Subproject 3 implemented research activities of pathogens on durian trees in Gia Lai and Dak Lak provinces
Within the framework of the University Institutional Cooperation Program of Quy Nhon University sponsored by VLIR-UOS (Belgium), shortly IUC-QNU Phase 1, Subproject 3 conducts the research activities focusing on improving the safety and quality of avocado and durian production by sustainably managing pre-harvest factors in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. One factor affecting plant health and yield on durian trees is diseases such as stem cracking, stem rot, root rot, branch dieback, etc. The research team has focused on conducting surveys, sample collecting, culture, isolating, and identifying microorganisms that cause the above diseases. From there, we will propose effective prevention and control methods for local farmers.
From March 7th to 11th 2024, the local team, including Dr. Huynh Thi Thanh Tra, MSc. Ho Tan and PhD. student Nguyen Ba Nghi had a working trip to Chu Se and Chu Pah districts, Gia Lai province, to collect more than 100 disease samples, to interview durian growers in the districts about the current situation of pests, diseases and the prevention and control methods being applied in the durian orchards.
The collected disease samples in Gia Lai province were isolated and identified at the Plant Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Gent University, Belgium. The research team initially identified several fungal pathogens likely to cause diseases on durian trees in the Chu Se and Chu Pah districts, Gia Lai province.
From September 4th to 9th, 2024, the research team collected samples in Krong Pac and Krong Nang districts, Dak Lak province to evaluate the disease situation and compare it with other areas.
To grasp the current situation of pests and diseases on durian trees in the Central Highland of Vietnam, Prof. Monica Höfte, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Gent University, Belgium – a Flemish team member of Subroject 3, had a working trip to Quy Nhon University from September 29th to October 5th, 2024. During the working trip, Prof. Monica Höfte conducted a field trip and discussed it with local authorities in Dak Lak province from 1st to 3rd October 2024. The working delegation and Prof. Monica Höfte had a meeting with the vice director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD); the head, vice head, and specialized officers of the Sub-Division of Cultivation and Plant Protection of Dak Lak province. Through the meeting, participants discussed and agreed to coordinate and support the implementation of activities of Subproject 3 in the local area.
The working delegation and Prof. Monica Höfte visited, discussed, and collected disease samples from several durian orchards in Krong Pac and Krong Nang districts, Dak Lak province. The local farmers supported the activities of Subproject 3 and wished to apply the research results to the durian cultivation procedure.
With the support of local authorities, stakeholders, and the initial results of research activities, the local team initially grasped the current situation of pests and diseases and identified a number of microorganisms that could be causing diseases on durian trees. Thereby we could design the experiments and plan research activities to find safe and effective solutions to prevent diseases on durian trees in the Central Highland regions.
