Sub-project 3 conducted a field trip to collect samples in Dak Lak province

In line with the 2023 working plan, Sub-project 3 under the Institutional University Cooperation with Quy Nhon University, which is funded by VLIR-UOS (Belgium) (IUC-QNU), conducted a field trip to Buon Ho town, Krong Pac, and Krong Nang districts in Dak Lak province from September 21st to 24th, 2023. The delegation consisted of Dr. Bui Hong Hai, the Local Team Leader of Sub-project 3, MSc. Ho Tan, a team member, and To Thi Bich Ngoc, a PhD student. They carried out a survey and collected samples from durian trees to diagnose plant diseases, analyze molecular-genetic diversity, and identify Phytophthora fungal species. These samples will be analyzed at Ghent University laboratories in Belgium.

During the field trip, the delegation engaged in discussions about the working plan and collaborative activities with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) of Krong Pac and Krong Nang districts. Previously, the DARDs, which fall under the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Dak Lak province, were assigned to collaborate with Quy Nhon University to implement the IUC-QNU sub-project activities.

The DARD of Krong Nang district assigned a specialized officer and collaborated with agricultural extension officers in Tam Giang and Ea Puk communes to support the delegation in carrying out the planned activities.

Investigating and collecting samples at Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tuan’s farm with the support from Ms. Thao (agricultural extension officer of Tam Giang commune) and Ms. Kim (specialized officer of DARD of Krong Nang district)

Mr. Hap, the agricultural extension officer of Ea Puk commune, who is standing on the right, supported the investigation and sample collection. The delegation received durian fruit from Mr. Ho Duc Huy’s household in Giang Thuy village, Ea Puk commune, Krong Nang district, Dak Lak province

Similarly, the DARD of Krong Pac district assigned a specialized officer to assist in the investigation and collection of leaf and disease samples from several farmer households in the district.

Mr. Huy, a specialized officer of DARD in Krong Pac district, Nguyen Duc Mai (a former student of the K34 Agronomy program), farmer Huynh Van Oanh, MSc. Ho Tan, and PhD. To Thi Bich Ngoc took a photo in a durian field at Ea Yong commune, Krong Pac district

With the invaluable support of the DARDs, specialized officers, and local farmers, we successfully collected more than 30 durian samples, representing various varieties including Mongthong (Dona), Ri 6, Musang King, Chin Hoa (locally known as “Monkey Brain”), and some native varieties. The Mongthong durian variety is widely cultivated, while the other varieties are found in a limited number of trees within surveyed farmer households. Moreover, Buon Ho town and Krong Pac district still boast several native durian trees that are over 70 years old. These trees serve as crucial sources of material, as they exhibit excellent characteristics such as adaptability and resistance to pests.

Dr. Bui Hong Hai stands with a native durian tree that is over 70 years old on Mr. Le Van Thanh’s farm in Phuoc Hoa village, Ea Yong commune, Krong Pac district, Dak Lak province

The collaboration and enthusiasm displayed by the DARDs, agricultural extension officers, local farmers, and alumni yielded fruitful results during the field trip. Sub-project 3 successfully completed the planned activities, fortified our connections with relevant partners, and set the stage for upcoming subproject activities in the near future.