The project is ADAP funded and in collaboration with the University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (Manoa).

Taro Trials (Goal 1 , Approved Planned Program # __, POW) The project addresses the taro cultivation problem in the atolls due to adverse climatic condition (drought), salt-water intrusion and overlooked cultivation practices in growing taro in the Northwest and West Regions, Chuuk State. Eight species/varieties of Cyrtosperma spp. 'Swamp' and five varieties Colocasia spp. 'Dry' were sourced from the main island (originated from other atolls with proven long years of cultivation success) were planted in experimental blocks (with replications) previously prepared patch/plot in the five atolls. Eight species/varieties each of Cyrtosperma spp. and Colocasia spp. were also planted in the two Southern Islands, Pohnpei.

Crop monitoring and data collection at the atolls in Northwest and West Regions (five atolls), Chuuk State and Southern Islands (two atolls), Pohnpei has to be conducted (on hold until funding for Phase II is approved). Another site for germplasm collection and evaluation of the species/varieties is established at COM-FSM Experimental Area. Monthly maintenance of the plots is being conducted. New area for the 'Swamp' taro will be established for germplasm collection and field performance evaluation.

Hatch Act Fund for Researchers funds the approved 3-Year project in 2000. Chuuk State Community Development Fund provided the funding for the trials in Northwest and West Regions, Chuuk (Phase I).

Micropropagation of Banana High in Vitamin A (Goal 4, Approved Planned Program # 3, POW) The project involves developing the in vitro/micropropagation protocol of the banana (Karat, Mangat, Uht en Yap) in Pohnpei. The method is an alternative means to produce a number of clean planting materials for shorter period of time and conserve/preserve the rare/becoming rare bananas. The protocol focuses on refinement/modification of some media components for easy sourcing and economic purposes.

Establishment of germplasm collection at the State Agriculture in Pohnlangas and at COM-FSM AES Land Grant Programs Experimental Area will be pursued as another objective of the project.

Hatch Act Fund for Researchers funds the approved 3-Year project in 1999.

Integrated Pests Management (IPM) Projects (Goal 4, Approved Planned Program # 1, POW) Development of IPM for Leaf-footed Bug on Cucumber (Goal 4, Approved Planned Program #1, P Three sites (6 plots of 50 ft in length each site) were established in two farmers' problem fields and one in State Agriculture in Pohnlangas for the experiment. Three plantings/trials were conducted from April 2001-June/July 2002. Crop and insects monitoring twice weekly per site; and maintenance (weeding, fertilization-organic and inorganic; bagging of fruits at fruiting stage) 7-10 days interval and twice weekly, respectively, are also being conducted .

Low cucumber yield was attributed to leaf-footed bug (LfB) infestation and other cultivation practices. Biological control of LfB ( egg parasite) however, was released in Pohnpei in 1994. The ecology of the LfB is being re-investigated (with the Consultant IPM Specialist) believed affecting productivity and yield of cucumber, an important leading cash crop in Pohnpei. Other insects and pests were observed in the sites and other cucumber plots in Pohnpei as well. Another project proposal initiative maybe needed to include other pests interplay in developing IPM for cucumber.

The approved 1- Year project April 2001 (original September 2001 due to schedule of the Consultant-IPM Specialist and Air Nauru flight recommencement later totally cancelled) to February 2002 (with final official extension without additional funding until August 2002) is partially funded by American Farmland Trust (AFT).

Survey of Pests in the FSM: Update and Assessment (Goal 4, Approved Planned Program # 1, POW) It is important to know the existing insects and other pests in the FSM States on crops. Many failures in crop production are still attributed to pests (includes insects) infestation. The latest survey of insects (pests) in the FSM was conducted 12 years ago. Update and assessment is timely, appropriate and States' priority, for awareness and deter influx of new pests. In an era of greater concern for environment protection/preservation, chemicals to control insects (pests) assessment, recommendations to include more environment friendly, less toxic chemicals and other alternative control measures need updates. Accomplished the two-surveys-in-one in August 2001 and February 2002 in FSM (Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae and Pohnpei) with the Consultant-Entomologist (major author of the previous publication and former Researcher, COM-FSM CRE AES Land Grant Programs). Started preparing the manuscript of the report document for printing (publication).

Fruit Fly Monitoring (Goal 4, Approved Planned Program # 1, POW) Monthly schedule of activities on servicing/maintenance of two kinds of fruit fly traps in Kolonia and the entire island at strategic locations and processing of the flies for identification are being conducted. The fruit fly record for the State is vital to trading agriculture produce and products.

The services/activities and assistance from AES to the Regional Management of Fruit Fly Project (SPC) are geared towards strengthening capabilities of the Department of Economic Affairs (Agriculture) and Pohnpei State Agriculture (Quarantine).

Fund for supplies and gasoline is provided by SPC.

Enhancing Subsistence Crop Production in the Islands/Atolls, Northwest and West Regions, Chuuk State (Goal 1, Approved Planned Program #13, POW) The project is in collaboration with Chuuk Campus, CRE CES Land Grant Programs to address atolls' crops cultivation (simultaneous with Taro Trials). Components of the project include on-site training on training was collected from representative participants. Assistance on 'new' crops communities prefer to plant was considered.