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School of Agriculture – Research

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Research

Research at the PNGUoT School of Agriculture focuses on addressing key agricultural challenges through innovation, scientific inquiry, and community engagement. The School’s research activities support sustainable farming systems, food security, agribusiness development, and rural livelihoods, contributing to national development priorities and the advancement of agricultural knowledge in Papua New Guinea.

Research at the School of Agriculture

Research work in the school is aimed at understanding biophysical, social and marketing issues constraining crop and animal production in PNG, sustainable animal and crop production at national and trans-national levels, and developing technologies for the processing of crop production.

Research is undertaken by final year students, postgraduate students, and academic staff. In 2021, 39 third and 29 fourth (final) year students undertook a supervised research work for the subjects, AG312/AG322 and AG403/AG404 special project I/II, respectively.

These students worked on problems relating to crop protection, socio-economics, crop improvement, crop production/management, environmental management, and animal production.

Research topics of the postgraduate students are highly relevant to meet the requirements of the stakeholders, and several of the post graduates are jointly supervised by staff from research institutions and commodity industries e.g. National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL), Ramu-Agri Industries Ltd (RAIL), and Oil Palm Research Association (OPRA).

School staff members solely or in collaboration with postgraduate students have published 15 peer reviewed journal articles in 2021 and a few more are currently in the press. Currently, research in the School is funded internally by the University Research funds, or externally by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), European Union Vanilla Project, Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA, and PNG Science and Technology Secretariat (PNGSTS).

Areas of Research

The following research focus areas have been identified and much of the staff and student research are conducted in these thematic areas:

Crop Sciences
  • Evaluation of promising rice varieties for Papua New Guinea
  • Crop improvement and adaptation to stress environments caused by climate change
  • Use of Trichoderma spp. as a biocontrol agent against some selected soil borne pathogens
  • Study of the production technology and practices of selected crops by farmers in different agro-ecological regions of Papua New Guinea
  • Study of the production technology and practices of selected vegetables by farmers in different agro-ecological regions of Papua New Guinea
  • Soil and composting in sweet potato-based farming systems
  • Symbionts as potential biocontrol agent for cocoa pod borer
  • Development of a maize seed system for PNG
  • Gene discovery in PNG wild rice: seed and grain characteristics
  • Genetic transformations of taro, rice and sweet potato.
  • Quantification of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions from soils under major cropping systems of Papua New Guinea
  • Development of fungal inoculum for artificial agar wood production in PNG
  • Conservation of farm animal genetic resources
  • Utilization of crop wastes and agro-industrial by-products for feeding livestock and poultry
  • Determining digestibility of locally available feed and fodder
  • Determination of anti-nutritional factors in the fodder crops of PNG
  • Development of suitable weaner piglet diet
  • Smallholder Aquaculture development in PNG
  • Economic efficiency of small-scale rice farming
  • Technical efficiency of smallholder coffee farming
  • Resource use efficiency among small-scale peanut farmers.
  • Evaluation of on-going extension approaches in PNG and their effectiveness in rural livelihood improvement
  • Problems and prospects of retaining youth in agriculture in PNG
  • Identifying the present farming systems in different regions of PNG and scope for improvement
  • Examining household food security in peri-urban settlements
  • Livelihoods of settlers in peri-urban settlements
  • Return from Investment in Higher Education, Extension and Innovations
  • Entrepreneurship Development among Rural People
  • Women in Agriculture for Food Security
  • Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations among Rural Community
  • Survey on current status of mechanization in PNG: impact study of mechanization on rural livelihood and environment
  • Development of post-harvest technology and post-harvest management systems for horticultural crops in PNG

Below is the list of research interest of academic staff and journal articles published:

Research interest of Academic Staff
 NoAcademic staffAreas of research interest
1Professor Macquin MainoPlant pathology, Nematology, Plant Virology, Biocontrol agents
2Mr Nick KewaAgricultural economics, climate change and supply chain management
3Professor Shamsul AkandaPlant pathology, Integrated disease management, Research methods
4Professor Gariba DanbaroAnimal breeding, Animal management systems, Research methods
5Professor Tom OkpulPlant breeding and genetics, Tissue culture, Biotechnology
6Assoc. Prof. JayaprakashVeterinary Science, Animal nutrition, Animal health and diseases
7Professor Peter ManusAgricultural economics, Agribusiness management
8Assoc. Prof. Rajashekhar RaoSoil Science, Soil quality, Soil fertility, Soil pollution, Agricultural Chemistry
9Assoc. Prof. Veronica BueAgricultural extension, women in agriculture, rural sociology
10Assoc. Prof. Patrick MichaelNatural resource management, field crops, agriculture and environment
11Dr Ronnie DotaonaAgricultural entomology, Integrated pest management, Biocontrol agents
12Dr Gwendolyn BanPlant pathology, Biocontrol agents
13Mr William NanoAgricultural extension, Animal nutrition, Aquaculture, On-farm trainings
14Mrs Betty Tiko MotoroAgricultural extension, rural sociology
15Dr Frank VidinamoAgricultural Engineering, Post- harvest technology
  1. The list below shows some of the recent publications by staff and students of the department:
  • Ban, G., Maino, M.K. and Akanda, S. (2021). Growth and shelf-life of Trichoderma harzianum. Niugini Agrisaiens, 12, 50-56.
  • Batisarisari, N., Manus, P., and Bue, V. (2021). Attitude and technical efficiency of commercial taro farmers of Taveuni, Fiji. Niugini Agrisaiens, 12, 42-49.
  • Beko, J., Mulung, K. and Okpul, T. (2020). The recalcitrant nature of Gyrinops ledermannii seeds: Notes on desiccation tolerance and longevity in storage. Niugini Agrisaiens, 11, 7-13.
  • Botu, A.A., and Danbaro, G. (2021). Evaluation of physical properties of talipa (Oreochromis niloticus L.) feeds made from local ingredients in Papua New Guinea. Niugini Agrisaiens, 12, 26-33.
  • Davis, A., Maino, H., Uakai, M., Saese, H., Quirk, C., Wamala, M., Gendua, P. and Okpul, T. (2020). AMMI Analysis for yield stability of 37 promising rice varieties in preliminaries for multi-environment testing in Papua New Guinea. Niugini Agrisaiens, 11, 14-23.
  • Divuniwaqa, C. and Rajashekhar, R.BK. (2021). Biochar application alters soil Ni fractions andphytotoxicity of Ni to pakchoi plants. Environmental Technology and Innovation 23: 101751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2021.101751
  • Kamang, D. and Manus, P. (2021). Attitude, profitability and resource use efficiency of smallholder rice farmers in Sumkar District of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. Journal of Austrian Society of Agricultural Economics, 17(10), 721-731.
  • Kewa, N., Wairiu, M. and Michael, P.S. (2021). Evidence and impact of climate change of crop production in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea: A Review (2021). Niugini Agrisaiens, 12, 1-12.
  • Maino, L., Sar, L. and Maino, M. (2020). Effectiveness of information delivery through the AKIS/RD agriculture extension model: A preliminary case study in rice farming systems in two districts of the Morobe Province. Niugini Agrisaiens, 11, 1-6.
  • Manus, P. (2021). Productivity and technical efficiency smallholder coffee farming without agricultural extension services in the Nebilyer District of Papua New Guinea. Niugini Agrisaiens, 12, 13-25.
  • Manus, P., Batisarisari, N. and Kewa, N. (2020). Soil productivity and resource use efficiency of smallholder taro farmers in Taveuni Island, Fiji. Niugini Agrisaiens, 11, 34-41.
  • Manus, P., Degamba, M., Parau, T. and Halim, A. (2020). Determinants of beneficiary knowledge and attitude to leatherback turtle conservation in Lababia, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. Niugini Agrisaiens, 11, 42-48.
  • Manus, P and Kamang, D. (2021). Attitude, profitability and technical efficiency of smallholder rice farming in Bogia District of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea.  Journal of Austrian Society of Agricultural Economics, 17(09), 661-671.
  • Manus, P. and Kamang, D. (2020). Determinants of technical efficiency of smallholder rice farming in Madang District of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. Niugini Agrisaiens, 11, 24-33.
  • Michael, P.S. (2021). The role of biofertilizers in the management of nutrient deficiency, acidity, and toxicity in acid soils – A review. JOGAE 12, 19-30.
  • Michael, P.S. (2021). The positive and negative effects of addition of organic carbon and nitrogen for management of sulfuric soil acidity under general soil use conditions. Polish Journal of Soil Science 54, 78-87.
  • Michael, P.S. (2021). Popularity of online and curiosity of on-campus learning among distance education students of PNG University of Technology, Papua New Guinea. IJMRAP 11, 46-57.
  • Parau, T., Bue, V., Sengere, R. and Manus, P. (2021). Responses of smallholder coffee farmers to the incursion of coffee berry borer (CBB) in a selected village in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. Niugini Agrisaiens, 12, 34-41.
  • Sawang, L., Ikati, H. and Michael, P.S. (2021). Phytoextraction of selected heavy metals by Ipomoea aquatic and Pteridium aquilinum from contaminated soils under humid lowland tropical climatic conditions. Asian Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences 6, 245-254.
  • Timi, D., Gopalakrishnan, S., Hombhanje, F. and Maino, M. (2021). Antimicrobial effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Peperomia pellusida. Australian Journal of Science and Technology, 5(1), 470-474.
  • Vidinamo, F., Fawzia, S. and Karim, M.A. (2021). Investigation of the effect of drying conditions on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in pineapple (Ananas comosus). Food and Bioprocess Technology, 15, 72-81.
Research Journals

The list below shows some of the recent publications by staff and students of the school:

Recent Papers

2024
  1. Timi, D., Maino, M. and Gopalakrishnan, S. (2024). Nematicidal assessment of plant mediated green synthesized silver nanoparticles under laboratory conditions. Transactions on Engineering and Computing Sciences, 12(1), 215-225.
  2. Tiko, B. and Mohamed, A. (2024). Evaluating the knowledge and perceptions of local farmers in Tanam village, Morobe Province regarding fall army worm infestation. E3S Web of Conferences, 477 https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202447700021.
  3. Puri, S.B. and Rajashekhar Rao, B.K. (2024). Health Risks of Metals in Soils and Staple Foods of the Subsistence Food Gardens in the Floodplains of Watut River, Papua New Guinea. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 196, 12765. DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12765-1

  1. Puri, S.B. and Rajashekhar Rao, B.K. (2023). Ecotoxicological risks of metals in the subsistence food garden soils of Watut River floodplains, Papua New Guinea. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 45(11), 8403-8415. DOI:10.1007/s10653-023-01735-0.

  2. Michael, P.S. (2023). Sustainable use of acid soils in the humid tropic. Ecofeminism and Climate Change, 4, 39-50.

  3. Peter, T.M. and Michael, P.S. (2023). Sweet potato is a strategic root crop for food and nutritional security under climate change: A synthesis of the past and future production research directions. SAINS-TANAH-Journal of Soil Science and Agroclimatology, 20, 51-65.

  4. Ahizo, J., Amben, S., Lobao, M.W., Roberts, A.D. and Pandi, J. (2023). Restricting conventional feed intake for pasture-raised broilers in Papua New Guinea: Effect on growth parameters and carcass yield. Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, 8(6), 247-254.

  1. Ban, G., Akanda, S. & Maino, M. (2022). Efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum against Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani. Annals of Tropical Research, 44(1), 30-45.

  2. Bafiec, T.J. & Rajashekhar Rao B.K. (2022). Biochar, mineral P and their co-application affects chemical fractions of P and mung bean growth in two tropical soils. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 53(6), 664-674. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2022.2028806 (Scopus)

  3. Buyoyu, P. and Maino, M.K. (2022). Cultural and morphological characterization of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing anthracnose on Barringtonia edulis. Journal of Mycology and Mycological Sciences, 5(1), 1-7.

  4. Joel, B. and Michael, P.S. (2022). Nutrient cycling under unmanaged rubber, cocoa and oil palm agro-ecosystems in a sandy soil under humid lowland tropical climatic conditions. International Journal of Environment, 11, 46-61.

  5. Lewis, L., Hossain, M. and Rajashekhar Rao B.K. (2022). The planting density of Acacia mangium influences the rehabilitation of a Waste Rock Dump in Papua New Guinea. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 15, 216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-09522-4 (Scopus)

  6. Michael, P.S. (2022). Research needs in agriculture and other land uses in response to the green economy: A review. Journal of Global Agriculture and Ecology 14, 97-104.

  7. Aisoli-Orake, R., Bue, V., Aisi, M., Ambelye, I., Betasolo, M., Nuru, T., Kialo, D., Akanda, S., Denano, S., Yalambing, L., Gasson, S., Spencer, E., Bruce, C. and Roberts, N. (2022). Creating sustainable networks to enhance women’s participation in higher education in Papua New Guinea. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 1-13. DOI: 10.1080/1360080X.2022.2037267

  8. Vidinamo, F., Fawzia, S. & Karim, M.A. (2022). Investigation of the effect of drying conditions on phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in pineapple (Ananas comosus). Food and Bioprocess Technology, 15(1), 72-81. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11947-021-02715-x

  1. Ban, G., Maino, M.K. and Akanda, S. (2021). Growth and shelf-life of Trichoderma harzianum. Niugini Agrisaiens, 12, 50-56.

  2. Batisarisari, N., Manus, P. and Bue, V. (2021). Attitude and technical efficiency of commercial taro farmers of Taveuni, Fiji. Niugini Agrisaiens, 12, 42-49.

  3. Botu, A.A. and Danbaro, G. (2021). Evaluation of physical properties of talipa (Oreochromis niloticus L.) feeds made from local ingredients in Papua New Guinea. Niugini Agrisaiens, 12, 26-33.

  4. Divuniwaqa, C. and Rajashekhar, R.BK. (2021). Biochar application alters soil Ni fractions and phytotoxicity of Ni to pakchoi plants. Environmental Technology and Innovation 23: 101751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2021.101751

  5. Kamang, D. and Manus, P. (2021). Attitude, profitability and resource use efficiency of smallholder rice farmers in Sumkar District of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. Journal of Austrian Society of Agricultural Economics, 17(10), 721-731.

  6. Kewa, N., Wairiu, M. and Michael, P.S. (2021). Evidence and impact of climate change on crop production in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea: A Review. Niugini Agrisaiens, 12, 1-12.

  7. Manus, P. (2021). Productivity and technical efficiency of smallholder coffee farming without agricultural extension services in the Nebilyer District of Papua New Guinea. Niugini Agrisaiens, 12, 13-25.

  8. Michael, P.S. (2021). The role of biofertilizers in the management of nutrient deficiency, acidity, and toxicity in acid soils – A review. JOGAE 12, 19-30.

  9. Michael, P.S. (2021). The positive and negative effects of addition of organic carbon and nitrogen for management of sulfuric soil acidity under general soil use conditions. Polish Journal of Soil Science 54, 78-87.

  10. Michael, P.S. (2021). Popularity of online and curiosity of on-campus learning among distance education students of PNG University of Technology, Papua New Guinea. IJMRAP 11, 46-57.

  11. Parau, T., Bue, V., Sengere, R. and Manus, P. (2021). Responses of smallholder coffee farmers to the incursion of coffee berry borer (CBB) in a selected village in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. Niugini Agrisaiens, 12, 34-41.

  12. Sawang, L., Ikati, H. and Michael, P.S. (2021). Phytoextraction of selected heavy metals by Ipomoea aquatic and Pteridium aquilinum from contaminated soils under humid lowland tropical climatic conditions. Asian Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences 6, 245-254.

  13. Timi, D., Gopalakrishnan, S., Hombhanje, F. and Maino, M. (2021). Antimicrobial effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Peperomia pellusida. Australian Journal of Science and Technology, 5(1), 470-474.

  1. Beko, J., Mulung, K. and Okpul, T. (2020). The recalcitrant nature of Gyrinops ledermannii seeds: Notes on desiccation tolerance and longevity in storage. Niugini Agrisaiens, 11, 7-13.

  2. Davis, A., Maino, H., Uakai, M., Saese, H., Quirk, C., Wamala, M., Gendua, P. and Okpul, T. (2020). AMMI Analysis for yield stability of 37 promising rice varieties in preliminaries for multi-environment testing in Papua New Guinea. Niugini Agrisaiens, 11, 14-23.

  3. Manus, P., Degamba, M., Parau, T. and Halim, A. (2020). Determinants of beneficiary knowledge and attitude to leatherback turtle conservation in Lababia, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. Niugini Agrisaiens, 11, 42-48.

  4. Manus, P., Batisarisari, N. and Kewa, N. (2020). Soil productivity and resource use efficiency of smallholder taro farmers in Taveuni Island, Fiji. Niugini Agrisaiens, 11, 34-41.

  5. Manus, P. and Kamang, D. (2020). Determinants of technical efficiency of smallholder rice farming in Madang District of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. Niugini Agrisaiens, 11, 24-33.

  6. Maino, L., Sar, L. and Maino, M. (2020). Effectiveness of information delivery through the AKIS/RD agriculture extension model: A preliminary case study in rice farming systems in two districts of the Morobe Province. Niugini Agrisaiens, 11, 1-6.