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Research projects conducted by the Agriculture Division are focused on preserving and conserving root crop germplasm and medicinal plants, using biological control for crop protection, and improving marketing strategies for the farmers of Palau. The genetic diversity of the preserved root crops will be used to develop new varieties with higher yields, good eating qualities, and resistance to pests and diseases. The work on crop protection being conducted emphasizes the reduction of the threatening pests of root crops and fruit trees by using biological control. This approach to pest control is inexpensive and in harmony with the environment of Palau.

EVALUATION OF ROOT CROP VARIETIES ADAPTABLE UNDER PALAUAN ENVIRONMENT

Root crops are the staple food in Palau. We have been collecting the different kinds of taro (dait), cassava (diokang), and sweetpotato (emutii) being grown in the country. At present, we have twenty-two varieties of sweetpotato and fifty-one varieties of cassava which are being maintained for germplasm collection and evaluation at the R&D Station in Ngermeskang, Ngaremlengui. In addition, sixty-eight varieties of taro are being maintained for germplasm collection and yield evaluation under wetland and upland conditions. These germplasm collections will serve as a national depository and genebank of the different varieties of sweetpotato, cassava, and taro in Palau. This will also ensure the preservation of these varieties as part of our national heritage as well as for the education of the future generations.

SEARCH, PRESERVATION AND PROPAGATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS OF PALAU

This project aims to compile, publish, and disseminate information about availability and uses of local medicinal plants in Palau and neighboring countries. A literature search was conducted on the description of 200 medicinal plants in order to come up with a guide for the identification of the Medicinal Plants of Palau.

SUSTAINABLE MARKETING STRATEGY IN MICRONESIA

This is a project on development, analysis, and dissemination of database on local crop production, domestic market capacity, pilot contracting in marketing local produce, and training producers and other stakeholders on best management practices, farm management, and marketing.

TISSUE CULTURE

This is a program to be initiated at the R&D research laboratory facilities wherein numerous disease-free planting materials of different varieties of taro, banana, and other crops will be propagated by tissue culture technique for distribution to farmers.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

During the year, the agriculture staff were busy preparing manuscripts for publication. These manuscripts aim at helping farmers identify pest problems and provide appropriate control measures to successfully grow the crops. A manuscript on “Crop Profile of Chinese Cabbage and Cucumber” has been prepared for publication and it is now on the final stages of printing. Also, a draft copy of the manuscript entitled “Insect Pests of Root Crops in Micronesia” has been completed.

PESTICIDE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Aside from doing research, agriculture staff were also involved in determining the possible impact of pesticides on several farms in Palau. A majority of the farms use only USEPA approved pesticides, such as Malathion, Diazinon, Sevin, and Daconil for growing their crops. Eighteen commercial farms were surveyed to get the needed information. Watermelon, cucumber, and eggplant were the crops that had the highest yield output.