Gross margin impact analysis on adoption of Phytophthora control strategies for durian in Region XI, southern Philippines

摘要

In the Philippines, durian is marketed as 'flagship fruit' for Mindanao and is a high-value crop commanding high prices and with the potential to provide sustainable incomes for local farmers. Phytophthora has been associated with disease and consequential high yield and tree losses in durian. Collaborative research funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research in its project 'Integrated management of Phytophthora for durian and jackfruit' is developing strategic technologies for integrated disease management practices that will reduce yield loss associated with the disease, improve fruit quality and, ultimately, increase farm incomes. Part of the recommendation is to develop different levels of management options so that farmers, especially cash-constrained farmers, can be able to choose what level or kinds of practices they will adopt, depending on their financial resources and management skills. In this paper, the profitability of these effective management options forPhytophthora control at the farm level is discussed. It is estimated that 40% (4,520 ha) of the total production area (11,299 ha) is affected by Phytophthora. Preliminary research has indicated that effective management of Phytophthora can significantlyreduce yield losses and improve yields from an increased number of bearing trees and reduced fruit losses. Changes in production output and production cost associated with the adoption of the recommended practices—low, medium or high management optionsfor Phytophthora control—will provide farmers an increase in income of 26%, 47%, and 107%, respectively. A preliminary estimate of the adoption rate has been made by key researchers involved in the project. It is expected that adoption will occur from 2015 onwards, allowing a 2-year interval for the trialling and registration of new control chemicals. Adoption will reach a maximum of 30% after 6 years, in 2021, as a result of research and extension activities.