Abstract:

This was my first visit to East Africa since 2005. I found renewed enthusiasm for the Camcore program from representatives of NaFORRI, TAFORI and KEFRI which was encouraging. My appreciation is expressed to Benson Kanyi, Tree Biotechnology Project, for coordinating the visit and to all the representatives from the government agencies for their wonderful hospitality. Appreciation is also expressed to the Kilimo Trust for funding Camcore membership. Camcore offers East Africa new technology developed by the private sector. The goal is someday to be able to provide several different species of pines, eucalypts, and other broadleaf species that have been derived from Camcore introductions to the small growers in the region. Much time was spent on going over Camcore trial designs and expectations. Pine trials are 9 replications with 6 tree row plots and eucalypt trials are 6 replications with 6 tree row plot designs. The first attempt of establishing Camcore trials in 2005 generally did not go well. Designs were not always followed. The greatest problem with Camcore test establishment in the 2005 trials was that the local protocols to maintain good quality control in the nursery were not followed. Seedlings were left in containers too long, or the type of nursery medium was inappropriate for the species being planted. For the Camcore program to be successful in East Africa, we must have tree survival > 80% in the field trials. Anything less than that converts a Camcore planting with genetic structure into a demonstration plot. All three government organizations promised that the quality control problem would be corrected in the next round of trials. It was decided that seeds will be sent to each member rather than trying to grow seedlings in a common nursery in East Africa and then distributing plants across international boundaries. This avoids delay in seedling distribution due to plant quarantine issues.