Group activity output

1. Origin and Distribution of Breadfruit

Review of the literature:

Annex IV, pages 1-3

What do we know?

Origin (from literature) Tropical Distribution worldwide (from literature)

Where are we now?

Do not know the number of varieties locally Do not know about the distribution of varieties locally

Where should we be?

Number of varieties introduced Number of trees More exhaustive review of literature Other sources of information?

What is missing to get there?

Eco-geographical survey on breadfruit trees

What questions are we asking ourselves?

What is the Geographical distribution of breadfruit trees in Mauritius? Should we do a Tree census in Mauritius? Can we use a GIS system? Breadnut - number of trees and distribution? Is a census of breadnut trees required? Can there be other sources of information?

Stakeholders involved in issues related to Origin and Distribution of breadfruit

Who? Why? How?1. CSO Involved in census Include breadfruit on

household survey2. All stakeholders in the

breadfruit sectorTo map distribution of breadfruit trees across the island

On consortium wiki

3. Documentation centres (MAIFS/ AREU/ MSIRI/ FARC)

Involved in documentation More exhaustive review of literature

2. Germplasm


Annex IV, pages 4-8

What do we know?

Twenty varieties identified as core varieties (literature) Can be conserved by tissue culture(literature) Seem to have two varieties or phenotype locally (round & oblong)(observation) Breadnut can be used as root-stock for grafting (local validated practice) Breadnut has an edible seed (high protein)(literature)

Where are we now?

Propagating only two seedless varieties locally In vivo production of plants using root only (Literature Revue agricole)

Where should we be?

Characterisation of our varieties (morphological & molecular) Any development project for which we need new germplasm Introduction of new varieties if there is a need In-vitro propagation


Breadfruit to shift from an under-utilized crop to a commercial crop Collaboration with international and local institution dealing with Breadfruit


Which varieties exist in Mauritius? Is there a possibility of extension of production season particularly with increasing

urbanization Has there been genetic erosion or drift in our local varieties? Should we increase our genetic pool? Can we look for germplasm of dwarf varieties to facilitate harvest? Is there a need to promote conservation of existing germplasm? Do Reunion, Comores and Seychelles, for example, have the same varieties? Are we having any pest/disease problems? Are bats a problem with breadfruit? Breadnut - is there a demand for it? What do we know about it? Why breadnut as a root stock? Is breadfruit a suitable alternative to breadfruit in Mauritius? Why bother about

breadnut? How to differentiate between young plants of breadnuts and breadfruit?

Which institutions will be involved in this? Or has capacity? Private labs or propagators?

Stakeholders involved in issues related to germplasm

Who? Why? How?1. UoM Studies on general

erosion or drift in local varieties

Research existent and facilities available

Student projects

2. AREU Varieties existing in Mauritius

Introduction of new varieties

On-going research on breadfruit

Research on usefulness of breadnut regarding nutritional properties and on a rootstock

Survey by extension services

Evaluation trials Collaborative programs

(UoM?)

3. MAIFS (NPPO & Entomology)

Facilitate introduction of new germplasm

PRA & Disease/ pest surveillance

4. MAIFS (Horticulture division)

Already involved in conservation

In-vitro and In-vivo collections

5. FARC Already involved in conservation of germplasm

In-vitro collections

6. Research organizations in different countries

Already involved in Research and development

Collaborative programs

3. Environmental Requirements


Annex IV, pages 9-11

What do we know?

Wide range of adaptation (literature) Agro-climatic requirements (literature)

Where are we now?

Distribution is nearly all over the island Not clear if there are concentration zones of trees

Where should we be?

Mapping of trees distribution Identifying agro-climatic zones suitable for optimal production


Agronomic studies that report on adaptation in Mauritius Experimental trials


Are there specific micro-climates that are ideal for breadfruit? Tolerance to drought with relation to climate change? Tolerance to cyclones? What is the yielding period in different zones and where to obtain the general yield

data? Check germplasm with different production & harvesting time to extend period of

supply? Is it possible to extend the production season? Can breadfruit be grown in super-humid regions of Mauritius? Is soil pH and high rainfall limiting factors to breadfruit tree growth in Mauritius? Is breadfruit an invasive species?

Stakeholders involved in issues related to environmental requirements

Who Why How1. AREU On-going research Trials in different

locations2. Meteorological

Services Meteorological data

available Provision of

meteorological data

4. Propagation methods and planting materials



What do we know?

Can be propagated by root cuttings , air layering, stem cutting, grafting, T.C methods, seeds

Where are we now?

Studies already started Selected clones being propagated Root cuttings main method, higher success rate In-vitro propagation (under experiment) Air-layering(under experiment) Grafting

Where should we be?

Should have already mastered vegetative propagation methods Should have already large number of breadfruit plants for sale Planting material at affordable price (current price at Barkley Rs 185/unit)


Research facilities and funds Skilled labour Need more starting materials


Tapping funds (from where)? Training for propagation required? Pros and cons of propagation method Is any method of propagation highly recommended What are the success rates of the different propagation methods? Do we have facilities for mass propagation (large scale)? What are the problems encountered for different propagation methods Is it easy to propagate by in-vivo methods What if someone use root cuttings from grafted plants? Is there any subsidized price for large scale? What are the current prices? Cost effective method of propagation Where to get readily available planting materials? Do we have enough planting materials and root stock?

Which rooting system/ propagation method is suitable against cyclone? Who is and how to coordinate gathering of information on amount of planting

materials available, rate of production? Which institutions have capacity to do this? Private sector? Can people /farmers/ students be trained on grafting techniques? Who can/will train producers on propagating methods?

Stakeholders involved in issues related to propagation methods and planting materials

Who? Why? How?1. MAIFS (Barkly ES) Propagation

Sale of planting material Propagation and sale by

conventional means Adapt protocol for Tissue

culture method for sale2. AREU Research and Development

Information Dissemination Training

Research and Development on different methods of propagation of breadfruit

Sale of breadfruit planting material

Training of Extension Officers and growers

3. FARC (Tissue Culture Lab)

Research and Development on protocol development

Production and sale of planting materials

Research on in-vitro propagation of breadfruit

Sale of tissue-culture plants

Research on Tissue culture in collaboration with UoM

4. UoM Research Research on Tissue culture in collaboration with FARC

5. Labourdonnais and other private sectors

Propagation and sale of planting materials

Production and sale of agricultural produce

Propagation by conventional means and sale

Collaborate in on-farm trials (OFT’s)

5. Agronomy and cultural practices



What do we know?

Fast growing/long life Hardy Productive Well adapted to local conditions Old trees can be rejuvenated

Where are we now?

Evaluation plots set up at AREU Rejuvenation under observation

Where should we be?

Germplasm (local) characterization completed (molecular/phenotypic) Establish local clones conservatory Map of growing areas should have been available


Funds Insufficient planting materials Absence of guidelines No training to growers Using elevators for plucking Mechanized techniques


What are the factors responsible for fruit drops? What are the production constraints? Can we go for high density planting materials Can reports on the evaluations be made available( preliminary) How does pruning affect yield? Recommendations on pruning Are the training materials/leaflets suitable? Is there need to revise/updates Do we have agro-climatic maps? What are the known production seasons in Mauritius? Are there any appropriate tools for harvesting Can tall trees be pruned? What are irrigation requirements?

Should we have specific varieties for fresh and processing? Bearing time for different planting materials(stem cuttings, root cuttings, grafting) Can we do intercropping? Can fruiting be enhanced like litchis? What is the recommended pathway ‘to move from under-utilized crop to commercial

crop’

Stakeholders involved in issues related to Agronomy, Cultural practices & Fruiting

Who? Why? How?1. AREU Research and

Development Information

dissemination Training

Agronomic evaluation Production of

recommendation sheets Workshops/ Field days/

visits2. SFWF Provide support to

farmers (insurance, schemes etc.)

Identify constraints faced by growers in collaboration with AREU

3. Private firms Importer of machinery/ tools

Make available appropriate harvest tools for breadfruit

4. Growers/ MAMCF/ Ministry of cooperatives

Producers of breadfruit Collaborate with AREU for on-farm trials

5. MAIFS Schemes for pest control Control of pests

Support/ incentives for control of bats

6. Fruiting



What do we know?

Seasonal Large trees can be regenerated Maturity indices easy Fruit production capacity

Where are we now?

Production season known Fruit drop high Tall trees difficult to harvest Production capacity of local accessions(yield) known

Where should we be?

Less fruit drop


Local agronomic studies


In case of attacks by fruit bats, bird-netting needed? What are the post harvest losses? Have the fruits got good preservation qualities? What are the approved pesticides on breadfruit? What are the pest and diseases affecting breadfruit? When do we know that the fruits are ready for harvest? Can it be grown in super humid zones? How to produce off season fruits? Introduction and evaluation of new clones? Support from NPPO for introduction?

Stakeholders involved in issues related to Agronomy, Cultural practices & Fruiting

Who? Why? How?1. AREU Research and

Development Information

dissemination Training

Agronomic evaluation Production of

recommendation sheets Workshops/ Field days/

visits2. SFWF Provide support to

farmers (insurance, schemes etc.)

Identify constraints faced by growers in collaboration with AREU

3. Private firms Importer of machinery/ tools

Make available appropriate harvest tools for breadfruit

4. Growers/ MAMCF/ Ministry of cooperatives

Producers of breadfruit Collaborate with AREU for on-farm trials

5. MAIFS Schemes for pest control Control of pests

Support/ incentives for control of bats

7. Harvest and Post Harvest



What do we know?

Grading/sorting Waxing Water Treatment Traditional minimal processing (e.g water treatment) Rod Plucking Climbing using ladder Picking up falling fruits Quality index at harvest Packing (Leno bags, gunny bags, bamboo baskets)

Where are we now?

No information on existing varieties Using traditional harvest technique International post-harvest practices exist

Where should we be?

Develop quality parameters (Norms/Standards) Pruning activities Early and late varieties Develop dwarf and early maturity plants disease Packing to reduce post-harvest losses (e.g agricultural crates)


Schemes/loans for post-harvest/harvest facilities Effective collaboration between partners No existing protocols for harvesting/post-harvest Sharing of information More research and development funding International collaboration


At which stage to harvest? (Maturity index – optimum and actual) Is the practice of placing fruit in water documented and justified? Do we have appropriate tools for harvest in Mauritius? E.g. Aluminum poles After harvest (green) No. of days kept (Stored) for local marketing? What can be done (Backyard/for local market) to increase shelf-life of breadfruit?

What are the recommended packaging/storage materials for Mauritius? Appropriate methods to increase shelf-life? Effect of pruning on yield/quality? Develop protocol – Responsibility? Can we put breadfruit in under cool conditions to increase shelf-life? Which type of wax can be used? Available?

Stakeholders involved in issues related to harvest and post-harvest

Who? Why? How?1. Cooperatives To achieve economies of

scale Regrouping of farmers

2. Associations and companies (SMEDA)

Better management Training Incentive schemes Appropriate funding

mechanisms3. AREU Harvest and post-harvest

protocol Norms and standards Shelf-life improvement Improvement in

harvesting techniques Pest and disease

management Improved cultural

practices

Research and trials

Literature and research Literature and research Training/ information

kits/ grants/ schemes for equipments

Awareness campaigns/ information materials/ identification of pests and diseases

4. UoM/AREU Harvest and post-harvest protocols

Research

5. MSB/ UoM/ AREU Norms and standards Literature and research6. Private companies/ AREU

Improvement in harvesting techniques

Training/ information kits/ grants/ schemes for equipments

7. SFWF/ Meteo/ Private companies

Risk management Support/ assistance/ insurance schemes

8. AREU/MAIFS Pest and disease management

Awareness campaigns/ information materials/ identification of pests and diseases

8. Product development and marketing



What do we know?

Marketing channel – local/export Animal feed (Pigs) Processing awareness exist (chips, canned, flour, boiled) Human consumption (boiled, chips, curry, snacks) High potential for export High risk crop (cyclone prone) High land requirement

Where are we now?

Export of product (approx. 100mT) Development and research on flour production Long-term storage (freezing) shelf-life studies Development of frozen French fries, wedges

Where should we be?

Increase usage as staple food side dishes Unacceptable fruits, waste from processing as animal feed Resource material for composting Substitute for current bad eating habits (e.g. oily foods, saturated foods) Tap on outer island resources (Rodrigues)


More research and development and funding Lack of information on product Critical mass to invest in commercial production Loans/incentive schemes Setting up of food parks


How do we think we are going to increase usage as staple? Regarding increasing consumer awareness, what is being done? What is the demand for breadfruit on the local market? Can it be used for baby foods? For flour making, are there any specific requirements (varietal, stage of maturity)? Fresh products or processed? Market consumption?

Is there scope for development of SME (Processing)? Is there any kind of risk management strategy in place? Land availability for setting up orchards? When is the next fruit tree census?

Stakeholders involved in issues to product development and marketing

Who? Why? How?1. FARC/SFWF Demand for fresh and

processed breadfruit Survey Breadfruit festival

2. AREU/ UoM Consumer preferences/ New products

Survey/ sensory evaluation

3. Enterprise Mauritius New markets International exhibitions/ partnerships

4. AREU/ UoM/ NPPO Type of varieties Literature Trials Research

5. Land use division/ AS/ MAIFS

Land availability Land bank

6. APAU/ MAIFS Census on breadfruit trees in the Republic of Mauritius

Survey Complete enumeration Editable/clickable map

7. Food security fund/ DBM/ Private banks

Access to capital Schemes Grants Loan facilities

8. MAIFS/ MAMCF/ Private stakeholders/ SFWF

Continuous/ Reliable supply of breadfruit

Partnerships/ Bi-lateral agreements

9. AMB/ Freeport Storage facilities Provide storage facilities

9. Markets/Export



What do we know?

Where are we now?

Where should we be? What is missing to get there?

Different types of products

Fresh breadfruits for export

Breadfruit flour Other usages at

level of household e.g. chips, cakes

Wider range of products and breadfruit varieties

Develop commercial production

Identify local germaplasm/ Access other germplasm

R&D on processed products

Identify interested entrepreneurs

Different markets

E.U Regional and international markets

Data on volume and value of exports and country of destination

Identify new export markets

Identify competitors in export markets

Market demand

E.U and local markets

Australia, USA, Canada and New Zealand

Tourist industry Domestic markets

e.g. frozen chips, canned, flour

Gluten free products

Determine current annual production in Mauritius

Work with hotel chef Local market

intelligence Market intelligence for

Gluten free products

Market Access

Fulfilling SPS requirements for E.U

Infrastructure for commercially processing

Food safety requirements

SPS requirements for other international markets (Market barriers)

Logistics for packaging and export (Perishable)

Certification (evidence for Gluten free products)

Financial Resources for investment

Identify SPS requirements for potential export markets (e.g. fruit flies)

Develop packaging Develop certification

system for food safety and allergens free


Types of products

What is current production volume? What is current export volume? To which markets are breadfruit exported? What are other potential markets?

Different Markets

In these export markets, what are customs duties applied? In these export markets what are SPS requirements? Can Mauritius abide by these SPS requirements? Market intelligence in current and potential export markets: Who are the buyers? Price?

Need specific varieties? Potential for market development? How consumed?

Market demand

Who are our competitors? Their Prices? Cost analysis including freight cost? Seasonality of supply from Mauritius v/s others? Development of other products; Processed; Pulp/ canned/ frozen / possible? Cost?

Market access

Export markets potential for these processed products? What inputs are needed: Infrastructure, technology, packaging, storage conditions,

transport conditions, cold-chain? (processed) Forecast of production volume in next 5-10 years? What are requirements to import/ propagate varieties? What is shelf life of varieties? What are current standards for export? Size/ type of packaging? Determine regularity of supply for export markets? Are breadfruit destined for export coming from orchards or backyards? Any orchard project? Can orchard be certified global gap? If marketed as Gluten free, who will certify? What are health and nutritional advantages and How can these be used for marketing? Sensitization of farmers on gap to produce good quality breadfruit, Who/How? What is potential for absorption on local market? Market intelligence: Who are buyers? Preferred way of consuming? Price? Potential for

processed products and prioritize? Hotels: Potential? Should new recipes be developed? Marketing of breadfruit on local market: How? Who? For both processed and fresh? What time of the year are competitors exporting?

What are the conditions for import of new breadfruit accession? Any strategy to market breadfruit as potential candidates for food security? What are the priorities for Mauritius? Should we have a brand name- branding breadfruit of Mauritius? What are storage conditions of breadfruit before export? What are the requirements for export? (size, weight, type and so on) What is the current practice for sale of breadfruit (whole/ whether semi processed?) Are there any post harvest treatments for breadfruit before export? Which sources of information exist on international trade of breadfruit?

Stakeholders involved in issues related to markets and export

Who? Why? How? 1. APEXHOM Involved in export policies

and information Facilitation

Information on export standards, market access

2. Exporters Know export markets Information on export data and constraints

3. Producers/ Processors Need markets to sell Production information 4. AREU Post-harvest for exports Research and Development on

shelf-life, post-harvest, storage, packaging, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) etc.

5. Enterprise Mauritius Know export markets Participation in trade fairs to present breadfruits

6. NPPO SPS for imports and exports

Allow import of germplasm and information on SPS of export matkets

7. Laboratories (Food Tech Lab)

Testing of pesticides Testing of pesticide residues

8. Women entrepreneurs Capacity to produce/ process

Start processing

9. Chefs/ hotels Use in restaurants Use breadfruits – new recipes 10. Media Communicate Inform public about breadfruit 11. Consumer

organizations Inform consumers Inform consumers about

benefits

10.Uses of Plant parts other than the fruit



What do we know? Where are we now?

Where should we be? What is missing to get

there?Different parts of breadfruit tree, multipurpose tree

use of the other plant parts at household level

use of the other parts of breadfruit other than at household level, e.g. handicraft for tourism industry/export

R&D on the medicinal value

Can use timber, fruits, seeds, peel bark, latex, buds, leaves, flower, spike, trees

Using only fruits

Food Developing flour

Used for animal Feed Used for medicinal purposes

Used for clothingAgro-forestry shadeCaulking for canoesAdhesivesUsed for construction of buildings, handicrafts, surfboards


What are the possible uses of by-products from breadfruit processing? Is there any economic importance of plant parts other that fruit for Mauritius?

Stakeholders involved in issues related to uses of plant parts other than the fruit

Who? Why? How?

11.Consumer preferences, Education and Products



What do we know?

Where are we now?

Where should we be?

what is missing to get there?

Preferred by Asian niche markets

Most people are discovering how to use breadfruit in their menu

People should find it normal that breadfruit forms part of their diet

Peoples’ awareness of nutritional value

Preference for fresh fruits

Develop breadfruit as a disaster relief food (food security)

Wide range of products (international markets) e.g. canned

Awareness on gluten free products

Support from the government


Is breadfruit also consumed by Europeans in replacement of potato? In what forms consumers would like to eat breadfruit? Fresh or frozen? Are products demand driven? How has the perception/status of breadfruit changed over the years? Nutritional analysis of derived products (w.r.t. snacking at school)? Need for educating consumers? Survey on consumer preferences? What need to be done to increase consumer? Awareness on importance of breadfruit? Concept of breadfruit festival? Which countries are producing breadfruit flour? Quantity of flour exported and where? How many breadfruit need to replace 1kg of wheat? Cost of production of flour?

Stakeholders involved in issues related to Consumer preferences, Education and Products

Who? Why? How?1. Exporter (Sarjua?) Already have access to

export market Provide information on

consumers from international markets and their requirements

2. Producers and Processors Customer Satisfaction Development of new products

3. MoA/ Producers Create awareness Breadfruit festivals Breadfruit consumption

campaigns World Food Day

4. Consumer Protection Association

Platform for local consumers

Consumer acceptance/ consumer awareness

5. CSO, AREU Data on breadfruit consumption locally

Surveys Data on per capita

consumption of breadfruit6. Media Consumer education Radio talks, TV programs

Technology

Group activity output