Sporisorium scitamineum is a Basidiomycota pathogen that causes smut disease in sugarcane plants. The pathogen can infect all types of sugarcane, with the extent of damage depending on the plant's susceptibility. Farmers rely on chemical pesticides to control S. scitamineum , but these pesticides have negative environmental impacts. Using Trichoderma sp. and Streptomyces sp. as biocontrol has been proven against fungal infections and is safe for the environment. This study evaluated the potential of Trichoderma sp. and Streptomyces sp. against S. scitamineum under in vitro conditions. Each of the three isolates of Trichoderma sp. and Streptomyces sp. was assessed using the VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), chitinase enzyme, and in vitro antagonistic assays. The results indicated that Streptomyces spp. demonstrated higher chitinase activity compared to Trichoderma spp., with isolate ST1 having the highest chitinase index at 3.7%. VOC test demonstrated that Streptomyces spp. markedly inhibited the mycelial growth of S. scitamineum, attaining inhibition rates of up to 82%. Conversely, Trichoderma spp. exhibited enhanced antagonistic activity via direct interaction, with isolate TD2 suppressing pathogen growth by 82% in dual-culture assays. The findings show that Streptomyces spp. and Trichoderma spp. suppressed S. scitamineum in different but complementary ways. The study shows that they could be used as environmentally friendly biological control agents to manage sugarcane smut.
The golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, is known to be an injurious introduced species in the rice ecosystem of Southeast Asia, while the native apple snails, represented by Pila scutata, have shown declining populations over various parts of the region. Dietary differences may contribute to the contrasts in ecological damages, but information regarding comparison studies involving agricultural and aquatic plants is limited. This report considers the feeding rates of P. scutata and P. canaliculata on rice, Oryza sativa, and two other aquatic plants, Ludwigia adscendens and Pistia stratiotes, using a standardized laboratory bioassay. In this investigation, the feeding rates of individual snails of P. scutata and P. canaliculata were determined on pre-weighed plant material after starving them for 24 hours. In the bioassay, the amount of plant material eaten by the snails and the ratio of the reduced or remaining weight to the initial weight were used to determine the feeding rates. In general, the amount of plant material consumed by P. canaliculata is much higher than that eaten by P. scutata over all the plant species (Mann-Whitney U test, Holm-corrected P < 0.05). In particular, the consumption of rice seedlings by P. scutata is characteristically low.
Soil density is a crucial parameter for soil physical health. It influences the ability of plant roots to penetrate the soil, which in turn impacts the plant's absorption of water and nutrients. The research was conducted in Jatipurno Subdistrict, Wonogiri Regency, to determine the distribution of soil density, the influence of sources of diversity, the determinants of soil density, and recommendations for land use. Descriptive exploratory research through survey and laboratory analysis was employed in this study, with soil density measured using the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP). The quite high soil density class covers 2,631.28 ha (60.51%), and the high soil density class covers 1,716.87 ha (39.49%). Land use did not significantly affect soil density, whereas soil type, slope gradient, and rainfall did. Soil density values have a significant positive correlation with bulk density (r = 0.862; P-value = 0.000; N = 45) and texture (r = 0.572; P-value = 0.000; N = 45), and have a significant negative correlation with water content (r = -0.457; P-value = 0.002; N = 45), porosity (r = -0.699; P-value = 0.000; N = 45), and organic C (r = -0.404; P-value = 0.006; N = 45). These five parameters were selected as determining factors, increasing bulk density and texture (clay content), and decreasing water content, porosity, and organic C will increase soil density. Improved land management, based on these determining factors, is needed to increase agricultural land use for sustainable agricultural production, such as mulching, increasing organic matter content, and minimal tillage to maintain soil surface moisture.
Colocasia esculenta (taro) is a significant staple crop cultivated for its edible corms, roots, and leaves. Despite its agricultural importance, limited anatomical studies have focused on the vegetative organs (leaf, stem, and root) of various taro cultivars. This study aimed to describe and compare the anatomical structures of leaves, stems, and roots among six taro cultivars (Jepang putih, Jepang merah, Gambir, Semir, Ketan, and Sutra). The six cultivars were cultivated using sucker propagation in three replicated blocks. Parameters assessed included leaf, stem, root anatomy, chlorophyll content (a, b, and total), stomata characteristics, epidermal cell number and length, and root tissue thickness (epidermis, endodermis, cortex, and stele). Significant anatomical differences were found among the cultivars. The Gambir cultivar resulted in the highest chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll content. Jepang merah had the thickest root epidermis and cortex, Gambir had the thickest endodermis, and Semir showed the thickest stele. Ketan cultivar had the highest number of stomata and epidermal cells. Anatomical variation exists among the six cultivars of Colocasia esculenta studied, indicating potential for cultivar-specific functional adaptations. These findings may contribute to cultivar selection and improvement for various agricultural and nutritional purposes.
Climate change challenges agriculture with altered rainfall and extreme temperatures. Terra preta and rice straw mulch can mitigate effects like drought and soil degradation. Terra preta, a carbon-rich black soil, improves soil structure, retains nutrients, and reduces atmospheric CO2. It can be made from organic waste. This study examines the impact of terra preta and rice straw mulch thickness on the growth and yield of hybrid maize cultivar Pertiwi 5. A factorial randomized block design (RBD) with two factors was applied: terra preta dose (0, 10, 15, and 20 tons/the ha) and mulch thickness (0,3,6, and 9 cm). Data were analyzed using ANOVA for a linear model, with F-test at 5% significance level and followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) for post hoc comparisons. Results showed the optimal treatment was 20 tons/ha of terra preta with 9 cm mulch, leading to a plant height of 181,544 cm, stem diameter of 36,4 mm, two cobs per plant, and the lowest dry weed weight of 26,33 g. The highest harvest index was with 15 tons/ha of terra preta and 6 cm mulch, at 79,33%. These findings suggest that terra preta and rice straw mulch enhance maize growth and yield, providing a sustainable agriculture approach under climate change.
This study investigated the effect of auxin types and concentrations on plantlet formation in the D. antennatum x D. stratiotes hybrid orchid during in vitro culture. This study was carried out experimentally using a Completely Randomized Split-Plot Design. The main plot was auxin types (IAA, IBA, and NAA), and the sub-plot was auxin concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 15 µM). Each treatment combination was repeated three times, resulting in 36 experimental units. The variable observed was plantlet formation, with the parameters measured including the number of shoots, shoot length, number of leaves, roots, and root length. The data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance at 95% and 99% significance levels, followed by the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 95% significance level. The results showed that D. antennatum x D. stratiotes hybrid shoots grown on MS medium supplemented with 15 µM auxin produced the highest number of shoots (13.66 shoots/explant) and leaves (32.11 leaves/explant). IBA application produced the longest shoots (1.67 cm/shoot), whilst NAA was more effective for root induction. MS media supplemented with 5 µM NAA resulted in the highest number of roots (36.33 roots/explant).
Predatory insects are essential in controlling pest populations; however, their ability to work depends on prey availability and quality. This study investigates the potential of alternative prey to enhance the predatory efficiency and reproductive success of Sycanus annulicornis, a generalist predator used in pest management. The research assessed predation behavior, longevity, and reproductive capacity of S. annulicornis when fed with Hermetia illucens, Tenebrio molitor, and Alphitobius diaperinus. Choice and no-choice tests revealed a significantly higher predation rate for H. illucens (98.0 ± 50.25 for females and 89.0 ±14.0 for males; P < 0.05) compared to T. molitor (67.0 ± 15.4 for females, 54.2 ± 11.2 for males) and A. diaperinus (67.0 ± 12.1 for females, 65.5 ± 17.0 for males). Longevity analysis showed that females fed H. illucens lived significantly longer (49.7 ± 1.00 days, P < 0.05) than those consuming T. molitor (41.2 ±6.46 days) or A. diaperinus (41.3 ± 8.45 days). Reproductive performance was highest for H. illucens, with fecundity (33.1 ± 22.0 eggs) and fertility (27.5 ± 18.7%) exceeding that of T. molitor (24.5 ± 13.1 eggs, 10.0 ± 4.4%) and A. diaperinus (30.3 ± 22.3 eggs, 19.0 ± 12.7%). This study supports using H. illucens as a nutritionally adequate prey for mass rearing S. annulicornis, improving its application in biological pest control.
Soybeans, a legume widely consumed in Indonesia, exhibit a comparatively low production rate. Therefore, initiatives to augment soybean production are essential, one of which is the utilization of biochar. Biochar has been extensively studied as a soil amendment that improves soil fertility and promotes plant growth. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological responses of soybean varieties to different types of biochar. The experiment used a factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The factor was three soybean varieties (Dena 1, Demas 1, and Gepak Kuning) and three biochar treatments (control, palm fibre, and rice hull). Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% significance level. Results indicated that rice hull biochar improved net assimilation and relative growth rates by 1.95% and 1.59%, respectively, between the third and fifth weeks after planting. It also increased total dry weight by 1.37% and leaf area index by 1.72% compared to untreated plants. Among the varieties tested, Dena 1 yielded the highest total dry weight (1.41%) and leaf area index (1.53%), highlighting a promising synergy between this variety and rice hull biochar. These findings demonstrate that biochar type and soybean variety interact to determine physiological responses, suggesting that appropriate combinations may improve soybean productivity and resilience under field conditions.
The Indonesian archipelago boasts a rich biodiversity, particularly a vast collection of local upland rice germplasm, many of which remain unidentified. The study aimed to expand the collection of local rice germplasm by considering the genetic variability coefficient and heritability values and identifying cultivars with the potential to become superior local varieties. The research was conducted in Tamarenja Village from April to October 2024. The study used a single - factor randomized block design with eight cultivars as treatments, including Pae Bohe, Kalendeng, Delima, Pulu Tau Leru, Dongan, Wangga, Logi, Tako, Buncaili, Uva, Uva Buya, and Jahara. The collected data were analyzed using variance analysis, genetic variability coefficient analysis, heritability, and agronomic trait analysis using the LSD test at a 1% significance level. The results showed high genetic diversity, with genetic coefficient of variation (GCV) values between 24.56% and 53.49%. Estimates of heritability were also high, with most characteristics having more than 80% heritability. Grain yield (97.93%), number of grains per panicle (95.87%), and 1000-grain weight (97.49%) were all strongly controlled by genetics. Delima exhibited the longest panicle at 38.55 cm, containing 260 grains per panicle. The results identify Jahara, Kalendeng, Dongan, Logi, and Uva Buya as exceptional cultivars with considerable potential for upland rice breeding.
Cherry tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) is a perishable commodity due to its delicate texture. Consequently, it necessitates effective postharvest handling. Cherry tomatoes frequently incur mechanical damage during transit due to the voids in the packaging, leading to friction and collisions with the packaging material. This study evaluates the impact of packaging fillers on mechanical damage to tomatoes during transportation and identifies the optimal packaging fillers for cherry tomatoes. This study included plastic fruit crate packaging with dimensions of 38 cm x 26 cm x 12 cm. This study included filler materials consisting of long shredded newsprint and banana leaves and a control group without filler. Transportation simulation was conducted at 3,9 Hz, amplitude 4,2 cm for 90 minutes, equivalent to 108,9 km of transportation. The results showed that packaging with filler significantly reduced fruit damage compared to the control. The highest reduction was observed in the combined filler treatment, which decreased mechanical damage by 62.5% relative to the control. Banana leaf filler also provided good protection, reducing weight loss by 45.8% and maintaining fruit firmness (1.63 kg cm⁻²) compared to control (1.08 kg cm⁻²). However, newsprint filler minimized color change, maintaining the red index 34.15 compared to 41.22 in the control. Overall, the combined filler treatment performed best in preserving postharvest quality. These findings suggest that biodegradable packaging fillers, particularly banana leaves and their combination with newsprint, are effective and environmentally friendly alternatives for extending the shelf life of cherry tomatoes during transportation.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of NPK fertilizer and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on the growth of oil palm seedlings. The study focused on various morphological traits, including plant height, trunk diameter, frond count, dry matter weight, AMF root infection, and soil spore count. These parameters were measured in seedlings aged 14 to 54 weeks after planting (WAP). A Randomized Complete Block Design with a single factor was employed, consisting of six treatment levels and four replications. The treatments included a control group, standard NPK fertilizer, biofertilizer, and combinations of biofertilizer with varying doses of NPK fertilizer. The results showed that the P4 treatment (standard NPK + 30 g AMF biofertilizer) exhibited the best morphological traits, which significantly affected the seedlings' dry matter weight. In contrast, the P6 treatment (half standard dose of NPK + 30 g AMF biofertilizer) optimized growth while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. AMF root infections were observed in the treatments with biofertilizer. Morphological identification revealed the presence of Acaulospora, Glomus, and Gigaspora in the soil during biofertilizer treatment.
Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a major insect pest of horticultural crops, causing significant yield losses.The efficacy of Beauveria bassiana, a potential biocontrol agent, can be influenced by growth media composition. This study examined the effects of cricket and fruit fly flour on B. bassiana growth and pathogenicity against Z. cucurbitae. The methods added B. bassiana growth media with different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) of cricket and fruit fly flour and assessing its pathogenicity against Z. cucurbitae at a spore density of 10⁶ and 10⁸ spores/mL. The results showed that 1% cricket flour combined with a spore density ofspores/mL resulted in the highest mortality rate (29.33%) and the fastest infection (2 days). The lowest average mortalities were found in treatments without flour addition which were 21.3%, 19.3%, and 19%, respectively. The longest time to cause infection was observed in 7 days. Infection symptoms are marked by the emergence of white fungal mycelia covering the cuticle, while infected adults exhibit deformed, wrinkled, and smaller wings. These findings highlight the potential of growth media optimization to enhance B. bassiana virulence, contributing to the development of more effective and sustainable biocontrol strategies against Z. cucurbitae.
Shallots have physiological and pharmacological effects on the human body and have been cultivated intensively using biocompost, which may be contaminated with heavy metals. Enrichment of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in biocompost and the addition of biological organic fertilizer (BOF) to reduce the absorption of heavy metals in shallot bulbs is the main objective of this research. The study used a Randomized Block Design with five treatments, namely: shallots cultivation method by indigenous farmers/control(B0); Dose of biocompost enriched with AM fungi 100kg plot-1(B1); 200kg plot-1(B2); 100kg plot-1+BOF(B3); 200kg plot-1+BOF(B4), has been carried out in Enrekang district, South Sulawesi by observing the components of heavy metal content in plant organs and the level of infection of AM fungi in plant roots. Results showed that a dose of biocompost enriched with AM fungi 200 kg plot-1, and 100kg plot-1+BOF could increase Cr, Cu, and Pb accumulation in roots and leaf, as well as reduce metal accumulation in shallot bulbs, with level AM fungi infection classified as very high. The novelty of this study is that organic fertilizer enriched with AM fungi can reduce the absorption of heavy metals that accumulate in shallot bulbs and is essential information for farmers.
Post-tin mining land is dominated by sand fractions and low in organic C content and essential macro nutrients. High yield of elephant grass can be produced on land containing sufficient and constantly available nutrients. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of ameliorants consisting of mycorrhizae and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of elephant grass plants in post-tin mining land. This research was arranged in a randomized complete block design with a combination of mycorrhizae and NPK fertilizer doses. Treatments consisted of control (without mycorrhizae and NPK), NPK 100%, mycorrhizae + NPK 25%, mycorrhizae + NPK 50%, and mycorrhizae + NPK 100%. The recommended dose of NPK 100% was 300 kg/ha. The research results demonstrated significant effects of mycorrhizae and NPK fertilizer doses combination on the plant height, number of clumps, and crop production per plot. Applying NPK fertilizer 100% to elephant grass plants resulted in the highest ratoon yields in post-tin mining land.
The high industrial demand for mint products, coupled with low domestic production, has led to a 63% import dependency. Enhancing mint production requires optimizing planting media and fertilization strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different soil-to-husk charcoal ratios and manure types on the growth and yield of mint (Mentha spicata L.). A factorial experiment was conducted from February to April 2022 at the Faculty of Agriculture, UNS, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors: The first factor was soil-to-husk charcoal ratios consisting of 1 to 3, 1 to 1, and 3 to 1. The second factor was the manure type, which consisted of cow, goat, and chicken manure. Each treatment was replicated four times. The results showed that the P1 combined with the cow manure significantly increased the number of branches compared to P1 with goat manure. P1 also resulted in the highest number of leaves, leaf area, fresh weight, and dry weight. Cow manure yielded the highest values for leaf number, leaf area, and dry weight among manure treatments. These findings suggest that optimizing planting media composition and manure selection can enhance mint productivity, reducing reliance on imports.
Peat formation is the main key to carbon sequestration in the Peat Swamp Forest (PSF). The research aims to analyze alternative possibilities for peat formation based on the available soil nutrients and dried biomass. In a complete randomized block design, a factorial trial was applied using two treatment combinations in three blocks: factor A (sampling plots, land cover) and Factor B (dried biomass). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey Honestly Significant Difference test at a significance level of 5%. A high supply of dried below-ground biomass did not follow the production of rooting litter at high soil nutrients. Most of the biomass was transported upwards into above-ground biomass. All land covers produced above-ground biomass which had the potential to form peat with significant differences for all parameters studied. The potential for peat formation was highly dependent on the various types of land covers (e.g. peat forest), environmental factors, the composition of the seed bank, and the species ability to compete. Restoration actions (revegetation, rewetting, and revitalization) aim to stimulate the development of peat-forming species. The research benefits are expected to enrich PSF's ecological restoration thinking so that PSF can be restored and returned to near its initial condition.
Shallots are indispensable in all aspects of human life, and shallot production is always facing Fusarium wilt disease. Chemical control of the disease has failed, and environmentally friendly control alternatives are needed. One of them is Bio P60 biocontrol product combined with liquid organic fertilizer. Aims of the research was to assess the effectiveness of NASA liquid organic fertilizer and Bio P60 in controlling Fusarium wilt and its impact on shallot growth and yield in planta. This research was conducted in the field using polybag, for five months. Completely randomized block design was used comprising of two components with 16 treatments and 3 replicates. The variables observed were incubation period, disease intensity, AUDPC, plant height, number of leaves, number of tubers, plant wet weight, tuber wet weight, plant dry weight, and tuber dry weight. The results showed that the application of Bio P60 five times was the most excellent treatment in postponing the incubation period by 61.71%, suppressing disease incidence by 66.67%, and reducing AUDPC by 69.84%, increase growth and yield components such as plant height by 30.75%, number of leaves by 40.7%, number of bulbs by 75.6%, bulb fresh weight by 104.53%, blub dry weight by 51.1%, crop fresh weight by 48.24%, and crop dry weight by 49.77% compared to the control. The fertilizer application has no significant effect on all variables. There was no interaction between Bio P60 and NASA on all variables.
Acid soil is widely available in Indonesia and is suboptimal, so yields are low. The research examines the effect of antagonism and nitrogen fertilizer on peanuts' growth, nodulation, and yield in sour planting. This study used a factorial complete randomized block design with two factors. The first factor is the dose of Nitrogen fertilizer with four levels: 0, 50, 100, 150 kg.ha-1. The second factor is the source of rhizobium with three levels: without rhizobium, legin rhizobium dose ten g.kg-1 seed, and rhizobium from peanut plantations. They were repeated three times. Nitrogen 50 kg.ha-1 with the source of used peanut rhizobium showed the highest plant height, 15.73 cm. The combination of 100 kg.ha-1 of nitrogen with a source of used peanut rhizobium showed the highest number of plant leaves, namely 675.33 leaves. A nitrogen dose of 50kg.ha-1 produced the highest effective number of nodules and nodules, namely 363.00 and 19.33 nodules. The optimum nitrogen fertilizer dose is 44 kg.ha-1 for nodule growth. 50 kg.ha-1 nitrogen dose produced the highest number of pods and seed weight, namely 48.67 pods and 407.79 g of seeds. Nitrogen fertilizer at the correct dose can increase peanuts' growth, nodulation, and yield in acid soil. However, a dose that is too high may cause antagonism with the nodulation process and reduced yield.
This paper discusses the development and acceptability of Mead wine flavored with Dragon Fruit. A Quantitative Descriptive Analysis Survey was utilized among forty (40) panelists who are experts in alcohol while 75 respondents were randomly selected as participants in the sensory analysis using a Hedonic rating scale with a 5-point Likert scale. The results of the study have shown that the product was acceptable considering its color, aroma, taste and even the alcohol content of both treatments. In the findings, the highest responses on color is ruby with 62.5%, responses on aroma are regarded as sweet, tangy and even zesty nuance. The taste reveals that it is fairly acceptable with a 2.30 mean, which accounts for its acidity and good for food pairing. On the overall acceptability level of the three coded samples, wine coded control got the highest description of high acceptable and a mean of 4.38. While in the willingness to purchase the product, commercial product got the highest mean of 4.13, acceptable and wine with code treatment 1 got a high score of 4.03, also acceptable. The results of this study imply that mead with added dragon fruit has the potential to produce mead that is preferred by respondents.
Cymbidium bicolor is a highly hunted and traded orchid, leading to a decline in its wild population. Orchid conservation can be achieved through tissue culture, particularly via somatic embryogenesis. Thidiazuron (TDZ) is a growth regulator used to induce somatic embryogenesis. This study aimed to determine the optimal TDZ concentration for somatic embryo formation. Stem explants of C. bicolor were cultured on Murashige Skoog (MS) medium with TDZ concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 3 ppm. Observations were conducted weekly for two months using a stereo microscope and OptiLab. Variables observed included the percentage of green explants, somatic embryo formation time, the number of explants forming somatic embryos, and the number and morphology of somatic embryos. The study was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 14 replications. Results showed that TDZ addition influenced somatic embryo formation and maintained the green color of explants. Media with TDZ promoted faster growth and larger embryo size compared to media without TDZ. The optimal concentration was 1 ppm TDZ, which produced the highest number of embryos (172) and the fastest formation time compared to other concentrations (TDZ 0: 27, TDZ 2 ppm: 60, TDZ 3 ppm: 39).
