowledge, created awareness and developed skills of participants in sustainable agriculture systems. Ultimately extension activities have developed positive attitudes, zeal for learning techniques and farming aspects, and have changed the behavior and economic condition of the participants.