Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development _ CARD Project Progress Report 033/05 VIE Field evaluation and advanced vegetative masspropagation technology for scaling up high-value plantations of Pinus caribaea and related hybrids in Vietnam Milestone 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 Project Name Field evaluation and advanced vegetative masspropagation 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 Dr Ha Huy Thinh Leader Australian Organisation Forestry Plantations Queensland (Formally trading as DPI Forestry) Australian Personnel Mr Ian Last Date commenced February 2006 Completion date (original) February 2008 Completion date (revised) February 2008 Reporting period months to July 2007 Contact Officer(s) In Australia: Team Leader Ian Last Name: Manager, Technical Services Position: Organisation Forestry Plantations Queensland Telephone: Fax: Email: +61 (0) 5482 0891 +61 (0) 5482 3430 ian.last@fpq.qld.gov.au In Australia: Administrative contact Ian Last Name: Manager, Forest Policy Position: Organisation Forestry Plantations Queensland Telephone: Fax: Email: +61 (0) 5482 0891 +61 (0) 5482 3430 ian.last@fpq.qld.gov.au In Vietnam Dr Ha Huy Thinh Name: Director Position: Organisation Research Centre for Forest Tree Improvement, (RCFTI) Telephone: Fax: Email: Office: (84) 8389369 (84) 836 2280 rcfti@netnam.vn 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: Completion of Nursery Manual for the production of Pinus cuttings (Milestone 5) Pilot scale hedge facilities functioning at sites for the production of Pinus cuttings (part of Milestone 7) Successful delivery of nursery training courses at Ba Vi (Ha Tay) and Dalat (Lam Dong) Plants raised for demonstration plantings and sites confirmed (part of Milestone 9) Executive Summary Progress during the third 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 months include fine tuning hedge and nursery techniques at the pilot nurseries, maintenance and monitoring of genetic evaluation trials and establishment of demonstration plantings 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: 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 Progress to Date 4.1 Implementation Highlights General Inception Meeting at Hanoi (15/2/06) attended by over 20 participants Study tour to Australia by Vietnamese researchers (Jun’06) Objective Output 1.1: Completed Technical report titled “Review of the Performance and suitability of Pinus caribaea in Vietnam” submitted to CARD PMU (Milestone 8) Output 1.2: Completed Genetic evaluation trials established at sites Report submitted under Milestone 4 Output 1.3: Ongoing discussions with RCFTI staff regarding enhancements to current breeding strategy based on key findings from Output 1.1 Objective Output 2.1: Nursery training completed Qld (May’06) and Vietnam (May’07) Output 2.2: Completed Nursery Manual finalised (June-July’07) following training in Vietnam (May’07) (awaiting translation) 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 Output 3.1 Demonstration planting with local minority people at Dak P’Lao (Dak Lak) scheduled for July/Aug’07 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 months 4.5 Project Management There have been no major Project Management issues 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 Implementation Issues 6.1 Issues and Constraints 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: 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 times per year) and refilling of gaps where possible, is planned 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 Demonstration Trials: Poor germination amongst some of the proposed treatments will limit the size and diversity of some of the planned demonstration trials 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 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 Conclusion Overall, the project is progressing well with most planned activities either complete or welladvanced 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 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 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 Narrative OBJECTIVE OUTPUT 1.1 ACTIVITY 1.1.1 1.1.2 Information Required 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 Review and report on comparative performance of tropical pines in Vietnam based on existing trials and related information Consult with past & present Vn researchers regarding existence of pine trials and related data Obtain relevant reports and related data & inspect trials within limits of project resources i PROPOSAL Performance Measures Existing trials reviewed ii New trials established Pine breeding strategy and related capacities reviewed and strengthened Timely delivery of “easy to read” (and translate) report that takes account of all relevant & available information, including information from recent trial assessments Jan-Feb ’06 (UQ – incl Site visits) Jan-Feb ’06 (UQ) Assumptions Trials can be translated and collated in an appropriate time frame PROGRESS REPORT Information Required Project objective still relevant No need to modify logframe Suitable sites can be identified for trials Interference/ disturbance to trial areas can be minimised UQ researcher can obtain sufficient information from relevant Vn staff during & after field visits 1.Existing information & data can be readily located (& translated if necessary) & provided to UQ researcher • Output still relevant Preliminary investigations revealed some limitations with existing field trials and associated data Priority trials can be accurately reassessed in a timely fashion UQ researcher can analyse available information & prepare report on time In Progress Report In Progress Report • Activity completed during Feb & Jul’06 site visits & via e-mail contact during intervening period As per 1.1.1 Inspections / discussions 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 1.1.4 Data analysis April-May’06 (UQ) In Progress Report 1.1.5 Draft Report & seek feedback from partners Final report Presentation at Stakeholders Workshop June’06 In Progress Report July’06 Sept-Oct’07 Final Report In Final Progress Report 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 Trials properly established on 5-6 sites using agreed replicated design and taxa treatments Likely sites include: Suitable sites can be readily confirmed & prepared for planting Activity 1.1.6 Activity 1.1.7 Output 1.2 (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) Activity 1.2.1 Activity 1.2.2 Ba Vi, Ha Tay (RCFTI) Lap Thach, Vinh Phuc (FRC) Pleiku, Gia Lai (TFRC) Dai Lai, Vinh Phuc (NCC FR&P) Lang Hanh, Lam Dong (LDFRC) Hoanh Bo, Quang Ninh (Nontimber FRC) Nam Dan, Nghe An Priority trials were identified during (Aug’05 Site Visit) & Feb’ 06 Inception Meeting / visit Dr Dieters (UQ) conducted data validation & analysis during Jul’06 visit in consultation with Vn researchers Draft report prepared Aug’06 Final report submitted under Milestone On target for completion Project Output still relevant 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 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) In Progress Report Raise plants for trials including imports from Queensland, raising seedlings and cuttings to meet best planting seasons for each trial 5- months before planting (see below), ASAP for material to be imported from Qld In Progress Report All activities completed & on time Activity completed Original trial design was modified to take account of lower than expected seedling germination rates Activity 1.2.3 Activity 1.2.4 Prepare site(s) for planting 6-8 weeks before planting (see below) In Progress Report Plant trials and complete “entry check” to ensure quality control North/Hanoi – May – August’06 Refer Milestone report Activity completed Activity completed Central Coast: Nov-Dec’06 Central Highlands: June – Aug’06 Activity 1.2.5 Activity 1.2.6 Output 1.3 Activity 1.3.1 Activity 1.3.2 Activity 1.3.3 Early age assessment of trials Jan – March’07 In Progress Report Progress report & presentation at Stakeholders Workshop Sept – Oct’07 In Final Progress Report 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 Consult with past & present Vn researchers regarding relevant pine trials, breeding populations, institutional / staff capabilities/facilities and related data Jan-Feb ’06 (UQ – incl Site visits) In Progress Report Prepare Review report including recommendations Oct’07 In Progress Report Deliver training to selected Vn researchers on aspects of tree improvement including hybridisation, pollination, grafting and breeding strategy development June’07 Activity completed Awaiting translated report To be completed in Final Progress report Project Output still relevant Tree improvement training provided to selected Vn researchers Activity completed Activity completed ACIAR sponsored trainee received training in Queensland (3 months Aug – Nov’06) Activity 1.3.4 Objective To be completed in Final Progress report Present key findings at Stakeholders Workshop Sept – Oct’07 In Final Progress Report Based on proven technology and systems 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 i Trained • Availability of suitable staff to Project objective still relevant personnel able to establish and manage hedge beds, collect and set shoots and raise containerised cuttings ii Locally adapted Nursery Manual and related checklists developed iii Pilot scale hedge and containerised nursery facilities established attend & deliver training & checklists are an acceptable form of tech transfer for nursery management & techniques • Land, water, other infrastructure & 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 • Manuals Output 2.1 Trained personnel able to establish and manage hedge beds, collect and set shoots and raise containerised cuttings Number of “accredited” following training sessions Activity 2.1.1 Visit partner nurseries in Vn to meet key staff, conduct situation analysis Jan – Feb’06 (DPI Forestry) Activity completed during Feb’06 visit to Vn Activity 2.1.2 Deliver “hand on” intensive training in Qld to Vn participants April – May’06 (DPI Forestry) Activity completed in May’06 Activity 2.1.3 Maintain contact with Vn partners via periodic e-communications Throughout (& beyond) project duration Activity ongoing Suggestions provided to partners staff Training methods and facilities are relevant and suitable for proposed training program Output still relevant and achievable Contact includes e-mail of photos of various stages of nursery development Activity 2.1.4 Follow up face to face contact in Vn & broader based training to a wider range of participants, following several month local April – May’07 (DPI Forestry) Activity completed in May’07 as reported in this Milestone report 10 experience using the “Qld system” Activity 2.1.5 Presentations by Vn & Qld trainees/trainers at Stakeholder Workshop Sept – Oct’07 (DPI Forestry & Vn nursery partners) Output 2.2 Locally adapted Nursery Manual and related checklists developed Manual & Checklists produced Activity 2.2.1 Review relevance of Qld Manuals / Checklists following initial visit to Vn March’06 (DPI Forestry) Activity completed in Feb - May’06 Activity 2.2.2 Develop Draft Documentation (V1) & seek feedback from Vn partners April – May’06 (DPI Forestry) Activity completed in Feb - May’06 Activity 2.2.3 Further “Road Testing” Ongoing (Vn nursery partners) Draft Manual translated (Jun – Jul’06) to Vietnamese and hard copies provided to all participating Nursery Managers Activity ongoing Activity 2.2.4 Presentation of Draft (V2) Manual & Checklists to Vn Workshop Participants April – May’07 (DPI Forestry) Output 2.3 Pilot scale hedge and containerised nursery facilities established & various prescriptions tested functioning pilot scale hedge / containerised nursery complexes Activity 2.3.1 Confirm proposed design & scale for proposed facilities with respective partners, including materials list Jan-Feb’06 (DPI Forestry & Vn nursery partners) Activity completed in Feb - May’06 Activity 2.3.2 Complete site works, source materials & construct facilities Mar-April’06 Activity completed Activity 2.3.3 Raise hedges and containerised stock in pilot facilities, (including various prescriptions) providing regular feedback Ongoing Progress inspected May-June’07 & suggestions for improvement provided In Final Progress Report Vn partners can arrange timely and accurate translations To be completed in Final Progress report Output still relevant and achievable No major issues regarding timing and quality of planned output Final version of Manual being translated (Jul – Aug’07) Management support will be secured early to minimise any delays in securing suitable sites, equipment & personnel to establish facilities Project Output still relevant No major issues regarding quality and timeframe (slight delay in completion of pilot nurseries) 11 to all partners on problems & progress Activity 2.3.4 Follow up site inspections of all facilities and face to face discussions with site managers including recommended modifications April-May’07 (DPI Forestry & nursery partners) See above Activity 2.3.4 Report progress at Stakeholders Workshop Sept-Oct’07 (DPI nursery partners) To be completed in the Final Progress Report Create improved awareness amongst rural poor smallholders (particularly central highland minorities) and industrial forest growers in key pine growing regions, regarding the potential performance of improved varieties of Caribbean pine (including hybrids where appropriate) to supply a range of forest products and services via the establishment of large scale demonstration plantings in collaboration with local land owners / forest growers i Establish demonstration trials with a large scale forest grower (Vinapaco) Output 3.1 Establish demonstration trials with a large scale forest grower (Extend knowledge & awareness of PCH potential vs currently planted pines (P kesiya & P merkussii by initially involving large scale growers Pending successful trials (beyond life of project), Vinapaco may seek wider involvement via outgrower partnerships with local small holders) Activity 3.1.1 Activity3.1.2 Confirm scale, location and treatments for demonstration plantings at each site Prepare site, source seed, raise stock, plant Forestry & ii Establish community and individual farmer managed plantings in collaboration with local ethnic minority community near Dak P’Lao, Dak Lak and Lam Dong FRC Successful demonstration plantings in major plantation regions with pine potential viz: Dak To, Kon Tum (central highlands) Suitable sites can be confirmed & partners are willing to commit the necessary in-kind resources, including labour to plant, maintain Project objective still relevant Seek high level Vinapaco support to ensure that local partners can secure necessary resources to establish, maintain & protect trials Project Output still relevant No need to modify logframe Nghe An, north coast September’06 months leading up to planting in Activity completed Sites planned for Dalat and Nghe An Stock raised or being raised and due for 12 trials Activity 3.1.4 Output 3.2 Activity 3.2.1 Activity3.2.2 Activity 3.2.3 Activity 3.2.4 Objective Periodic monitoring & ongoing maintenance & protection Report & present progress at Stakeholders Workshop Establish community and individual farmer managed plantings in collaboration with local ethnic minority community near Dak P’Lao, Dak Lak and Lam Dong July’07 onwards planting July/August (Dalat) and October/November (Nghe An) To be reported under later Progress Report Sept-Oct’07 To be completed in Final Progress Report (Provides direct opportunity to interact with ethnic minorities to determine their needs & priorities regarding forest / plantation management generally and introduction of a new species (PCH) in particular Community & (5-7) individual farmer based plantation models will be explored) Activity 3.1.3 June-August’07 Recommendations developed for further involvement by local community Meet with ethnic minority community to discuss proposed demonstration planting(s), including perceived benefits & seek feedback on any special requirements Prepare site (3-5 ha), source seed, raise stock, plant site July’06 (LD FRC) Activity commenced in Feb ’06 with introductions to members of Dak P’Lao ethnic minority community (Dak Lak) and followed up during Nov’06 visit months leading up to planting in June-August’07 (LD FRC, local community) July’07 onwards (LD FRC) Plants raised, site prepared and scheduled for planting July/August’07 To be reported under later Progress Report Sept-Oct’07 (LD FRC) To be completed in Final Progress Report i Project objective still relevant Periodic liaison with community to promote monitoring & ongoing maintenance & site protection Report & present progress at Stakeholders Workshop Project Management meets requirements of funding agency and all partners Demonstration plantings established that take account of special requirements of local ethnic minority community Partners regularly & adequately informed of progress (including problems / delays) Encourage high level of ownership and responsibility by local community, supported by relevant hands on training, to ensure successful establishment & protection of demonstration plantings Project Output still relevant No major issues regarding quality and timeframe No need to modify logframe 13 associated with Project ii Milestones met and timely submission of progress reports iii Timely and compliant financial reporting and acquittal / transaction of fund Output 4.1 Effective Project Management Activity 4.1.1 Inception meeting (1) (Hanoi) to meet project staff & clarify partner roles & responsibilities Meeting (2) in Australia, incorporating Study Tour (4 Vn delegates) Activity 4.1.2 Activity 4.1.3 Progress Reports (6 monthly) Activity 4.1.4 Timely & accurate financial acquittals & records i Reports provided as per schedule indicating progress with project output ii Procurement of equipment All transactions carried out Jan-Feb’06 (all partners) Ensure frequent communication between partners to manage any unforeseen staff/organisational changes with minimal disruption to project Project Output still relevant Activity completed (15/2/06) May’06 Activity completed Jun’06 March 2006, Sept’06, March’07, Sept’07, Feb’08 March’07, Feb’08 This report is the 3rd six-monthly Progress Report Activity ongoing Separate activity codes established within FPQ finance system to track costs (including disbursements to Vietnamese partner) and revenues 14 ...Institution Information Project Name Field evaluation and advanced vegetative masspropagation technology for scaling up high-value plantations of Pinus caribaea and related hybrids in Vietnam. .. 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... 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