Project Technical Report:" Implementation of the IPM program using weaver ants as a major component for cashew growers in Vietnam- MS5 " pdf

Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development

Project Progress Report

029/05VIE
Implementation of the IPM program using weaver ants as
a major component for cashew growers in Vietnam





MS5: THIRD SIX-MONTHLY REPORT

Renkang Peng, Keith Christian and La Pham Lan






7 September 2007

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Table of Contents

1. Institute Information ___________________________________________________ 2
2. Project Abstract _______________________________________________________ 3
3. Executive Summary ____________________________________________________ 3
4. Introduction & Background _____________________________________________ 4

5. Progress to Date_______________________________________________________ 5
5.1 Implementation Highlights________________________________________________ 5
5.2 Smallholder Benefits _____________________________________________________ 5
5.3 Capacity Building _______________________________________________________ 8
5.4 Publicity _______________________________________________________________ 9
5.5 Project Management _____________________________________________________ 9
6. Report on Cross-Cutting Issues___________________________________________ 9
6.1 Environment ___________________________________________________________ 9
6.2 Gender and Social Issues _________________________________________________ 9
7. Implementation & Sustainability Issues ____________________________________ 9
7.1 Issues and Constraints____________________________________________________ 9
7.2 Options ________________________________________________________________ 9
7.3 Sustainability __________________________________________________________ 10
8. Next Critical Steps ____________________________________________________ 10
9. Conclusion __________________________________________________________ 10
10. Statuatory Declaration_______________________________________________ 10
11. Tables and appendix_______________________________________________13

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1. Institute Information
Project Name
Implementation of the IPM program using weaver
ants as a major component for cashew growers in
Vietnam
Vietnamese Institution
Institute of Agricultural Science of South Vietnam

Vietnamese Project Team Leader
Mr La Pham Lan
Australian Organisation

Charles Darwin University
Australian Personnel
Prof. Keith Christian and Dr Renkang Peng
Date commenced
February 2006
Completion date (original)
January 2009
Completion date (revised)

Reporting period
March 2007 – August 2007

Contact Officer(s)
In Australia: Team Leader
Name:
Keith Christian
Telephone:
61 8 89466706
Position:
Professor
Fax:
61 8 89466847
Organisation
Charles Darwin
University
Email:


In Australia: Administrative contact
Name:

Jenny Carter
Telephone:
61 08 89466708
Position:
Research Manager
Fax:
61 8 89467199
Organisation
Charles Darwin University
Email:


In Vietnam
Name:
La Pham Lan
Telephone:
84 0913829560
Position:
Head of Plant Protection
Department
Fax:
84 8 8297650
Organisation
Institute of Agricultural
Science of South Vietnam
Email:



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2. Project Abstract
















Cashew is a very important crop in Vietnam, and the government has designated cashew
development as a national priority. Productivity of cashew has increased since 2002, but the
extensive use of pesticides has caused health problems to farmers, their animals and the
environment. The cashew IPM program using weaver ants as a key component developed at
Charles Darwin University (CDU) does not use toxic insecticides, but results in high yield.
This project is to use the CDU cashew IPM to develop and implement a cashew IPM program
that will work under Vietnamese conditions. The proposed activities of the third 6 months of
the project have been achieved. The first year TOT training at two training centres has been
successfully completed. The second year TOT training at the two training centres started in
August 2007. A total of 56 trainees from 9 main cashew-growing provinces have participated
in the second TOT training. Two demonstration orchards have been running well. A FFS
training program has been composed, and FFS training will be conducted from September
2007. The draft of the cashew IPM curriculum will be completed in December. Selection of

photos and graphs for the cashew IPM posters is in progress.

3. Executive Summary
The proposed activities for the third 6 months of the project have been achieved.
The first year TOT training was successfully completed in May 2007. The
final training of the first year TOT training took place in May 2007 at both Dong Nai
and Binh Phuoc training centres. At the end of this training, we conducted an
examination with 15 practical questions covering all training aspects and a class
survey with questionnaires. All trainees correctly answered the 15 practical questions.
The class survey showed that the trainees, in general, were satisfied with all the
courses and practicals we delivered, especially the 5 highest ranking courses. In terms
of the confidence in using cashew IPM methods, 54% of the trainees chose
‘confident’ and 46% chose ‘good’. For the confidence in opening FFSs, 8% of them
chose ‘very confident’, 54% chose ‘confident’ and 38% chose ‘good’.
The second year TOT training started in August 2007. We have selected 56
IPM trainers from 9 cashew-growing provinces. Based on our first year TOT training
experience and the comments and suggestions from the first year TOT graduates, we
have modified our training courses and training days for each course for the second
year TOT training. The first period of the second year TOT training was conducted
from 20 to 26 August 2007 in Dong Nai training centre and from 23 to 29 August
2007 in Binh Phuoc training centre. Under the supervision of TOT master trainers, the
trainees were fully convinced by the field observations and field data collected by
themselves in the demonstration orchard or in field surveys that weaver ants were
effective in controlling the major cashew pests. This has built up trainees’ interest in
the cashew IPM training, and the trainees were also satisfied with our training
methods.
In general, two demonstration orchards have been running well. The results
from last cashew season at Binh Phuoc site showed that the numbers of leaf and
flower shoots were more in IPM plot than in farmer’s plot. The flushing shoots
damaged by each of the four main insect pests were similar to Farmer’s plot. The nuts

in IPM plot were cleaner and shiner than those in farmer’s plot. This suggests that

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weaver ants are either better or similar to insecticide control. The data analyses for
Dong Nai demonstration orchard are in progress. Although there was a hiccup with
the demonstration orchard at Dong Nai province in July 2007, we have been offered
another orchard owned by the same farmer to conduct our experiments for the TOT
training. We have used the same field design for this orchard as we had for the
previous one. Weaver ant colonies will be transplanted into the orchard in October
2007.
FFS training will be started in September 2007. After completing the first year
TOT training, with strong support from provincial sub-PPDs, the TOT graduates have
been busy selecting cashew growers from all stakeholder groups in their local region
to participate in FFSs, and to prepare teaching materials. A FFS training program has
been composed based on the extensive experience and discussion between TOT
master trainers and TOT graduates.
The development of the cashew IPM curriculum and posters is progressing
smoothly. During this reporting period, the IPM curriculum development has
concentrated on the data collection from regular monitoring of the demonstration
orchards. A total of 33 photos have been obtained for the preparation of cashew IPM
posters. The drafts of the curriculum and the posters will be ready for comments and
suggestions in December 2007.
The training report of the first period of the second year TOT training is
attached as Appendix 2.
4. Introduction & Background
The aims of this project are to increase cashew yield and improve nut quality by using
weaver ants and by using no toxic insecticides. Specific objectives are (1) to conduct
TOT training in cashew IPM for TOT trainers to conduct FFSs in their local region,
(2) to develop an IPM cashew curriculum and a series of illustrative posters that will
work in Vietnamese conditions based on the cashew IPM programs developed in

Australia and (3) to assess the effectiveness of the FFS model in increasing farmer
knowledge and reducing pesticide use in cashew production.
The project expects to result in 120 TOT cashew IPM trainers from eight major
cashew growing provinces and 3750 cashew farmers educated in cashew FFSs. A
practical guide for cashew IPM and a series of illustrative posters will be developed.
The effectiveness of FFS in enhancing farmer knowledge in cashew cultivation will
be assessed.
The project will concentrate on (1) the use of the farmer participatory training and
research program, involving TOT and FFSs and (2) the development of a cashew IPM
curriculum and illustrative posters based on field monitoring, observations and
experiments by field experimentalists, TOT trainees and FFS participants.
The implementation methods include establishment of demonstration orchards for
TOT courses, the TOT and FFS training, the development of a cashew IPM
curriculum and IPM posters, and the community baseline surveys. A total of 6 major
cashew-growing provinces, which have 300,700 ha of cashew, accounting for 86% of
the total cashew areas in Vietnam will be targeted.

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5. Progress to Date
Based on our logframe, this report will cover activities I (Conduct TOT courses in
cashew IPM), II (TOT trainers conducting FFS in their local region), III
(Development of cashew IPM curriculum) and IV (Development of illustrative
cashew IPM posters) of our project proposal. The following is the progress against
each of the proposed activities.
5.1 Implementation Highlights (Activity 1)
Activity I has three aspects: (i) Identification of regions within each of the 6
participating provinces to be targeted for the program, (ii) Selection of IPM trainers
from each targeted region to undertake TOT training in cashew IPM, and (iii) TOT
training in cashew IPM.

I (i) Identification of regions within each of the 6 participating provinces to be
targeted for the program

A total of 30 cashew-growing regions, each of which consists of several villages,
from 8 main cashew growing provinces (two more provinces than we initially
proposed) for the FFS training have been identified. The detailed information is given
in our first 6-monthly report.

I (ii) Selection of IPM trainers from each targeted region to undertake TOT
training in cashew IPM

For the first year TOT training, we selected 56 IPM trainers from 8 sub-PPDs (see our
first 6-monthly report for detail). For the second year TOT training, we have selected
56 IPM trainers from 9 cashew-growing provinces to undertake TOT training in
cashew IPM (Table 1). Due to strong requests from sub-PPDs of Tra Vinh and Tay
Ninh provinces, we have selected some IPM trainers from these two provinces for this
cashew IPM training.

I (iii) TOT training in cashew IPM

During this reporting period from February 2007 to August 2007, we conducted the
final training of the first year TOT training and the first period training of the second
year TOT training as planned.

The final training of the first year TOT training took place in May 2007 at both Dong
Nai and Binh Phuoc training centres. This training occurred during the period of late
cashew harvest season, and so, the training concentrated on cashew harvest, the use of
weaver ants in farmer’s orchards, summarisation of the IPM methods for different
cashew growing periods, communication skills and activation methods in class. The
courses we delivered are tabulated in Table 2. The TOT Trainees were interested in

the courses and practicals. At the end of this training, to examine the TOT trainee’s
knowledge in cashew IPM and to get their feedback for the courses and the practicals
we delivered, we conducted an examination with 15 practical questions covering all
training aspects and a class survey with questionnaires about 15 courses and the
confidence of trainees in using cashew IPM methods and in opening FFSs. All

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trainees correctly answered the 15 practical questions. In the class survey, we set up 5
rank scales (1 = very satisfactory, 2 = satisfactory, 3 = good, 4 = unsatisfactory and 5
= very unsatisfactory) for each category of each course (Appendix 1). The results
showed that the trainees ranked all the courses ‘satisfactory’ or ‘good’, especially the
5 highest ranking courses. These courses are ‘Natural enemies and their
conservation’, ‘The effect of weaver ants on the main cashew insect pests’, ‘The
biology of weaver ants’, ‘The IPM principles’, and ‘Skills of communication and
activation in class’ (Appendix 1). None of the courses are ranked at 4 ‘unsatisfactory’
or 5 ‘very unsatisfactory’. In terms of the confidence in using cashew IPM methods,
54% of the trainees chose 2 ‘confident’ and 46% chose 3 ‘good’. For the confidence
in opening FFSs, 8% of them chose 1 ‘very confident’, 54% chose 2 ‘confident’ and
38% chose 3 ‘good’. In addition to these, we have received some important comments
and suggestions from the TOT trainees, and these include
(1) more practice is needed for each course,
(2) some topics overlap between courses,
(3) more time is needed for the course of communication skills, and
(4) the effect of pesticides on human health and the environment should be given
in the course of ‘The use of pesticides’.
In conclusion, although two training periods were delayed due to the brown
leafhopper outbreak in rice field (see our second 6-monthly report for the reason), our
first year TOT training is successful.

Based on our first year TOT training experience and the comments and suggestions

from the first year TOT trainees, we have modified our training courses and training
days for each course for the second year TOT training (Table 3). The first period of
the second year TOT training was conducted from 20 to 26 August 2007 in the Dong
Nai training centre and from 23 to 29 August 2007 in the Binh Phuoc training centre.
This training concentrated on three aspects: the main cashew insect pests and their
natural enemies by emphasizing the role of weaver ants in cashew orchards,
integrated pest management principles and general cashew cultivation including the
use of fertilizers and pesticides (Table 4, also see Appendix 2 for the training report).
The trainees were fully convinced by the field observations and field data collected by
themselves in the demonstration orchard, showing that weaver ants were very
effective in controlling the major cashew pests of shoot borers and coreid bugs (the
major pests at this time of year). Course teachers demonstrated the results based on
the regular monitoring data in the Binh Phuoc demonstration orchard over the last
cropping season, showing that the weaver ant plot achieved better or similar results to
the insecticide plot (farmer’s plot) in terms of the number of foliar and floral flushing
shoots and the flushing shoots damaged by the tea mosquito bug, the shoot borer, the
fruit borer and the aphid. These results, plus their own observations, have built up
trainees’ interest in the cashew IPM training. Trainees were also interested in the
courses related to IPM principles and general cashew cultivation. They were satisfied
with our training methods as well.

Management of demonstration orchards

In general, two demonstration orchards have been running well. After weaver ant
colonies were transplanted in late November 2006 in the Binh Phuoc demonstration
orchard, regular monitoring on the abundance of weaver ants and the main insect
pests between the IPM plot and the farmer’s plot has been progressing smoothly. The

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results from last cashew season were interesting, and are shown in Table 5. It shows

that the numbers of leaf and flower shoots are more in IPM plot than in farmer’s plot.
The % flushing shoots damaged by each of the four main insect pests (shoot borers,
tea mosquito bugs, aphids and leaf miners) are lower in the IPM plot, but statistically
there are no differences between the IPM plot and the Farmer’s plot (Table 5). In
addition to this, the farmer said that the nuts in IPM plot were cleaner and shiner than
those in his plot. This suggests that weaver ants are either better or similar to
insecticide control in terms of overall tree performance and the main insect pest
damage.
In Dong Nai demonstration orchard, weaver ant colonies were transplanted
into the IPM plot in early December 2006. Regular monitoring on the main insect
pests between the IPM plot and the farmer’s plot and the abundance of weaver ants
progressed smoothly over the last cashew season (from October 2006 to July 2007),
and the data analyses are in progress. However, after the first year contract was due in
mid July 2007, the farmer turned a part of the IPM plot into an animal bone
processing mill without notifying us. This caused a lot of problems to the IPM plot,
and the regular monitoring was forced to stop. After extensive negotiation with the
farmer, he has allowed us to use another orchard (1.5 ha) of his as our demonstration
orchard. We have made a two-year contract with him this time. The experimental
trees have been pruned and fertilized properly. Weaver ant colonies will be
transplanted into the IPM plot in October, and then a regular monitoring program will
start.

5.1 Implementation Highlights (Activity II)

The activity II is for the first year TOT graduates to conduct FFS in their local region.
During the final period of the first year TOT training, a FFS training program was
made based on the extensive experience and discussion between TOT master trainers
and TOT trainees. This program consists of 4 parts (Appendix 3). Part 1 is how to
select and manage a demonstration orchard, part 2 is the frequency of FFS training,
part 3 is the training topics during each cashew developmental period, and part 4 is to

provide detailed information about each training topic (Appendix 3). After completing
the first year TOT training, with strong support from provincial sub-PPDs, the TOT
graduates have been busy selecting cashew growers from all stakeholder groups in
their local region to participate in FFS, and to prepare teaching materials. Based on
the information from sub-PPDs, FFSs will be started in September 2007. The progress
of the FFS activity will be reported in our next 6-monthly report.

5.1 Implementation Highlights (Activity III)

The activity III is the progress of the IPM curriculum development. The development
of cashew IPM curriculum is progressing smoothly. It has mainly concentrated on the
data collection from regular monitoring of the IPM plots and farmer’s plots during the
period of monsoon flush (III (i)), pre-flowering and fruiting flush (III (ii)) and cashew
harvest (III (iii)). The results from the data collected at Binh Phuoc demonstration
orchard during the flowering and fruiting periods of the last cropping season are
shown in Table 5. These results will be included in the cashew IPM curriculum. The
data analyses for the Dong Nai demonstration orchard are still in progress.

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In addition to this, we have also collected some more data from field observations
and laboratory rearing for the following chapters of the cashew IPM curriculum
during the period of cashew pre-flowering and flowering flush:
- The main cashew insect pests and diseases, and
- Common natural enemies.

5.1 Implementation Highlights (Activity IV)

Activity IV is the development of cashew IPM posters. Photos, diagrams and graphs
from field surveys, monitoring, observations and experiments conducted in
demonstration orchards have been reported for the cashew monsoon flush (IV(i)) (see

our first 6-monthly report) and for the cashew pre-flowering and flowering flush (IV
(ii)) (see our second 6-monthly report).
During this reporting period (February – August 2007), which was the period of
cashew harvest and post harvest flush (IV (iii)), a total of 33 photos have been
obtained for the preparation of cashew IPM posters; 19 of insect pests and their
damage, 9 of natural enemies, 3 of mutual relationship between weaver ants and
aphids and 2 of weaver ants preying on insect pests. A detailed selection of the photos
for the posters is in progress.
5.2 Smallholder Benefits
Based on our baseline survey, the expected benefits for smallholder from this project
have been described in our first 6-monthly report. Compared to his plot, the owner of
Binh Phuoc demonstration orchard is happy with the results from the IPM plot
because of better quality of nuts and no insecticide spray. We believe that when FFSs
start in September 2007, more smallholder benefits from this project will gradually
emerge.
5.3 Capacity Building
Dr Peng went to Vietnam in August 2007 to open the second year TOT training, to
deliver two courses ‘Cashew insect pests and their natural enemies’ and ‘The effect of
weaver ants on the main cashew insect pests’ for the TOT trainees and to inspect the
general management of the transferred weaver ant colonies in demonstration orchards.
The results showed that Dr Peng’s courses have already attracted the TOT trainees’
interest in using weaver ants to control the main cashew pests. For keeping weaver ant
population stable, Dr Peng demonstrated the techniques for IAS staff to check weaver
ant colony boundaries and how to feed the ants when cashew trees are dormant. Now,
IAS project staff have obtained a complete overview of the ant technology including
orchard preparation, controlling of competitive species of ants, identification of
weaver ant colonies, transplantation of the ants into cashew orchards, and
management and maintenance of the weaver ant colonies. Under the supervision of Dr
Peng, they have also gained extensive experience in the assessment of weaver ant
abundance. In his last two visits to Vietnam, with the contribution from Mr Chien, Dr

Peng has worked out a control strategy (weaver ants, pruning and light-trapping) to
manage the branch borer that has been one of the major concerns by all cashew
growers in Vietnam. He has already passed this knowledge to IAS project staff.

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5.4 Publicity
The project activities including TOT training have been reported by local media and
agricultural News Papers of Vietnam. AusAID and MARD logos have been displayed
in all our activities.
5.5 Project Management
The project leader. Mr Lan, is in charge of Vietnamese personnel and expenses of the
project. He will be also managing two training centres and the demonstration orchards
with the help from two experimentalists. Professor Keith Christian and Dr Renkang
Peng are responsible for the overall coordination of the project and will meet
reporting requirements with input from Vietnamese personnel as required. Dr Peng
has been monitoring all the activities of the project, and he is also responsible for
checking the progress of the IPM program implementation, for the part of the TOT
training and for the field data analyses.
6. Report on Cross-Cutting Issues
6.1 Environment
According to our baseline survey, the use of pesticides has already caused a negative
effect on cashew farmers’ health, farm animals and the environment, as reported in
our first 6-monthly report. Significant improvement of the environment and farmers’
health will be achieved by implementing this cashew IPM program. For example,
after we transplanted weaver ant colonies into our demonstration orchards in
November 2006, we did not use any pesticides during the period of cashew flowering
and fruiting. The orchard owners told us that cashew nuts produced in the IPM plot
were shiny and cleaner than the nuts produced in their own managed plot. They
believe that the cashew IPM program will certainly improve their health and the
farming environment.

6.2 Gender and Social Issues
According to our baseline survey, women already play a very important part in
cashew production. About 40% of labour was provided by women in orchard
management, including weeding, pruning, fertilizing, spraying, harvesting, etc
Because the weaver ant technology is not physically strenuous, and it does not involve
toxic insecticide spray, its adoption could further promote women’s participation in
smallholder’s cashew production.
7. Implementation & Sustainability Issues
7.1 Issues and Constraints
Since Mr Lan becomes the Project Leader, the communication between CDU project
staff and Vietnamese project personnel has been improving.
7.2 Options
Not applicable for this report.

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7.3 Sustainability
Sustainability of cashew production in Vietnam is the focus of this project. All the
objectives, approaches, implementation methods and the training program are linked
with this issue. During the first year TOT training and the first training period of the
second year TOT training, with the results from their own field surveys and from the
demonstration orchards, we have already satisfied the TOT trainees that using weaver
ants as a major component to manage cashew insect pests is effective. This is a
significant step forward towards cashew production sustainability in the future.
8. Next Critical Steps
The following are our next critical activities for the next six-month period:
1. Manage the demonstration orchards,
2. Continue the second year TOT training,
3. Conduct FFS training in eight cashew growing provinces by the first year TOT
graduates,

4. Complete the draft of the cashew IPM curriculum, and
5. Complete the draft of the cashew IPM posters.
9. Conclusion
The proposed activities for the third 6 months of the project have been achieved.
The first year TOT training was successfully completed in May 2007. The
final training of the first year TOT training took place in May 2007 at both Dong Nai
and Binh Phuoc training centres. At the end of this training, we conducted an
examination with 15 practical questions covering all training aspects and a class
survey with questionnaires. All trainees correctly answered the 15 practical questions.
The class survey showed that the trainees, in general, were satisfactory with all the
courses we delivered, especially the 5 highest ranking courses. They are all able to use
cashew IPM methods appropriately, and they have confidence in opening FFS.
The second year TOT training started in August 2007. We have selected 56
IPM trainers from 9 cashew-growing provinces. Based on our first year TOT training
experience and the comments and suggestions from the first year TOT graduates, we
have modified our training courses and training days for each course for the second
year TOT training. The first period of the second year TOT training was conducted
from 20 to 26 August 2007 in Dong Nai training centre and from 23 to 29 August
2007 in Binh Phuoc training centre. Under the supervision of TOT master trainers, the
trainees were fully convinced by the field observations and field data collected by
themselves in the demonstration orchard or in field surveys that weaver ants were
effective in controlling the major cashew pests. This has built up trainees’ interest in
the cashew IPM training, and the trainees were also satisfied with our training
methods.
In general, two demonstration orchards have been running well. The results
from last cashew season at Binh Phuoc site suggest that weaver ants are either better
or similar to insecticide control. The data analyses for Dong Nai demonstration
orchard are in progress.

10

FFS training will be started in September 2007. After the first year TOT
trainees graduated, with strong support from provincial sub-PPDs, they have been
busy selecting cashew growers from all stakeholder groups in their local region to
participate in FFS, and to prepare teaching materials. A FFS training program has
been composed based on the extensive experience and discussion between TOT
master trainers and TOT graduates.
The development of the cashew IPM curriculum and posters is progressing
smoothly. During this reporting period, the IPM curriculum development has
concentrated on the data collection from the regular monitoring of the demonstration
orchards. A total of 33 photos have been obtained for the preparation of cashew IPM
posters. The drafts of the curriculum and the posters will be ready for comments and
suggestions in December 2007.
A training report for the first period of the second year TOT training is
attached as Appendix 2.


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11.
Tables and Appendix

Table 1. Number of the second year TOT trainees in each of the 9 cashew-growing
provinces in Vietnam.
Province Number of trainees
Binh Phuoc 8
Dak Lak 6
Dak Nong 5
Binh Duong 9
Dong Nai 8
Binh Thuan 4
Ba Ria Vung Tau 8

Tay Ninh 4
Tra Vinh 4
Total 56

Table 2. Training courses and course teachers in the final period of the first year
TOT training.

Course name Course teacher
Harvest Mr Tu
Summarisation of using weaver ants in farmers’
orchards
Mr Lan and Dr Peng
Summarization of the IPM methods for different
cashew growing periods (a check list provided)
Mr Lan and Dr Peng
Communication skills Mrs Lan
Activation of class Mrs Sau
A small test (15 questions) Mr Lan
A class survey Mr Lan and Dr Peng
Close ceremony Mr Lan, etc.
Table 3. Training topics, topic teachers and training frequency for the second year
TOT training.
Topic
code
Title of the topic Topic teacher Training
frequency
T1 General cashew cultivation Mr Binh 2
T2 Practice on cashew cultivation
including harvest
Mr Binh and Mr Tu 2

T3 Application of fertilizers and
micro nutrients
Mr Hien and Dr. Binh 1
T4 Cashew diseases and their
control
Mr Quang 3
T5 Cashew insect pests and their
natural enemies
Mr Lan and Dr Peng 5
T6 Effect of weaver ants on the
main cashew insect pests
Dr Peng, Mr Lan and Mr
Binh
6
T7 Problems of using weaver ants Mr Lan and DR Peng 2

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and their solutions
T8 How to use weaver ants Dr Peng and Mr Lan 7
T9 Biology of weaver ants Dr Cuc, Dr Peng and Mr
Lan
1
T10 Main results from the
demonstration orchards
Dr Peng, Mr Lan and Mr
Binh
1
T11 Cashew IPM finalization Mr Lan and Dr. Peng 1
T12 IPM principles Dr Cuc 1
T13 Chemical use in the IPM system

and the effect of chemicals on
human beings and the
environment
Dr Hai 1
T14 Skills of communication with
people (mainly farmers)
Mrs. Sau and Mrs. Lan 2

Table 4. Training courses and course teachers in the first period of the second year
TOT training.

Course name Course teacher
Cashew insect pests and their natural
enemies
Dr Peng, Mr Lan and Mr Binh
The effect of weaver ants on the main
cashew insect pests
Dr Peng, Mr Lan and Mr Binh
General cashew cultivation including the
use of fertilizers and insecticides
Mr Binh, Mr Hien and Dr Hai
IPM principles Dr Cuc

Table 5. The number of flushing shoots and % shoots damaged by the main insect
pests between Farmer’s plot and the IPM plot at Binh Phuoc site, December 2006 –
April 2007.

Category Farmer’s plot IPM plot Friedman two-way
ANOVA
Number of flushing

shoots /unit sample
69.7 + 27.1 77.0 + 29.7 X
2
t
= 4.500; df =
2; P = 0.034
Shoot borer (%) 9.3 + 6.0 7.0 + 4.3 X
2
t
= 0.500; df =
2; P = 0.480
Tea mosquito bug
(%)
9.3 + 7.8 6.1 + 2.3 X
2
t
= 2.000; df =
2; P = 0.157
Leaf miners (%) 2.2 + 1.6 1.9 + 1.4 X
2
t
= 0.500; df =
2; P = 0.480
Aphids (%) 12.6 + 11.1 11.2 + 11.4 X
2
t
= 0.125; df =
2; P = 0.724

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Appendix 1
Results of the first year TOT trainees’ survey based on 50 (out of 56) trainees
answering sheets at the end of the training, May 2007
A. Evaluation of courses and their practicals

1. Course name: General introduction of cashew production, cashew botany & variety
selection

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
2.1
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.4
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.3
Comments on practice
2.9
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.9
Amount of time for field practice
3.1
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.9
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

2. Course name: Cashew cultivation

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
2.0
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.4
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.5
Comments on practice
2.9
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.8
Amount of time for field practice
3.0
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.8
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

3. Course name: Application of fertilizers and micro nutrients

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
2.1
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.4
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.4
Comments on practice
3.0
Amount of time for teaching & discussion

2.6
Amount of time for field practice
3.1
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.9
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.


14
4. Course name
: Cashew diseases and their control

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
2.0
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.7
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.4
Comments on practice
2.9
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.9
Amount of time for field practice
3.0
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.8
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

5. Course name: Cashew insect pests and their control

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
1.8
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.2
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.3
Comments on practice
2.7
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.6
Amount of time for field practice
2.8
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.6
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

6. Course name: Natural enemies and their conservation

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
1.8
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.1
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.0

Comments on practice
2.5
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.5
Amount of time for field practice
2.6
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.4
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

7. Course name: Effect of weaver ants on the main cashew insect pests

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
1.5
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
1.9
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.1
Comments on practice
2.3
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.3
Amount of time for field practice
2.6
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.4

15

*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

8. Course name: How to use weaver ants in cashew orchards

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
1.7
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.2
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.1
Comments on practice
2.5
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.5
Amount of time for field practice
2.7
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.5
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

9. Course name: Problems of using weaver ants and their solutions

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
1.8
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.3

Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.3
Comments on practice
2.7
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.5
Amount of time for field practice
2.8
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.6
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

10. Course name: Biology of weaver ants

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
1.7
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.1
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.2
Comments on practice
2.5
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.3
Amount of time for field practice
2.5
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.4

*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

11. Course name: IPM principles

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
1.5
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.0
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.1
Comments on practice
2.6

16
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.3
Amount of time for field practice
2.6
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.4
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

12. Course name: Farmer`s experience in using weaver ants

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
2.2

Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.6
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.6
Comments on practice
3.1
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.9
Amount of time for field practice
3.2
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.8
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

13. Course name: Pesticide use in the IPM system

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
2.0
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.3
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.3
Comments on practice
2.9
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.5
Amount of time for field practice
2.9

Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.5
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

14. Course name: Techniques of using petroleum spray oils

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
1.9
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.3
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.3
Comments on practice
3.0
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.6
Amount of time for field practice
3.1
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.7
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

15. Course name: Skills of communication and activation of class

Category* Average ranks
Comments on course contents
1.7

17
Comments on teaching and discussion methods
2.1
Usefulness in cashew orchard management
2.2
Comments on practice
2.4
Amount of time for teaching & discussion
2.4
Amount of time for field practice
2.5
Balance of theoretical and practical knowledge
2.3
*: 1 = Very satisfactory; 2 = Satisfactory; 3 = Good; 4 = unsatisfactory; 5 = very
unsatisfactory.

B. Confidence in using cashew IPM methods in farmers’ orchards

1 (%) 2 (%) 3 (%) 4 (%) 5 (%)
0.0 54.0 46.0 0.0 0.0
1 = very confident; 2 = confident; 3 = good; 4 = less confident; 5 = not confident

C. Confidence in opening FFS after this TOT training

1 (%) 2 (%) 3 (%) 4 (%) 5 (%)
8.0 54.0 38.0 0.0 0.0
1 = very confident; 2 = confident; 3 = good; 4 = less confident; 5 = not confident

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Appendix 2
Training report on the first period of the second year TOT training
(August 2007)

The first period of the second TOT training was conducted from 20 to 26 August
2007 in the Dong Nai training centre and from 23 to 29 August 2007 in the Binh
Phuoc training centre. Trainees were very interested in the training courses and
practicals, and they are satisfied with our training methods.

This training periods concentrated on four courses: the main cashew insect pests and
their natural enemies, the effect of weaver ants on the main cashew insect pests,
general cashew cultivation including the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and
integrated pest management principles (Table 4).

Course 1 Cashew insect pests and their natural enemies
Course 2 The effect of weaver ants on the main cashew insect pests

Theses two courses, together with field practices, were conducted by Dr Peng and
interpreted by Mr Lan and Mr Binh. The aims of the courses were:
(1) to enhance the trainees’ knowledge about the insect role in cashew
orchards,
(2) to make them aware of the existence and the role of natural enemies
(especially weaver ants) on cashew trees, and
(3) to provide them with information about the advantages and disadvantages
of using weaver ants to control the main cashew insect pests.
The courses consisted of a series of activities, which included collection of insects in
cashew orchards, identification of pests and natural enemies, observation of weaver
ant foraging behaviour, and field surveys of the control efficiency of weaver ants on

the major cashew insect pests. The trainees were fully convinced by the field data
collected by themselves in our demonstration orchard and by field observations
showing that weaver ants were very effective in controlling the most important
cashew pests of shoot borers and the coreid bug (the most important pests at this time
of year). Therefore, the first period of training has already built-up the trainees’
confidence in using weaver ants as a major component to control the main cashew
insect pests. For most trainees, these courses were the first time they have had
opportunities to see a range of cashew pests. It is worthwhile mentioning that at the
end of this training, all the trainees who own cashew orchards wish to use weaver ants
in their orchards as soon as possible. For those who do not have cashew orchards,
they believe that farmers will certainly gain a lot of benefits if they start using weaver
ants in their orchards.

Course 3. General cashew cultivation

This course and its practicals were delivered by Mr Binh, Mr Hien and Dr Hai. The
main objectives of the course were to let the trainees
(1) understand the present cashew production and its constraints in Vietnam,
(2) become familiar with the structure of the cashew ecosystem ,
(3) understand the cashew botany, and

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(4) learn general cashew cultivation skills.
The course ran smoothly with the activities related to the following: physical factors
required by cashew trees, the effect of growing densities on tree performance, the
establishment of cashew orchards, the basic farming skills to manage cashew
orchards, cashew variety selection, the principles of fertilizer application and the
appropriate use of insecticides. For insecticide use, the course teacher gave trainees
information about characteristics of various groups of pesticides and pointed out the
advantages and disadvantages of each group in relation to the effectiveness to the

pests and influences on the environment. We particularly introduced a range of soft
chemicals which are compatible with the cashew IPM and showed TOT trainees when
and how to use these chemicals to control specific pests without harm to weaver ants
or the environment. Throughout this course training, TOT trainees have gained
extensive knowledge about the effect of physical factors in the cashew agro-
ecosystem, the mutual relationships among cashews, animals and humans in cashew
orchards, and up-to-date cashew cultivation techniques, especially variety selection
and pruning skills. Trainees were interested in these topics, and they expressed the
desire to practise these methods by themselves.

Course 4. Integrated pest management (IPM) principles

From the ecosystem point of view, this course enables trainees to understand how to
successfully use various kinds of ecologically sound methods integratively to
minimize the damage on cashew trees by pests and to maximize the cashew
production. The course covers three major topics: what the IPM is, why apply the
IPM in agricultural crops, and how to use the IPM in cashew orchards. Based on the
information of current cashew cultivation practices in Vietnam, which was obtained
from our baseline survey in eight main cashew growing provinces (see our baseline
survey report for detail), the inappropriate use of agricultural chemicals has already
caused health problems in farmers and their animals, and problems with the
environment. To resolve these problems, we highlighted the importance of the
stability and balance of agro-ecosystems, introduced the definition and strategies of
the IPM, and used existing models in the literature as examples to show how the
combined methods in the models work with related agro-ecosystems. In the last topic,
we fully demonstrated our IPM model in cashew plantations. We divided a year into
several periods according to cashew phenology in Vietnam and the data obtained in
our demonstration orchards. During each period, we introduced a list of various types
of management methods and showed how to use these combined methods in cashew
orchards. This topic was extensively discussed by trainees based on their knowledge

gained in this TOT training and the data collected from the demonstration orchards
and field surveys.


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Appendix 3

Farmer Field School Training Program

Part 1 Selection of demonstration orchard

a. Site selection
Within a farmer’s orchard, chose a small group of trees (8 – 10) with a weaver
ant colony and also chose the same number of trees without weaver ants as a
comparison.
b. Trees with weaver ants will be managed by the IPM program and trees
without the ants will be managed by the farmer as they normally do.
c. The farmer will be responsible for the maintenance of these trees during the
period of the FFS
Part 2 Frequency of farmer field school training
Cashew tree development Month Frequency No. of
training
During tree dormancy period September Twice / month 2
During pre-flowering flush October – mid
November
Twice / month 2
Flowering and fruiting Mid November-
January
Twice / month 3
Fruiting and Harvesting February - April Once / month 2

Part 3. General training content during each cashew developmental stage
Cashew phonology Month IPM management
Dormancy or leaf
flush (the wet
season)
June -
September
1. Monitoring and management of weaver ant
colonies for pest control;
2. Monitoring of the main insect pests and
diseases;
3. Controlling of stem and branch borer;
4. Pruning;
5. Fertilizing;
6. Weeding;
7. Propagation;
8. Transplanting of young trees;
9. Mulching or intercropping;
10. Compost making;

Pre-flowering flush
(beginning of the dry
season)
September –
mid October
1. Management of weaver ants for pest control;
2. Monitoring of the main insect pests and
diseases;
3. Fertilizing and/or Micro-nutrient application;
4. Weeding;

21
Flowering, nut
setting and fruiting
(the dry season)
November –
January
1. Management of weaver ants for pest control;
2. Monitoring of the main insect pests and
diseases;
3. Spot-spraying of soft chemicals to control
scales and mealy bugs if needed;
4. Spraying of fungicides to control diseases if
needed;
5. Irrigation if applicable;
6. Micro-nutrient application if needed
Harvest and post
harvest (late dry
season and
beginning of the wet
season)
February –
April
1. Management of weaver ants for pest control;
2. Cleaning of weeds and grass at the tree base
to promote harvest;
3. Collecting nuts as frequently as possible;
4. Drying and storing;
Part 4 Detailed information for each training topic

1. Monitoring and management of weaver ant colonies for pest control
a. The control efficiency of weaver ants on the main cashew pests
b. Transplantation of one big weaver ant colony into an orchard
a. Baiting competitive ants on cashew trees
b. Identify a weaver ant colony
c. Collect all the nests of the colony into plastic bags
d. Release the ants into cashew trees (put the colony in one corner of
the orchard)
e. Link all the cashew trees within a colony with polystrings or
something similar
f. Provide food for the ants if cashew trees are not flushing
c. Make a simple map of the orchard showing trees with weaver ants
d. Regular monitoring (once/ month during tree dormancy period, and once/2
weeks during flushing and flowering period) and following and managing
the dispersal pattern of each colony.
e. Feed the ants if cashew trees are not flushing (eg. during the wet season).

2. Monitoring and management of the main insect pests and diseases

a. Identify the main pests and diseases
b. Identify their damage symptoms
c. Assess the damage levels for the major pest by recording the damage
symptoms
d. Decision of appropriate control methods
a. Spray indicator (eg. 6 - 10% shoots damaged)
b. Use of suitable pesticides which do not kill weaver ants (eg. applaud,
D.C. Tron oils, neem extraction solutions, etc.)
c. Methods of spray (cover spray, spot spray, time of spray)
e. Take care of toxicity caused by horticultural spraying oils

3.
Controlling stem and branch borers


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a. Use of light traps to kill adults (Set out light traps between April and June to
trap branch borer adults)
b. Detection of early damage symptoms of stem and branch borers on young and
old trees
c. Treatment of early damaged parts on trees
a. For stem borers, scrape off all the damaged material on the tree trunk
including larvae and pupae, and then use appropriate chemicals to
paint on the affected parts
b. For branch borers, prune mature shoots with the damage symptoms
during the period of July and August, and destroy the pruned shoots.
For old damage on branches, follow boring holes from the top of
branch downwards and determine the last hole along the branch, and
then inject contact-killing insecticides into the hole with a syringe
before blocking the hole with a bit of cotton
4. Pruning

a. Pruning principles (what kinds of branches and twigs need to be pruned)
b. Pruning time
c. Pruning tools (use of saws, rather than knife)
d. Pruned branches and twigs should be put under the base of each tree for a few
days to allow weaver ants to walk back to the tree

5. Fertilizing and micro nutrients

a. Time and amount of using fertilizers based on tree age and tree performance

b. Time and amount of using micro nutrients based on tree age and flowering
time
c. Choose suitable fertilizers and micro-nutrients
d. Application methods (eg. for fertilizers, dig a trench around the edge of tree
canopy, and then put fertilizers in before covering it with soil)

6. Harvest
a. Cleaning of weeds and grass at the tree base to promote harvest
b. Collecting nuts as frequently as possible
c. Drying and storing


23