R. N. Acasio
Research Division, Bureau of Animal Industry
Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

An extension cum on-farm research on promotion and propagation of Leucaena KX2 hybrid was conducted in a typical upland farming village in Batangas. Promotional strategies used with their corresponding effectiveness were evaluated. Results of on-farm propagation also analyzed. Strategic location planting of the hybrid was considered the most effective strategy because it elicited quick and positive impressions on the farmers resulting to rapid adoption. Among the propagation techniques, grafting and marcotting, were highly successful and preferred by farmers because of lesser labor inputs and familiarity of farmers with these techniques. Factors that led to the successful promotion and adoption of the hybrid in the village are the technology of Leucaena hybrid propagation readily fits and complements the existing farming system; the application of effective promotional strategy; and, the farmers’ recognition of the economic value of forage improvement in their ruminant enterprise.

Leucaena leucocephala, locally known as ‘Ipil-ipil’, has been an important component of the local farming systems since its introduction to the Philippines a long time ago. It is important in crop-livestock integrated production systems. In 1985, however, jumping plant lice or psyllid infestation devastated the majority of established leucaena plantations. This event greatly affected the intensively managed beef farms that rely on leucaena as the main feed source.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Site Description

The study was conducted in the upland farming village of Malimatoc located in the town of Mabini, province of Batangas. The village was selected because of the long experience of farmers in Leucaena farming and livestock production. Furthermore, farmers in the village expressed great interest in the new hybrid, expecting that it would prevent the recurring disruption of supply of high quality forage caused by psyllids.

Soils in the village formed from volcanic parent material called Lipa series. Rainfall is about 1200 mm per annum. Leucaena is the principal forage species occupying about 42% of the total cropland.

The outbreak of psyllid caused considerable reduction in cattle population from a high of 200 during the pre-psyllid period to only 47 head. Consequently, income derived from cattle decreased from 80% to 0-20% of the total farm income.

Promotional strategies

1. On- farm demonstration
In October 1998, two farmers who offered free-use of parts of their land were given 100 Leucaena hybrid plants. The hybrid was planted in an elevated area near the main road so that other farmers can observe its superior attributes. Staff of BAI provided technical assistance during the establishment phase. On the other hand, farmers fenced, weeded, and fertilized the demonstration area, and provided other necessary inputs. It was a collaborative endeavor among the researcher, other technical staff and farmers.

2. Training with hands-on learning exercises
Two training courses on vegetative propagation of the hybrid were conducted in the villages of Malimatoc I and II in April and May 1999, respectively. Propagation chambers, one on each site, were constructed a month before the actual training. The chambers were made of concrete materials, each measuring 2.5mx 0.6m. The training was closely coordinated with the local government. Experts from our international collaborator and the BAI served as resource persons. It lasted 2 days and covered lecture-discussions on the uses of leucaena, its role in the farming systems, the advantages and disadvantages of the Leucaena hybrid and its parental lines.

One day was spent for hands-on vegetative propagation techniques, such as grafting, marcotting, and the use of stem cuttings. Likewise, the principles underlying the use of the different techniques were fully explained. At the end of the training, each participant was given successfully grown rooted hybrid, seeds of K636, grafting knife and other propagation materials so they can start their own propagation work.

3. Appropriate on-farm propagation techniques
Village-level cooperative Leucaena hybrid propagation was started after the training. An informal experiment was conducted to determine the most appropriate village propagation technique with assistance from BAI and the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit (DA-RFU) 1V staff. Propagation chamber used during the training was used for stem cutting propagation.

One month regrowths from Leucaena hybrid planted in 1998 were collected, prepared and planted following the procedures used by Victorio et al. 1999. Farmers also tested grafting and marcotting techniques on their existing Leucaena plants under the guidance of an invited expert.

The cuttings in the chamber were watered 3 to 4 times a day using a manually operated sprayer. Planted cuttings were harvested and evaluated after 3 to 4 weeks. Data on rooting percentage was recorded. The rates of success were also obtained 6 and 8 weeks after for grafted and marcotted plants, respectively. The survival rates of plants were monitored six months after planting.

4. Regular farm visit and monitoring
A team consisting of BAI, regional and local staff checked the monthly progress of the work on Leucaena hybrid. International collaborators periodically evaluated and provided assistance in solving production problems. Consultation meetings with farmers were regularly held to discuss and analyze emerging problems and find the best possible solutions.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

On- farm demonstration
Farmers noted the excellent performance of the hybrid. The trees were more than 2 meters high in just 6 months. They noted the vigorous growth of the hybrid despite the presence of psyllid during the peak of the dry season. In contrast, the leaves of the common leucaena especially the young shoots were completely stripped-off due to psyllid attack. Farmers responded positively to the hybrid due to its fast growth and resistance to psyllid.

They considered the hybrid as the solution to the psyllid problem and a good complement to their common leucaena.

Training with hands-on learning exercises
Fifty participants benefited from the two trainings conducted. Majority came from the village of Malimatoc I. Others were farmer-leaders from the Visayas and Mindanao. The farmers’ knowledge of the hybrid was enhanced. Providing successfully rooted plants, seeds of K636, grafting knife and other propagation materials enabled them to readily start their own propagation program. These hastened the adoption of the innovation. One enthusiastic farmer even planted cuttings using a modified chamber made of big empty lard can immediately after the training. The participation of international project collaborators as resource persons and the presence of top local officials generated great enthusiasm and trust among farmers toward the project.

Regular farm visit and monitoring
This activity generated genuine concern among project implementers and farmer-cooperators not only for the project but also for the cooperators’ families and related concerns. Traditional farm practices that needed improvement, i.e. crop and animal by way of providing essential materials like seeds, biologics and management, were discussed and supported by way of providing essential materials like seeds, biologics and improve animal breed. In the process, trust, confidence and sense of belongingness to the project were developed among stakeholders.

On-farm vegetative propagation
The survival rates of transplanted plantlets were over 95% in the grafted and marcotted propagation techniques. Rooting strike for stem cuttings, however, was very variable, ranging from 0% to 19%.

The high success rates for grafting and marcotting could be attributed to farmers’ familiarity with the techniques because of their previous experience in propagating mangoes, roses and other horticultural crops. Lesser labor required to do the work was also a factor.

The low success rate for stem cuttings could be due to poor watering, very high temperature and disease build-up in the chamber. Furthermore, farmers were not well acquainted with the technology.

They considered the process complicated and took much of their time, which otherwise could have been devoted to other farm activities. Most of the time, one or two enthusiastic members of the farmers’ cooperative took care of the cuttings. However, nobody took over when they were absent.

Survival of the transplanted planting materials in the field was high regardless of the propagation techniques used. This was a clear indication that farmers value highly the plants as well as their efforts in producing them. There were instances where farmers sacrificed the area being used to grow vegetables in favor of the hybrid. This reflected the high priority accorded to the hybrid and their livestock.

Adoption of Leucaena hybrid
After 2 years of extension work, all farmers in the area were convinced of the good contribution of the hybrid to the farming system.  Ninety nine percent were willing to plant the hybrid. Many who had planted before wanted to expand their production areas mainly as source of animal feeds. Farmers gave high preference to rooted seedlings supplied by BAI because they considered them more hardy and robust.  All members of the farmer cooperative in the village have planted the hybrid in their farms ranging from two to several hundred plants. In general, farmers’ interest in the hybrid from the start of the project up to this report still remains, though they completely stopped propagation using stem cuttings. Some continue to use the grafting propagation technique, which they considered simple and more reliable.

Impact of Leucaena hybrid promotion and adoption

The foremost benefit obtained from the project was the cultivation and enhancement of harmonious relationship among all key players of the project. The common goal to enhance the farmer’s production system and income through improvement in the reliability and productivity of forage resources fostered the relationship.

The conduct of appropriate trainings, regular farmer visits and monitoring cultivated farmers’ trust and confidence in the government-managed project and other undertakings.

Forage resources in smallholder farms increased. This development would eliminate in the long run the shortage offeed supply caused by psyllid infestations during the dry season.

Consequently, animal growth rate could be sustained throughout the year. In economic terms, farmers could rear more animals thus increasing their income.  In one case, a farmer was able to rear 6 does and 3 cows from the usual 2 does and 1 cow.

The animals were maintained year-round on Leucaena diet harvested from a half-hectare mixed common and hybrid Leucaena planting. Fuel wood supply was also sustained as the hybrid grew faster and produced more wood.  This spared other tree species from being cut thereby contributing to the maintenance of ecological balance.

Improvement in soil fertility and soil structure are expected due to the build-up of organic matter from continuous leaf fall and decay of other plant parts.  In effect, it will reduce the inorganic fertilizer requirement of the companion crop(s). This has been proven by numerous scientific studies on tree legume-based farming systems.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the extension efforts revealed that farmers were keen and would readily accept technologies or innovations if they would fit and complement their farming systems, i.e. a new Leucaena that solved the key problem of psyllid infestation of the common variety. However, before the innovation can be fully integrated into the farming system, a regular and adequate supply of rooted cuttings should be made available to farmers.

In addition, a long-term commitment of support from government extension workers, researchers, local government units (LGU) and non-government organizations (NGO) are needed to sustain the project and other similar research and development undertakings in the future. Farmers should also be regarded as full partners in any endeavor, be it research, extension and/or development. This way they will develop confidence and improve their decision- making skills, which is important if they are going to improve their production systems and consequently their livelihood.

In order to carryout an effective promotion of an innovation/technology, strategies must be carefully planned. The enthusiasm and confidence of all stakeholders, especially farmers, should be developed and sustained to remove social, cultural and economic barriers that might hinder the successful implementation of the project.   

The on-farm establishment of Leucaena hybrid was an effective promotional strategy. It elicited genuine responses and lasting positive impressions on farmers on the value of the hybrid thus facilitating rapid adoption of the innovation. It also provided the project implementers guide on what directions to take leading to attainment of the project’s objectives.

Farmers recognized the value of forage improvement in ruminant livestock enterprise because of its significant economic contribution.  The Leucaena hybrid development and its adoption in the village have led farmers to slowly regain the level of animal   productivity they had before the psyllid problem.

REFERENCES

Acasio, R.N., Castillo, A.C., Victorio, E.E. and M. F. Sacro. 2000.  Vegetative propagation  and  distribution of Leucaena hybrid, 2000.  Terminal Report of     National Dairy Authority (NDA) and Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and National Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) fund supported project.

Faylon, P.S. and E.C. Villar. 1996.  Approaches in technology promotion and transfer for small ruminants in the Philippines.  In: Merkel, R.C., Soedjana, T.D., and Subandriyo., e.d.  Small Ruminant Production:  Recommendations for Southeast Asia.  Proceedings of Workshop held in Parapat, North Sumatra, Indonesia, May 12-15, 1996.

Castillo, A.C., Acasio, R.N., Victorio, E.E., Moog, F.A. and R. Palis 1998.  Agronomic performance of new leucaena species and hybrids in the Philippines.  In: Shelton,.M., Gutteridge, R.C., Mullen , B.T. and Bray, R.A., ed.  Leucaena –Adaptation, Quality and Farming Systems.  Proceedings of Workshop held in Hanoi, Vietnam.  Canberra, ACIAR Proceedings no. 86, 39-50.

Mullen, B.F., Shelton, H.M., Basford, K.E., Castillo, A.C., Bino, B., Victorio, E.E., Acasio, R.N., Tarabu, J., Komolong, M.K., Galgal, K.K., Khoa, L.V., Co, H.X., Wandera, F.P., Ibrahim, T., Clem, R.L., Jones, R.J., Middleton, C.H., Bolam, M.J.M., Gabunada, F., Stur, W.W., Horne, P.M., Utachak, K. and T. T.Khanh. 1998.  Agronomic adapatation to environmental challenges in the genus Leucaena.  In:  Shelton, H.M., Gutteridge, R.C., Mullen, B.F. and Bray, R.A., ed. Leucaena – Adaptation, Quality and Farming Systems.  Proceedings of workshop held in Hanoi, Vietnam, Canberra, ACIAR Proceedings No. 86, pp. 39-50.

Shelton, H.M., Piggin, C.M., Acasio, R.N., Castillo, A.C.,Mullen, B.F., Rika, I.K. and R. C. Gutteridge. 2000.  Case studies of locally successful forage tree systems.In: Stur, W.W., P.M. Horne, J.B. Jacker, and P.C. Kerridge, ed. Working with farmers: the key to adoption of forage technologies. 

Proceedings of an International Workshop held in Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines from 12-15 October 1999.  ACIAR Proceedings no. 95, pp.120-131.

Victorio, E.E., Acasio, R.N., Castillo, A.C. and M. F. Sacro, M.F.  Initial experiences on propagation of Leucaena KX2F1 Hybrid by rooted cuttings. 1998. In: de la Vina, A.C. and F.A. Moog, eds.  Integrated Crop-livestock Production Systems and Fodder Trees. Sixth Proceedings:  Regional Working Group on Grazing and Feed Resources for Southeast Asia.  pp 135-137.