Card Project Progress Report: Field evaluation and advanced vegetative mass-propagation technology for scaling up high-value plantations of Pinus caribaea and related hybrids in Vietnam - Milestone 6 " pptx

Project Abstract The Project seeks to review existing experience with and performance of several tropical conifer species in Vietnam, particularly Caribbean Pine, and to establish furthe

Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development

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CARD Project Progress Report

033/05 VIE

Field evaluation and advanced vegetative

mass-propagation technology for scaling up high-value

plantations of Pinus caribaea and related hybrids

in Vietnam

Milestone 6

Second Six Monthly Project Progress Report

February – July, 2007

Research Centre for Forest Tree Improvement Forest Science Institute of Vietnam

Chem, Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam

and Forestry Plantations Queensland GYMPIE – Queensland 4570, Australia

Institution Information

mass-propagation technology for scaling up high-value

plantations of Pinus caribaea and related hybrids in

Vietnam

Vietnamese Institution RCFTI, Forest Science Institute of Vietnam (FSIV), MARD

Vietnamese Project Team

Leader

Dr Ha Huy Thinh

Australian Organisation Forestry Plantations Queensland (Formally trading as DPI

Forestry)

Australian Personnel Mr Ian Last

Completion date (original) February 2008

Completion date (revised) February 2008

Contact Officer(s)

In Australia: Team Leader

Organisation Forestry Plantations Queensland Email: ian.last@fpq.qld.gov.au

In Australia: Administrative contact

Organisation Forestry Plantations Queensland Email: ian.last@fpq.qld.gov.au

In Vietnam

Organisation Research Centre for Forest Tree

Improvement, (RCFTI)

1 Project Abstract

The Project seeks to review existing experience with and performance of several tropical conifer species in Vietnam, particularly Caribbean Pine, and to establish further trials of improved genetic material, including hybrids

The project will also provide capacity building for Vietnamese Forest Research institutions

relating to Pinus tree improvement and mass propagation systems via training in

Queensland (Qld) and Vietnam, development of small scale hedge and nursery infrastructure, and a study tour to Australia, involving innovative Vietnamese forest managers / researchers

Finally, the project will build awareness amongst large and small-scale forest growers including ethnic minorities, through the establishment of collaborative demonstration

plantings in priority regions for Pinus plantation expansion, supported by appropriate

training

Key achievements during the reporting period include:

1 Completion of Nursery Manual for the production of Pinus cuttings (Milestone 5)

2 Pilot scale hedge facilities functioning at 3 sites for the production of Pinus cuttings

(part of Milestone 7)

3 Successful delivery of nursery training courses at Ba Vi (Ha Tay) and Dalat (Lam Dong)

4 Plants raised for demonstration plantings and sites confirmed (part of Milestone 9)

2 Executive Summary

Progress during the third 6 month reporting period has been in accordance with the project Logframe Highlights include:

• Completion of nursery manual;

• Delivery of nursery training at Ba Vi and Dalat;

• Experimental bulk harvest and setting of pine shoots following nursery training; and

• Raising plants and confirmation of sites for demonstration plantings

Key challenges during the next 6 months include fine tuning hedge and nursery techniques at the 3 pilot nurseries, maintenance and monitoring of genetic evaluation trials and establishment of demonstration plantings

3 Introduction and Background

Project objectives, outputs expected, approach and methodology are as follows:

Objective 1: Identify the most highly productive, well-adapted varieties and hybrids of Pinus

caribaea, in comparison to other pine species currently planted, for priority pine planting

zones

Output 1.1: Review and report comparative performance of pines in Vietnam based on

existing trials and related information

Output 1.2: Establish genetic evaluation trials to compare performance of locally

available and introduced pines on multiple sites throughout key regions in Vietnam

Output 1.3: Review pine genetic resources and related breeding strategies and

capabilities / resources in Vietnam, particularly for Pinus caribaea and related hybrids

Objective 2: Provide practical training and support to forest research institutes in Vietnam to

enable the development and local adaptation of hedge and containerised nursery systems for the mass propagation of pine cuttings

Output 2.1: Trained personnel able to establish and manage hedge beds, collect and set shoots and raise containerised cuttings

Output 2.2: Locally adapted Nursery Manual and related checklists developed

Output 2.3: 3 Pilot scale hedge and containerised nursery facilities established and

various prescriptions tested

Objective 3: Create improved awareness amongst rural poor smallholders and industrial

forest growers in key pine growing regions, regarding the potential performance of improved varieties of Caribbean pine to supply a range of forest products and services via the establishment of demonstration plantings in collaboration with local land owners

Output 3.1: Establish two demonstration trials with a large scale forest grower

Output 3.2: Establish community and individual farmer managed plantings in collaboration with two local ethnic minority communities

The approach and methodology to achieve these objectives and outputs includes:

• Practical nursery training (in Queensland and Vietnam), supported by manuals;

• Development of pilot nursery facilities to test and locally adapt new methods;

• Study tours to expose Vietnamese researchers to novel approaches to forest management;

• Review and analysis of existing tree improvement trials and strategies and the development of revised approaches, supported by new field trials and demonstration plantings

4 Progress to Date

4.1 Implementation Highlights

General

ƒ Inception Meeting at Hanoi (15/2/06) attended by over 20 participants

ƒ Study tour to Australia by Vietnamese researchers (Jun’06)

Objective 1

ƒ Output 1.1: Completed Technical report titled “Review of the Performance and

suitability of Pinus caribaea in Vietnam” submitted to CARD PMU (Milestone 8)

ƒ Output 1.2: Completed Genetic evaluation trials established at 6 sites Report

submitted under Milestone 4

ƒ Output 1.3: Ongoing discussions with RCFTI staff regarding enhancements to

current breeding strategy based on key findings from Output 1.1

Objective 2

ƒ Output 2.1: Nursery training completed Qld (May’06) and Vietnam (May’07)

ƒ Output 2.2: Completed Nursery Manual finalised (June-July’07) following training

in Vietnam (May’07) (awaiting translation)

ƒ Output 2.3: Pilot hedge sites at Ba Vi, Phu Ninh and Dalat constructed mid 2006 and

operating effectively for May’07 training courses

Objective 3

ƒ Output 3.1 Demonstration planting with local minority people at Dak P’Lao (Dak

Lak) scheduled for July/Aug’07

ƒ Output 3.2: Demonstration plantings with commercial forest growers are scheduled

for Aug’07 (near Dalat, Lam Dong) and Oct/Nov’07 (Nghe An)

Refer to the attached Progress Report Logframe for further details

4.2 Capacity Building

Previous capacity building initiatives have been reported as part of earlier Progress Reports

4.3 Training Programs

On site nursery training was provided at Ba Vi (Ha Tay) and Dalat (Lam Dong) in May’07 This involved practical and theoretical training in nursery design and hygiene, potting mix preparation and testing, hedge layout and management, shoot collection and setting, watering and nutrition regimes and sorting and conditioning guidelines field prior to field planting To reinforce learning outcomes, a Nursery Manual (originally prepared as part of the June’06 training in Queensland) has been revised following the training in Vietnam It is currently awaiting translation and both versions will be provided to CARD PMU staff when complete

4.4 Publicity

No significant publicity has occurred during past 6 months

There have been no major Project Management issues

5 Report on Cross-Cutting Issues

5.1 Environment

There have been no major (negative) environmental issues associated with the Project Health risks associated with some of the sterilising agents (eg chlorine) were highlighted to nursery trainees and are also covered in the Nursery Manual

5.2 Gender and Social Issues

Nursery training in Vietnam involved a mix of genders on both the delivery and trainee sides

Depending on progress with various project tasks and the availability of key personnel, a final project visit is scheduled for late 2007 or early 2008

Overall, the project is progressing well with most planned activities either complete or well-advanced The Nursery Training in Vietnam and related site inspections and discussions was beneficial for all parties A range of issues arising from the May’07 visit has been provided

to the Vietnamese Project Leader to follow up with relevant project staff

7 Conclusion

To date, there have been no major issues or constraints affecting the overall planned objectives and outputs Minor issues are addressed in further detail within the logframe Briefly these relate to:

6.1 Issues and Constraints

6 Implementation Issues

ƒ Nursery setting areas While the pilot nursery sites have shaded areas for freshly-set

shoots, they also require well-drained open-sun areas for the shoots once rooting commences Customised guidelines were provided for each of the three nurseries following the May training sessions and the Australian Project Leader has requested periodic progress reports

ƒ Hedge Management: In general the pilot hedges at all three sites look good

Guidelines for pruning back the hedges were provided following the May training sessions to encourage the development of healthy new shoots and reduce

“maturation” effects The Australian Project Leader has requested periodic progress reports to ensure hedge vitality is maintained

ƒ Demonstration Trials: Poor germination amongst some of the proposed treatments

will limit the size and diversity of some of the planned demonstration trials

ƒ Most new genetic trials have received a 6-month assessment The Australian Project Leader is awaiting a translated version of the report to inform future management options

ƒ Genetic trials: Recent (May’07) inspections reveal that survival is patchy for some

trials and vigorous Acacia and eucalypt regrowth threatens to overtop some of the young (and small) pine trees Additional tending (up to 3 times per year) and refilling

of gaps where possible, is planned

Project Progress Against Proposed Objectives, Outputs, Activities And Inputs

Project Title: Field evaluation and advanced vegetative mass-propagation technology for scaling up high-value plantations of Pinus caribaea and related hybrids in

Vietnam

Vietnamese Implementing Institution: RCFTI, Forest Science Institute of Vietnam (FSIV), MARD

OBJECTIVE 1 Identify, for the benefit of existing and

prospective pine growers in Vietnam, the most highly productive, well-adapted

varieties and hybrids of Pinus caribaea, in

comparison to other pine species currently planted, for priority pine planting zones.

Pine breeding strategy and related capacities reviewed and

strengthened

1 Trials can be translated and collated

in an appropriate time frame

2 Suitable sites can be identified for trials

3 Interference/ disturbance to trial areas can be minimised

4 UQ researcher can obtain sufficient information from relevant Vn staff during & after field visits

Project objective still relevant

No need to modify logframe

OUTPUT 1.1 Review and report on comparative

performance of tropical pines in Vietnam based on existing trials and related information

Timely delivery of “easy to read”

(and translate) report that takes account of all relevant & available information, including information from recent trial assessments.

1.Existing information & data can be readily located (& translated if necessary) & provided to UQ researcher

2 Priority trials can be accurately re-assessed in a timely fashion

3 UQ researcher can analyse available information & prepare report on time

• Output still relevant Preliminary investigations revealed some limitations with existing field trials and associated data

ACTIVITY

1.1.1

Consult with past & present Vn researchers regarding existence of pine trials and related data

site visits & via e-mail contact during

1.1.2 Obtain relevant reports and related data &

inspect trials within limits of project resources

revealed some shortcomings in existing data (Not a major issue to overall objective)

1.1.3 Identify priority trials & re-measure Feb – March’06 (UQ/RCFTI/FRC) In Progress Report 1 Priority trials were identified during

(Aug’05 Site Visit) & Feb’ 06 Inception Meeting / visit

& analysis during Jul’06 visit in consultation with Vn researchers

1.1.5 Draft Report & seek feedback from

partners

Output 1.2

Establish genetic evaluation trials to compare performance of locally available and introduced pines (esp PCH &

hybrids) on multiple sites throughout North Central, Central Coast and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam

(Output will support local research institute capacity building in relation to planning & implementation of field trials

Well established / maintained/ assessed trials will provide valuable medium - long term information on performance of various pines in Vietnam, to support longer term social & economic development options)

Trials properly established on 5-6 sites using agreed replicated design and taxa treatments Likely sites include:

ƒ Ba Vi, Ha Tay (RCFTI)

ƒ Lap Thach, Vinh Phuc (FRC)

ƒ Pleiku, Gia Lai (TFRC)

ƒ Dai Lai, Vinh Phuc (NCC FR&P)

ƒ Lang Hanh, Lam Dong (LDFRC)

ƒ Hoanh Bo, Quang Ninh (Non-timber FRC)

ƒ Nam Dan, Nghe An

Suitable sites can be readily confirmed

& prepared for planting Sufficient stock for each treatment x site can be raised in time for planting season

Skilled labour is available to establish trials at each site & weather conditions are favourable

FPQ staff are available to provide field support / training including assist with report preparation

Project Output still relevant

Activity 1.2.1

Identify trial partners, trial sites, trial design, including genetic treatments and working plan(s) for each site

Jan-Feb 06: (DPI Forestry, UQ, RCFTI & relevant Vn partners)

Activity 1.2.2

Raise plants for trials including imports from Queensland, raising seedlings and cuttings to meet best planting seasons for each trial

5- 6 months before planting (see below), ASAP for material to be imported from Qld

Original trial design was modified to take account of lower than expected seedling germination rates

Activity 1.2.3

below)

Activity 1.2.4

Plant trials and complete “entry check” to ensure quality control

North/Hanoi – May – August’06 Central Coast: Nov-Dec’06 Central Highlands: June – Aug’06

Activity 1.2.5

report

Activity 1.2.6

Progress report & presentation at Stakeholders Workshop

Output 1.3

Review pine genetic resources and related breeding strategies and capabilities / resources in Vietnam, particularly for PCH and related hybrids

Overview report including recommendations for future directions

Tree improvement training provided

to selected Vn researchers

Project Output still relevant

Activity 1.3.1

Consult with past & present Vn researchers regarding relevant pine trials, breeding populations, institutional / staff capabilities/facilities and related data

Activity 1.3.2

Prepare Review report including recommendations

Activity 1.3.3

Deliver training to selected Vn researchers

on aspects of tree improvement including hybridisation, pollination, grafting and breeding strategy development

in Queensland (3 months Aug – Nov’06)

Activity 1.3.4

Present key findings at Stakeholders Workshop

in Queensland, provide practical training and support to forest research institutes in Vietnam to enable the development and local adaptation of hedge and containerised nursery systems for the mass propagation of containerised pine cuttings

establish and manage hedge beds, collect and set shoots and raise containerised cuttings

Manual and related checklists developed

iii 3 Pilot scale hedge and containerised nursery facilities established

attend & deliver training

acceptable form of tech transfer for nursery management & techniques

facilities, skilled labour, institutional support and in-kind resources are available to establish pilot facilities

at each site (3) Qld equipment &

materials is readily imported to target sites

Project objective still relevant

Output 2.1 Trained personnel able to establish and

manage hedge beds, collect and set shoots and raise containerised cuttings

Number of “accredited” staff following training sessions Training methods and facilities are

relevant and suitable for proposed training program.

Output still relevant and achievable

staff, conduct situation analysis

Vn

Qld to 4 Vn participants

periodic e-communications

Throughout (& beyond) project duration

Activity ongoing Suggestions provided to partners

Contact includes e-mail of photos of various stages of nursery development

broader based training to a wider range of participants, following several month local

in this Milestone report