Physiological responses of abaca (Musa textilis) to light, water and nutrient availability

• Applicant: Dr. Jan Hendrik Grenz
• Co-Applicant: Professor Dr. Victor B. Asio
• Subject Area: Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Policy, Agricultural Sociology
• Term: from 2008 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 68236316

Natural ecosystems in the Philippines are characterised by high biological diversity. Population growth and unadapted land use exert pressure on species-rich habitats, many of which have been lost due to deforestation and land degradation. An ecological and economic rehabilitation of degraded lands is urgently needed. Agroforestry approaches offer good potential for restoring functions of former forest ecosystems while generating income for local smallholders. A promising concept developed in the Philippines is “Rainforestation Farming”, which aims at combining a diversity of native tree and understorey species to achieve maximum productivity and stability. Benefits include reduced soil erosion and stabilised water cycles, protection of biodiversity and diversification of smallholder income sources. The implementation of the concept requires in-depth knowledge of ecophysiology, competitive ability and growth dynamics of the involved species. The envisaged research will generate such knowledge for abaca (Musa textilis Née), a fibre crop with good potential for integration into the understorey of Philippine agroforestry systems and with substantial scope for yield improvements. The dynamics of abaca growth and development as affected by varying light, water and nutrient supply will be quantitatively analysed in two-year field experiments. Findings will be integrated into a simulation model to be used in designing “Rainforestation Farming” schemes with improved species and spatial arrangement. The project will support the development of improved agroforestry systems, and serve to increase scientific competence in the areas of crop ecophysiology, systems analysis and simulation modeling at the partner institution in the Philippines.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Philippines, Switzerland