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Bibliography Tuia, V.S.; Kambuou, R.N.; Paofa, J.; Malapa, R.; Robert, N.; Hadosaia, C.; Navukiboro, C.; Fink, A.; Waqainabete, L.M.; Sukal, A.; Shandil, A.S. (2015) Sustainable conservation and utilisation of bele (Abelmoschus manihot), a Pacific indigenous vegetable, In: International Horticultural Congress (29th, 2014, Brisbane, Australia), Acta Horticulturae (1102), 61-66, URL: https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1102.6
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Abstract / Content summary Bele (Abelmoshus manihot), is one of the Pacific’s most nutritious indigenous vegetables, yet it is often neglected, unexplored and unexploited. It is known by several names in the Pacific: aibika, slippery cabbage or pele. It is high in protein, vitamins (Vitamins A and C, riboflavin, thiamin and niacin) and minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron). As such, it has an important role in counteracting micronutrient deficiencies and improving the diets of Pacific populations who suffer from some of the highest rates of diet related non-communicable diseases in the world. This paper explores the outputs of a French Pacific-funded project coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (SPC CePaCT) with Papua New Guinea (PNG), New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Fiji. The project involves the comprehensive cataloguing of bele diversity in countries and the establishment of the first regional collection of bele at the CePaCT in Fiji. It also establishes protocols for virus indexing and in vitro culture. The importance of bele in terms of genetic diversity, climate change resilience and nutrition will be promoted using posters. Furthermore, the project discusses preliminary profit analysis conducted on optimal production of bele versus normal traditional farming practices in New Caledonia and PNG. It also looks at viability of bele using Fiji as a case study in order to explore the potential opportunities and challenges to greater commercialisation and even export. The project also involves strengthening linkages and networks amongst Pacific island countries and other global centres such as the World Vegetable Centre in Taiwan notably endowed with the technical expertise on the development and utilisation of indigenous vegetables. Keywords: underutilised, undervalued, aibika, slippery cabbage, climate-resilient
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External web link https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1102.6
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