Mainstreaming SRI in Southeast Asia: From Trichoderma Innovations to the SEA SRI Regional Network

Fall 2024 Harry ’51 and Joshua ’49 Tsujimoto Perspectives in Global Development Seminar Series

Abstract

The system of rice intensification (SRI) is an agroecological method of rice cultivation that primarily focuses on creating conditions for healthy plant growth by minimizing inter-plant competition through individual planting and wide spacing. At the same time, it improves soil structure and functioning by applying organic amendments, facilitating soil-surface aeration during weeding, and managing water to avoid both continuous flooding and water-stressed conditions. These practices collectively lead to improved root development while in turn support the plants’ physiological performance, canopy, leaf and tiller growth, and their grain filling. Under SRI management, yields are increased by 20–60% or even more, while water requirements are reduced by about 25%.

This presentation will highlight the effects of using Trichoderma as a model microbe to assess microbial growth promotion, biological control activity, and gene expression modulation under SRI conditions. SRI practices create an environment that enhances Trichoderma's contributions to plant growth, physiological traits, nutrient uptake, and yield, whereas conventional methods often diminish or inhibit these benefits. Additionally, the presentation will showcase the adoption of Trichoderma innovations by SRI farmers in Southeast Asia, focusing on their use in seed treatments to improve soil and plant health.

In the second part of the presentation, the initiatives of the Southeast Asia SRI Regional Network (SeaSRI) will be discussed, focusing on farmer collaboration, knowledge sharing, policy advocacy, and the development of SRI equipment. The strategic role of SeaSRI in supporting regional governments to achieve both NDCs for methane reduction and food security goals will be emphasized. Toward the end of the presentation, the newly launched SRI Global Research Network will be showcased, highlighting its efforts to build capacity and foster collaboration across the global SRI research community. Differences in research and field priorities between regions will also be highlighted, covering aspects such as labor, gender, equipment, soil health, and irrigation.

About the speaker

Dr. Febri Doni is an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia. He is also the coordinator of the SRI Global Research Network. Previously, he was a postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya. He completed his master’s and Ph.D. degrees at The National University of Malaysia in 2014 and 2017, respectively, where he held a graduate research assistant fellowship from 2012 to 2017. His current work focuses on the system of rice intensification (SRI), plant-microbe interactions, phytopathology, and agroecology.

About the seminar series

The Harry ’51 & Joshua ’49 Tsujimoto Perspectives in Global Development Seminar Series showcases innovative approaches to development with experts from around the globe. Each year, the series attracts online registrants from over 45 countries and more than 350 organizations. 

Seminars are held Wednesdays from 12:20-1:10 p.m. eastern time during the semester in 175 Warren Hall. Students, faculty and the general public are welcome to attend in-person or via Zoom.

The series is co-sponsored by the Department of Global Development, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, and the School of Integrative Plant Science as part of courses GDEV 4961, AEM 4961, NTRES 4961, GDEV 6960, AEM 6960, and NTRES 6960.