The Role of AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center in Enhancing and Promoting Vegetable Production in the Tropics Manuel C

The Role of AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center in Enhancing and Promoting Vegetable Production in the Tropics Manuel C. Palada,1 Thomas J. Kalb,2 and Thomas A. Lumpkin3 AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center, P.O. Box 42, Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan 74199

Additional index words. Tropical horticulture, vegetable crops, developing countries, cropping systems, sustainable agriculture Summary. AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit international agricultural research institute whose mission is to reduce malnutrition and poverty among the poor through vegetable research and development. Over the past 30 years, AVRDC has developed a vast array of international public goods. The Center plays an essential role in bringing international and interdisciplinary teams together to develop technologies, empower farmers, and address major vegetable-related issues in the developing world. In its unique role, AVRDC functions as a catalyst to 1) build international and interdisciplinary coalitions that engage in vegetable and nutrition issues; 2) generate and disseminate improved germplasm and technologies that address economic and nutritional needs of the poor; 3) collect, characterize, and conserve vegetable germplasm resources for worldwide use; and 4) provide glob- ally accessible, user-friendly, science-based, appropriate technology. In enhancing and promoting vegetable produc- tion and consumption in developing world, AVRDC’s research programs contribute to increased productivity of the vegetable sector, equity in economic development in favor of rural and urban poor, healthy and more diversified diets for low-income families, environmentally friendly and safe production of vegetables, and improved sustainability of cropping systems. Recent achievements at AVRDC that greatly impact tropical horticulture in the developing world include virus-resistant tomatoes raising farmers income, hybrid sweet pepper breaking the yield barrier in the tropics, flood-resistant chili peppers opening new market opportunities, broccoli varieties for monsoon season, pesticide-free eggplant and leafy vegetable production systems and fertilizer systems that protect the environment. Beyond vegetable crops, AVRDC is playing an important role in expanding and promoting research and development efforts for high value horticultural crops, including fruit, ornamentals, and medicinal plants through its new Global Horticulture Initiative. AVRDC believes that horticulture crop production provides jobs and is an engine for economic growth. The important role AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center plays in developing and promoting tropical horticultural crops is discussed in this paper.

International agricultural research institutes Healthy diets with vegetables improve the TRENDS IN VEGETABLE and national agriculture ministries in developing learning capacity and working productivity PRODUCTION countries are facing global challenges of rising of farmers as well as all people. In contrast, populations, land degradation, water scarcity, poor diets lead to poor mental and physical Global production of vegetables is steadily pesticide abuse and widespread malnutrition. development, poor performance in school, increasing. Since 1995, worldwide production The challenges are enormous since two billion poor productivity in the workplace, and the has risen at an impressive rate of 5.15% per persons suffer from malnutrition due to inad- likelihood of poverty in future generations year. However, average yields per hectare equate supply and consumption of vegetables (Haddad et al., 2002). Not enough vegetables have risen only 0.79% per year, indicating (Gardner and Halweil, 2000; UN–SCN, 2004). are being consumed throughout the world. Two the need for greater investment in research Furthermore, over one billion persons live on billion persons, the vast majority of whom and development efforts. Production gains only 1 USD or less per day, and the incidence are women and children, are not getting the have been highest in developing countries, of poverty in Africa continuous to rise (Wein- micronutrients they need (Gardner and Hal- where production levels have risen 6.77% berger and Lumpkin, 2005). In spite of this weil, 2000; UN–SCN, 2004). Malnutrition per year and yields have increased 1.08% per grim condition, the opportunities for impact cannot be solved by simply producing higher year over the last 10 years (FAOSTAT data, are greater than ever. New technologies and quantities of food. The quality of food, and 2004). The recent growth rate for vegetable partnerships are creating new vistas in science specifically, the nutrient content of the food is production in developing countries of Asia is that can lead to unprecedented impacts. This is just as important. For example, rice, wheat and quite impressive. For instance, over the past an important time for vegetable research and maize are among the world’s most consumed 10 years, vegetable production in developing development. staple foods, but it would require a person to countries of Asia has risen at the rapid pace eat >5 kg of either of these staples each day of 7.14% per year. Since 1999, the per capita THE VALUE OF VEGETABLES to satisfy their requirements for vitamin A and production of vegetables in these countries has iron. Consuming a tomato and a few servings actually exceeded levels found in developed Vegetables are important and vital for healthy of leafy greens is a much more reasonable countries (Fig. 1), and can be mainly attributed diets. They are absolutely essential for human option for satisfying one’s daily micronutrient to the conversion of cereal farms to vegetables health and are not a luxury (USDA, 1996). requirements. (FAOSTAT data, 2004). Vegetables are a rich source of many essential Vegetable production provides more jobs In contrast to the dynamic vegetable produc- micronutrients, including vitamins C and K, compared to cereal production, per hectare tion sector in Asia, there has been slow progress folate, thiamine, carotenes, several minerals, of production (Ali et al., 2002). It supports in Sub-Saharan Africa, and short-term develop- and dietary fiber. In fact, vegetables are the most agribusiness and related service industries, ments are very distressing. Constraints due to stable and sustainable sources of micronutrients. thereby creating economic opportunities. drought, soil degradation, underinvestment in In addition, vegetables are rich in health-related Vegetable production diversifies and gener- women farmers, and the relentless HIV–AIDS phytochemicals, such as antioxidants that play ates farm income, usually to a higher level and malaria epidemics have ravaged agricultural an important role in reducing the risks of many than other agricultural products (de Bon and production throughout the continent (Nathan chronic diseases (AVRDC, 2002a). Tran, 2001; Ali et al., 2002). Also, vegetable Associates, 2003). In particular, HIV–AIDS has production develops management and leader- affected vegetable cultivation, a labor-intensive 1Head, Crop and Ecosystem Management Unit. ship skills among farmers (Weinberger, 2002). enterprise. Vegetable production per capita in 2Head, Communication and Training Office. Therefore, a strong vegetable sector leads to many countries of Africa has actually declined 3Director General. economic growth. in recent years (FAOSTAT data, 2004). The

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JuneBook 556 4/4/06 10:52:57 AM and consumption of vegetables To increase yields, AVRDC is placing (AVRDC, 2004a). greater emphasis on the development of hybrid AVRDC serves as a catalyst varieties. The natural boost of vigor possessed to bring international and in- by hybrids is being used to fight the stresses of terdisciplinary teams together disease, heat and drought. Impressive advances to develop technologies for at AVRDC have been made in developing small-scale farmers. The center hybrid tomato and pepper lines that can match is recognized as a world leader the performance of many popular varieties in management of diverse grown in developing countries. Protocols to germplasm; innovations in crop assist private seed companies and NARES in improvement, including the use producing hybrid seed are being developed of molecular tools; sustainable and disseminated though training and on-line production of safe and nutri- communications. tious vegetables; networks of Stability. AVRDC is focused on improving strategic alliances for generating stability. Disease, heat, drought and flooding Fig. 1. Per capita vegetable production in Asia, and sharing knowledge; and analysis of direct all threaten stability of vegetable supplies. In developed countries, Latin America and the and indirect impacts of vegetable Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa. Source: production and consumption. FAOSTAT data, 2004. AVRDC forms alliances of partners with complementary effect of HIV–AIDS on available farm labor expertise to create synergies has been so destructive that many vegetables and to increase efficiency. For consumed in Africa are not cultivated, but rather example, AVRDC is a partner in gathered from uncultivated areas. These wild the Global Horticulture Assess- vegetables, including the indigenous types are ment and Global Horticulture essential for the food security of many families Initiative, which include a vast (Aphane et al., 2003) network of international and local organizations. The center TRENDS IN VEGETABLE is collaborating with CGIAR CONSUMPTION centers in the areas of insect pest control (CIAT and IITA), Although vegetable production is increas- peri-urban agriculture (CIP), ing at a high pace in Asia, significant posthar- cropping systems (ICRISAT, vest losses and inadequate income contribute CIMMYT, IRRI and WARDA), to widespread malnutrition. For example, in integrated pest management South and Southeast Asia most families do (ICIPE), assisting HIV/AIDS not have access to enough vegetables to live impacted regions (ICRAF), and a healthy life (Fig. 2a). Malnutrition is also developing policies related to rampant in Latin America and the Caribbean, fruit and vegetables (IFPRI). where per capita vegetables supplies are only 71% of what are needed for healthy diets and MAIN OBJECTIVES OF where obesity from imbalanced diets is rapidly AVRDC increasing (Fig. 2b). The region of greatest need is in Sub-Saharan Africa, where millions Productivity. The major focus of persons are threatened with severe hunger. of research and development Most Africans do not have sufficient access to activities at AVRDC is increasing food, let alone vegetables. For example, per productivity. This is the first step capita vegetable supplies in the region are only to improving nutrition. A study 43% of what are needed (Fig. 2c). These condi- has shown that a 1.0% increase tions are intolerable, and yet, they are projected in agricultural productivity in to worsen (AVRDC, 2005a). The International developing countries leads to a Food Policy Research Institute predicts an 18% reduction in the malnutrition of rise in the number of malnourished children children by at least 0.4% (Thirtle from 2001 to 2020 (IFPRI, 2001). et al., 2000). Increasing produc- Vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is tivity will increase the poor’s largely due to inadequate consumption of veg- access to nutritious vegetables, etables, causes tens of thousands of children to which in turn will lead to health- go blind each year and raises each child’s risk ier diets and improved worker of death from infectious diseases, the leading productivity and income. causes of childhood mortality in developing countries (FAO–ILSI, 1997). In pregnant Fig. 2. (top) Per capita vegetable sup- women, VAD causes night blindness and plies in most populous countries increases the risk of maternal mortality. of South and Southeast Asia. Source: FAOSTAT data, 2004. (middle) Per capita vegetable AVRDC’S UNIQUE ROLE supplies in most populous coun- tries of Latin America and the AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center is Caribbean. Source: FAOSTAT the leading international center for vegetable data, 2004. (bottom) Per capita research and development. Its mission is to vegetable supplies in most popu- reduce poverty and malnutrition in less devel- lous countries of Sub-Saharan oped countries through improved production Africa.

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JuneBook 557 4/4/06 10:52:59 AM this regard, AVRDC’s variety improvement the need for applying pesticides (AVRDC, in the tropics is limited by excessive heat and programs have made remarkable impact in 2005a; Palada et al., 2005). numerous diseases. Hybrid vigor may be used recent years. For example, our team of plant Welfare of poor families. The overall goal to develop lines that tolerate such stresses. Us- breeders, pathologists and biotechnologists of AVRDC research and development activi- ing the vast collection of pepper germplasm, developed high quality tomato lines that resist ties is improving the welfare of poor families. AVRDC has developed hybrids that either leaf curl geminiviruses, the major constraint For that reason, socio-economics is an integral match or outperform many popular varieties of tomato production in the tropics. Another element of all projects. This expertise is help- in Southeast Asia for yield. Breeders from breakthrough was the discovery of the first ful to understand the needs of clients before a South Korea and AVRDC have released the cultivated pepper (Capsicum annuum) lines project begins, the effects of a project during its world’s first pepper lines that resist anthracnose with resistance to anthracnose. This discovery implementation and finally the ultimate impacts. disease. Once bred into commercial varieties, makes it easier than ever for seed companies AVRDC is particularly sensitive to the impacts these sources of natural resistance will protect and national agricultural research and extension of its technologies on women, who are the prin- crops, reduce the need for fungicides and systems) NARES to incorporate this resistance cipal producers and marketers of most vegetable increase farmer profits. into their varieties. crops. AVRDC supports the empowerment of Flooding during the rainy season will To extend and transfer this technology, women through its educational programs and destroy pepper crops. AVRDC has developed AVRDC will share this germplasm with all by promoting rural economies. In the 1970s, chilli pepper lines which tolerate flooding. nations and all seed companies. There is a dra- only 27% of AVRDC trainees were women; These lines can be used for production in matic increase in the use of AVRDC germplasm now, 50% of the trainees are women (AVRDC, flood-prone areas or be used as rootstocks for by private seed companies. A recent survey 2004a). Several AVRDC programs, including production during the summer when market showed that free access to this germplasm initiatives in Africa on indigenous vegetables prices are highest (AVRDC, 2004a). especially benefits small and young companies. as well as nutritional studies in South Asia, Broccoli. In the rainy season, most broc- In fact, 50% of tomato varieties released by are specifically targeted toward improving the coli varieties suffer from diseases and low such seed companies in Asia contain AVRDC livelihoods of women (AVRDC, 2005a). yields. AVRDC scientists evaluated varieties germplasm (AVRDC, 2003). from throughout the world and have identified Sustainability. AVRDC has been focus- IMPACT OF AVRDC TECHNOLOGIES 10 varieties that will reliably produce yields ing on increasing sustainability of vegetable IN TROPICAL VEGETABLE exceeding 10 tons/ha in the summer. Farmers production in the tropics. For example, the PRODUCTION can grow these lines during the rainy season to center has been a leader in the introduction maximize their profits (AVRDC, 2004a). of soybean and mungbean lines throughout AVRDC has significantly contributed to Mungbean. The monocropping of cereal the world. Soybean is the only major staple increased vegetable production in the tropics crops is reducing soil fertility and depleting crop that sustains both human health and the mainly in developing improved varieties and water tables in South Asia. These practices are environment. Among staple crops, its dietary sustainable production practices. Some of these not environmentally sustainable. With support protein is of the highest quality and quantity. are highlighted under this section. from DFID of the UK, AVRDC, and a team of Since soybean is a legume, its roots can fix scientists from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Paki- nitrogen from the air and transfer it to the Improved varieties stan and Sri Lanka have developed mungbean soil, thereby enriching the fertility of the Tomato. Millions of farmers currently grow varieties that can fit into the fallow period of this land (AVRDC, 2004b). AVRDC’s soybean tomato varieties that originated at AVRDC. cropping system. The varieties have been enthu- lines are the principal genetic material used In 2004, AVRDC released its finest quality, siastically adopted by farmers and planted on >3 by NARES and seed companies in breeding most nutritious tomato lines that are resistant million ha. Studies show that adding mungbeans varieties grown by millions of farmers in the to multiple diseases. These lines will assure into the rice–wheat rotation in India increases tropics and subtropics. These lines are the only growers of stable yields and success at the farmers’ net incomes by 27% (AVRDC, 2002b). source of genetic resistance to soybean rust, market. Among these lines are golden tomatoes The mungbean crops enrich the farmland and one of the most severe diseases in developing which provide 3 to 6 times more beta-carotene provide valuable protein and iron to the diets of countries today and a major threat to world than standard types. This trait is valuable since the people. In 2004, AVRDC led a team of seed food security. vitamin A deficiency is linked to the deaths of companies, government agencies and farmers Food safety. AVRDC is focused on ensur- thousands of people every day. These lines are to produce seeds for planting 1.5 million ha in ing food safety. Many of today’s growers are being distributed throughout Asia and Sub- India, Bangladesh and Nepal (AVRDC, 2004b). inappropriately using toxic pesticides, thereby Saharan Africa (AVRDC, 2003). The introduction of these seeds into the region threatening the health of themselves and Bacterial wilt is the most severe disease af- has improved diets, sustained soils and increased consumers. In peri-urban projects of AVRDC fecting tomato production in the rainy season. farm incomes. Previous studies also indicated in Southeast Asia, it has been observed that AVRDC has developed varieties that are resis- that the introduction of AVRDC mungbeans into growers spray their leafy vegetable crops the tant to various strains of the disease, but complete China, Myanmar, Pakistan and Thailand led to day of harvest, and sometimes even on the piles resistance is yet to be achieved. In 2004, AVRDC economic gains of $98, $27, $20, and $18 million of harvested produce before it goes to market. developed management practices that destroy per year, respectively (AVRDC, 2002b). A recent study in Bangladesh revealed that these bacteria in the soil. When these practices Soybean.Soybean is one of the most widely many eggplant growers spray their crops over are combined with the use of resistant varieties, grown crops in the world today. This legume 80 times per growing season using mixtures of farmers have greater assurance that they can is also very nutritious, containing high levels nonregistered pesticides (Rashid et al., 2003). grow tomato crops in the rainy season, when of protein, iron and numerous vitamins. In This practice poses a great risk to farmers, not profits are greatest (AVRDC, 2004b). spite of its nutritional value, many people in to mention consumers and the environment. Through the Cambodia-Lao PDR-Vietnam developing countries will not eat soybean due Accessibility to safe vegetables must be pro- Network (CLVNET), AVRDC and its national to its objectionable flavor. Recently, AVRDC vided to all people. AVRDC is working with its research partners are introducing AVRDC vari- and Japanese scientists have identified a partners to develop technologies that are safe eties to farmers. The results of on-farm testing vegetable soybean, ‘Dada-cha-mame’, with to farmers, consumers and the environment have been very impressive. AVRDC varieties special fragrance similar to fragrant Basmati (Palada et al., 2005). Innovative technologies, outyielded the standard varieties by 20% or rice (AVRDC, 2003). This flavor breakthrough such as insect barriers and pheromone traps, higher. With support from Asian Development is expected to have immediate impact. Fragrant are significantly reducing and sometimes Bank (ADB), AVRDC research partners are soybeans can generate new sources of income eliminating the need to spray insecticides on now producing seed of these varieties and for poor farmers through both marketing of leafy vegetables, eggplant and other vegetables. promoting them to farmers throughout the harvested crops as well as home-based mar- Disease-resistant varieties are another natural region (AVRDC, 2004a). keting of processed products such as soymilk means that millions of farmers use to reduce Pepper. The production of sweet pepper and sprouts. The diets of the poor may be

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JuneBook 558 4/4/06 10:53:01 AM significantly improved, especially in countries Leafy vegetables are gaining popularity, but developing protocols to efficiently analyze for where vegetarian-based, protein-deficient diets producing them safely is getting tougher than functional properties in the hope of developing predominate (AVRDC, 2004b). ever. Insect pests are developing resistance new varieties that will prevent cancer. Onion. AVRDC has developed red onion to many of the most widely used pesticides. Cucurbit breeding. Cucurbits include a lines that produce 50% higher yields and 70% In research sponsored by the governments variety of high value crops (e.g., cucumbers, larger-sized bulbs than the most widely grown of France, Germany, Taiwan, and the U.K., melons, gourds and squashes) that play impor- variety, ‘Red Creole’. In 2004, AVRDC devel- AVRDC has developed systems that produce tant roles both in local diets and as cash crops in oped lines that store better than ‘Red Creole’. safe vegetables under net structures (Talekar developing countries. Shared interests among These new onion lines offer greater marketing et al., 2003). This strategy, verified in tests AVRDC and selected universities, NARES and opportunities for farmers (AVRDC, 2005a). by farmers in Cambodia, Philippines and the private seed sector have recently created Vietnam, produces safe vegetables with no new opportunities for collaborative research Sustainable production practices pesticide use. in cucurbit breeding. A major limitation to AVRDC has been developing technologies production of cucurbits worldwide is infection for sustainable vegetable production systems. NEW INITIATIVES AT AVRDC of virus diseases, many of which can reduce The objectives are to 1) identify crops and yields by 50% to 100%. AVRDC will work develop technologies for improved water and AVRDC is expanding its research and with its partners to develop virus resistance in fertilizer use efficiencies; 2) reduce pesticide development activities to new regions of the cucurbits, using a combination of molecular abuse and environmental degradation; and globe, and reaching out to a broader base of genetics and conventional breeding approaches. 3) produce pesticide-free vegetables for safe clientele. The following are some of the new Another research thrust will be expanding the consumption. initiatives for 2006. evaluation of indigenous cucurbit germplasm Improved fertilizer use effi ciency. High Affordable drip irrigation for small-scale collection for potential use. AVRDC will also levels of fertilizer are used in the production farmers. Scarcity of water prevents many conduct expeditions in Central and Southeast of leafy vegetables, creating risks of harmful small-scale farmers from generating income Asia, where many cucurbits originate, to find nitrate levels in vegetables as well as pollution and escaping poverty. Technologies are needed new resources of desirable genes for breeding caused by the leaching of nitrates into water to help farmers make every drop of available purposes. supplies. AVRDC has developed nitrogen water contribute to production. With this in mind, Linking farmers to markets. Consumer monitoring systems that farmers can easily AVRDC has joined forces with International demand for vegetables is rising, both in do- use in the field. These monitoring systems can Development Enterprises (IDE) to refine and mestic and international markets. The expan- help farmers produce safe vegetables, protect disseminate low-cost drip irrigation for farmers. sion of global trade is creating a boom of new the environment and maximize their profits These systems, which operate by gravity, can marketing opportunities for farmers, but these by using fertilizers more efficiently (Ma and irrigate 1000-m2 garden plots at the cost of about markets have high quality requirements, food Palada, 2005). AVRDC has also developed a $10 to $15. Crops grown using such systems safety standards and complex food supply starter solution technology for vegetable pro- show water savings of up to 50% and reduced chains. AVRDC believes that linking farmers duction which can reduce the use of inorganic labor costs. IDE reports that these technologies to markets is vital for alleviating poverty in fertilizers by as much as 50% (Ma and Kalb, enable smallholders to produce higher yields and rural communities. The center’s new post- 2004; Palada et al., 2005). earn an average of more than USD$100 in extra harvest initiative will assist farmers, com- Improved water use effi ciency. Water is net income per year (Postel et al., 2003). More munities and government agencies to become increasingly becoming a scarce resource even than 50,000 farmers in South Asia are already more market oriented. With funding from the in the humid tropics. The situation is worse using these kits and AVRDC is extending this Asian Development Bank, AVRDC will work during the dry season in most of the devel- technology through its development projects in with specialists in Cambodia, Lao PDR and oping countries. With this scarce resource, Southeast Asia and Africa. Vietnam to develop postharvest technologies there is a need to develop technologies that Organic vegetable production. Millions of such as shipping and processing varieties and promote efficient use of water and fertilizers subsistence farmers do not purchase chemical low-cost postharvest facilities. The aim is to in vegetable production. AVRDC has initiated inputs. These farmers could increase their crop generate employment opportunities and new a project on drip irrigation to address this yields if they were provided with information sources of income for poor families in rural problem. Compared to furrow irrigation, drip and training in science-based organic pro- communities. Besides introducing affordable irrigation uses less water, improves yield and duction techniques. An international survey technologies, this project will assess marketing quality of vegetables, promotes efficient use recently concluded there is a lack of research in systems within the region and develop strate- of fertilizers and reduces the risk of ground organic agriculture systems especially for veg- gies to identify niche marketing opportunities water contamination. Studies show that water etable production in the tropics (Stoll, 2003). for micro-enterprises. use in drip irrigation was 45% to 77% less Nearly all of AVRDC’s existing technologies Global horticulture. The World Vegetable than furrow irrigation and yields of tomato, are compatible with organic agriculture. With Center is taking leadership in the development peppers and yardlong bean achieved under this strong foundation to build upon, AVRDC of global horticulture. Beyond vegetable crops, drip irrigation were almost similar or better has launched a new program on organic pro- AVRDC is playing an important role in expand- than furrow irrigation. Furthermore, nutrient duction technologies for vegetables. The center ing and promoting research and development uptake was more efficient in drip irrigated will focus on components that solve problems efforts for high value horticultural crops vegetables (Palada and Wu, 2005). specific to organic farming systems, such as through its new Global Horticulture Initiative Pesticide-free eggplant and leafy veg- sustainable soil management, disease-resistant (GHI). AVRDC believes that a strong horticul- etables. Eggplant fruit and shoot borer is the varieties, and biological pest control methods ture sector is an engine for economic growth most serious pest of eggplant in Asia and East (Palada et al., 2005). because it creates jobs, supports agri-business Africa. To combat the pest, it is common for Health-promoting properties in vegetables. and generates income to a greater degree than farmers to spray their crop 80 or more times, Many vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which cereal crops. The mission of the GHI is to usually using unapproved chemicals. AVRDC are reported to reduce risks of certain cancers improve the health and income of the poor in and counterparts in Bangladesh, India and Thai- and age-related diseases. AVRDC scientists developing countries through sustainable horti- land have developed a simple strategy. This are analyzing the antioxidant properties of cultural production, processing and marketing approach involves clipping damaged shoots the most diverse collection of vegetables in systems. Priority crops include solanaceous to remove the larvae, using sex pheromones the world. Lycopene, beta-carotene, phenols vegetables, legumes, crucifers, cucurbits, to trap moths, and allowing natural predators and other functional properties are being tropical and subtropical tree fruits, and indig- to attack the borers. The method is now being measured. AVRDC has already identified enous horticultural crops. Suggested research extended to farmers throughout the region superior species and varieties of vegetables themes include information management and (Alam et al., 2003; Rashid et al., 2003). to focus future research upon. AVRDC is also dissemination; germplasm conservation and

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