Caraka Tani: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture
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Forest-Derived Actinomycetes from Indonesian National Parks: A Novel Approach for Bacterial Leaf Blight Control in Rice
Full text linkThe potential of forest-derived actinomycetes from Indonesian national parks for managing bacterial leaf blight (BLB) remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the biocontrol potential of forest-derived actinomycetes from Kutai National Park against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and to assess their ability to promote rice seed germination, seedling vigor, and root colonization. A total of 12 actinomycete isolates were screened for in vitro antagonism against Xoo race 8. Further investigation in planta revealed that 3 isolates (KrK1K1, DrK1T20, and DrK1T21) significantly reduced disease severity by 77.77%, 86.74%, and 82.85%, respectively. Molecular identification of the 3 potential isolates revealed that KrK1K1, DrK1T20, and DrK1T21 are identified as Streptomyces parvulus, Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens, and Salinispora tropica, respectively. Three selected isolates also significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the seed germination rate (25.05%) and the vigor index (51.11%). Filtrate bioassays at 5%, 10%, and 15% concentrations demonstrated that only T. tyrosinosolvens DrK1T20 effectively inhibited Xoo growth. All 3 isolates produced siderophores and chitinase, whereas phosphate-solubilizing activity was detected only in S. parvulus. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed effective colonization of rice roots by actinomycetes, indicating a successful interaction between the roots and the actinomycete isolates. These abilities strongly support the potential of forest-derived actinomycetes to control BLB and improve plant growth in the field
Tomato Mutants SlIAA9 Exhibit Thermo-Morphophysiological Characters and Enhanced SIDREBA4 Gene Expression
Full text linkRising temperatures associated with climate change threaten tomato productivity, yet the contribution of auxin signaling components to heat-stress adaptation remains incompletely understood. The IAA9 gene, encoding an Aux/IAA transcriptional repressor, is well known for its role in auxin-regulated development, but its role in heat responses is still unclear. This study aims to elucidate the function of IAA9 in modulating tomato responses under heat stress conditions. Researchers utilized tomato iaa9-3 and iaa9-5 mutants and exposed them to prolonged elevated temperatures of 40 to 45 °C for 6 weeks to assess morphophysiological traits, and to 38 to 40 °C for 6 days to evaluate molecular responses through SlDREBA4 gene expression analysis. Under prolonged heat stress, all genotypes exhibited reduced leaf area, leaf number, and total chlorophyll content, accompanied by increased plant height compared to plants grown under normal conditions. Specifically, wild-type Micro-Tom (WT-MT) showed the lowest values in leaf area (165.89 cm²), leaf number (23 leaves), and total chlorophyll content (115.7 µg g-1). In contrast, the iaa9-3 and iaa9-5 mutants recorded the highest plant heights at 11.98 and 12.13 cm, respectively, indicating a differential growth response under stress. Gene expression analysis revealed that SlDREBA4 expression was upregulated in both iaa9-3 and iaa9-5 mutants compared to normal temperature conditions, with increases of 0.45-fold and 1.78-fold, respectively. These results indicate that IAA9 mutations confer enhanced thermotolerance in tomato, as reflected by altered morphology and increased heat-responsive gene expression. This study highlights IAA9 as a potential genetic target for improving heat stress resilience in tomato breeding programs
Relationship Between Leaf Nutrient Concentrations with Fruit Yield and Quality of Pummelo (Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.) in Nghe An Province, Vietnam
Full text linkPummelo is a high-value cash crop in Vietnam, where optimizing cultivation practices requires a profound understanding of the correlations between leaf nutrient concentrations and fruit quality.This study investigated the correlations between leaf nutrient levels and the yield and quality of the ‘Quang Tien pink’ pummelo cultivar. The research was conducted in 2024 across 25 pummelo orchards in Nghe An Province. Leaf samples were analyzed for concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Fe. Fruit characteristics evaluated included fruit weight, circumference, peel thickness, edible portion, juice volume, juice pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and the TSS/TA ratio. The findings demonstrated that foliar N, P, and K concentrations were significantly and positively correlated with fruit circumference, fruit weight, juice volume, TSS, juice pH, and TA. In contrast, P and K levelswere negatively correlated with peel thickness (r = -0.639, -0.906, respectively). Leaf Ca concentration was positively correlated with peel thickness (r = 0.537) but negatively associated with fruit weight (r = -0.406) and TSS (r = -0.404). Additionally, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn concentrations showed significant positive correlations with TSS (r = 0.723, 0.660, 0.443, and 0.570, respectively), while Zn and Cu were negatively correlated with peel thickness (r = -0.539, -0.456, respectively). These results establish a robust scientific baseline for precision nutrient management strategies to maximize the yield and fruit quality of pummelo
Integrating Business Model Canvas and Balanced Scorecard for Porang Tuber Business Development: A Case Study of Koperasi Porang Garut Agro
Full text linkIndonesia is expected to face a decline in rice harvest areas in 2024, which threatens national food security and highlights the need for alternative food sources from local commodities such as Amorphophallus muelleri (porang). Koperasi Porang Garut Agro (KPGA), a community-based cooperative in Garut Regency, has the potential but still struggles with supply stability, logistics, and institutional capacity. This study formulates a business management strategy for KPGA by integrating the Business Model Canvas (BMC) with the Balanced Scorecard (BSC). Data were collected through interviews, field observations, and document reviews, then analyzed using descriptive quantitative methods to assess tuber availability and distribution, complemented by financial feasibility analysis. The business model was developed through SWOT-BMC analysis and then mapped into the 4 perspectives of the BSC to design appropriate management strategies. The results indicate that porang availability in Garut is sufficient for KPGA’s operations, although price fluctuations and unequal profit distribution persist. Additionally, financial analysis suggests that KPGA’s operations are feasible but have not yet achieved optimal returns. To address these challenges, integration of the BMC and BSC produced 13 core strategies focusing on improving product quality and standards, developing processed products, enhancing human resource competencies, strengthening distribution and storage efficiency, expanding market segments, and improving financial management and support for farmers. These strategies offer a clear roadmap for enhancing KPGA’s competitiveness and supporting Indonesia’s broader goal of sustainable food diversification
Regulation of Reactive Oxygen Species by Sodium Selenite in AndroMed® Extender Enhances Post-Thaw Saanen Buck Semen Quality
Full text linkSemen cryopreservation is known to cause considerable damage to spermatozoa through the generation of free radicals. This damage can potentially be mitigated by the use of potent antioxidants, such as sodium selenite, which does not impair semen quality when administered in small doses. This study aimed to assess the impact of low-dose sodium selenite supplementation on post-thaw semen quality in Saanen bucks. Semen was collected from 2 superior Saanen bucks and evaluated according to standard criteria before dilution and freezing. Cryopreserved semen was stored in liquid nitrogen (LN2) at a temperature of -196 °C for 90 days. The experimental treatments involved the addition of sodium selenite to the AndroMed® diluent medium at 3 different concentrations: without supplementation/control (C), 5 ppm (T1), and 10 ppm (T2). Frozen semen was thawed at 37 °C in a water bath for 30 seconds before post-thaw quality assessment. The parameters assessed included motility, viability, abnormalities, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), acrosome membrane integrity (AMI), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The data were statistically analyzed using One-Way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the addition of sodium selenite had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on motility, viability, PMI, AMI, and ROS production, but did not affect the abnormality (p > 0.05). Interestingly, T1 resulted in the most substantial improvements, yielding the highest percentages of post-thaw motility (71.81±1.05%), viability (73.36±1.08%), PMI (77.49±1.68%), and AMI (79.29±0.63%), as well as the lowest ROS production (13.67±0.50%). In conclusion, the addition of 5 ppm sodium selenite enhances post-thaw semen quality in Saanen bucks
Assessing the Relationship Between Pre-Laying Morphometrics and Productivity Traits in Magelang Ducks for Sustainable Breeding
No full textTraditional selection of Magelang ducks relies on visual assessments despite a lack of scientific validation. This study evaluated the relationships among pre-laying morphometrics and productivity, an approach previously unexplored in this population. A total of 107 female ducks (70 days old) were recorded and monitored individually for 366 days under identical conditions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA) to determine the independence of pre-laying morphometric and productivity traits. Productivity traits exhibited higher variability than pre-laying morphometrics, indicating that relatively uniform physical measurements do not reflect the wide range of production performance. Post-peak, extreme variability was driven by reproductive tract measurements, despite low variation in body weight, reflecting a physiological divergence that was hidden from external assessments. Spearman correlation revealed no significant relationship between pre-laying morphometrics and productivity. The mean age at molting was 398.65±29.31 days, occurring in 28.97% of ducks, and showed a weak positive correlation with production duration (235.25±39.27 days) and a significant, weak negative correlation with egg production (139.28±65.93 eggs). PCA identified 3 independent components: skeletal morphometrics (PC1), productivity (PC2), and body mass (PC3), which together accounted for 64.78% of the total variance. These findings confirm that visual selection for body size is ineffective for improving productivity. Researchers propose a two-stage selection strategy integrating skeletal screening with early performance recording and molecular markers. This framework enables farmers to identify elite layers and improve feed efficiency by culling unproductive, oversized ducks, thereby supporting sustainable breeding
Morpho-Agronomic Characterization and Yield Evaluation of Doubled Haploid Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Lines Derived from Anther Culture
Full text linkThe improvement of eggplant yield through breeding is crucial. Doubled haploid technology has accelerated the development of varieties. This study utilized doubled haploid anther culture-derived lines (confirmed through flow cytometry and morphology) developed from embryos from a previous study to evaluate the morpho-agronomic performance and yield of doubled haploid eggplant lines. The experiment used a randomized complete block design (RCBD), three replications, and one factor, namely genotype (35 doubled haploid lines, three F1 varieties). Observation was made on plant height, dichotomous height, stem diameter, days to flowering and harvesting, fruit length, fruit diameter, weight per fruit, number of fruits, and fruit yield per plant. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, t-Dunnett, Tukey-Kramer at a 5% level, Pearson correlation coefficient, and selection index. The results showed significant variability in the population of doubled haploid lines. Fruit yield was positively correlated with plant height, dichotomous height, stem diameter, days to flowering, fruit length, and weight per fruit, but negatively correlated with the number of fruits per plant. These variables can be used as selection criteria because of their high heritability and genotypic coefficients of variation. The selection index revealed that the high-yielding doubled haploid lines with desirable morpho-agronomic traits were RS-P2, RS-P6, RS-P9, RS-P14, RS-P18, RS-H19, RS-H20, RS-H23, RS-H27, RS-H3, RS-M31, RS-M32, RS-M33, RS-M34, and RS-M37. The selected lines with high yield and good quality fruit, similar to the commercial hybrid parent, were Hitavi’s derived lines. All selected lines serve as the genetic basis for production improvements and long-term breeding programs for sustainable and productive eggplants that benefit farmers
Dynamics of Nitrogen Mineralization by Organic and Inorganic Amendments Through Enzyme Activity of Microbial Community in Laboratory Incubation
Full text linkChemical fertilizers provide an immediate nitrogen supply but require repeated application at critical growth stages; however, excessive chemical fertilizer application harms the environment. In contrast, organic fertilizers release nitrogen gradually for a long time, and microbial fertilizers enhance nutrient availability. This study investigated the effects of integrating chemical nitrogen (CN), poultry manure (PM), and microbial fertilizer (MBF) on soil nitrogen availability and microbial activity. Eight treatments were applied: T0 (control), T1 (100% CN), T2 (100% CN + MBF), T3 (75% CN + 25% PM + MBF), T4 (50% CN + 50% PM + MBF), T5 (25% CN + 75% PM + MBF), T6 (100% PM + MBF), and T7 (100% PM). Soil nitrogen fractions, microbial biomass, enzyme activities, and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) composition were analyzed. Integrated treatments improved nitrogen availability compared to sole CN application, with T4 showing the highest NO₃--N accumulation. Additionally, T4 increased total nitrogen, organic carbon, and microbial biomass, enhancing soil fertility. Enzymatic activities, including urease, catalase, invertase, and cellulase, responded positively to the integrated treatments, reflecting improved soil health. PLFA analysis revealed shifts in microbial community composition, highlighting the role of PM in promoting microbial diversity and biomass. These findings highlight that blending 50% CN and 50% PM with MBF balances immediate and sustained nitrogen release while stimulating microbial diversity and soil enzyme functions and improves overall soil health, making it a promising strategy for sustainable soil fertility management and reducing chemical fertilizer dependency
Typology of Cocoa Seedlings Derived from Orthotropic and Plagiotropic Cuttings Compared with Grafting and Hybrid Seeds
Full text linkCocoa derived from cuttings is expected to overcome the limitations of grafting and hybrid seed propagation. This study aimed to determine the typology of cocoa seedlings derived from cutting, grafting, and hybrid seeds and the similarity among propagations, and assess the biochemical content of budwood cuttings and its relationship with the success rate. This research was conducted at the greenhouse of the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute, East Java, from April to December 2022 by adopting a completely randomized design. A single-factor experiment was performed on propagation methods, namely hybrid seed (HS), orthotropic cutting (OC), plagiotropic cutting (PC), orthotropic grafting (OG), and plagiotropic grafting (PG). The growth characteristics, anatomical characteristics, and biochemical contents of cuttings were observed. Results showed that compared with PC, OC generated a larger root pith diameter that played a role in the improved growth performance. The leaf area, net assimilation rate, and relative growth rate in OC were similar to those in HS. The time to produce OC was similar to PG to meet the minimum standard requirements of ready-to-plant seedlings. However, the root volume, area, and length in OC were below those in HS and still needed to be improved. The cuttings derived from the budwood garden had higher sucrose contents than those from the production garden. Therefore, obtaining OC and PC samples from a budwood garden is recommended to achieve a high success rate
Carbonaceous Particles from Candle Soot Enhance Water Absorption and Modulate Starch-Sugar Metabolism in Solanaceae Seed Germination
Full text linkCandle soot is a source of carbonaceous compounds that has been viewed as unwanted air pollution. Few have attempted to apply candle soot in agriculture, specifically for seed germination. This study was conducted to determine the effect of using candle soot on the germination of seeds from the Solanaceae family (Capsicum annuum, Solanum lycopersicum, and Solanum melongena). Three concentrations (10-2, 10-3, and 10-4 wt%) of candle soot were used. The results showed an improvement in measurable germination parameters and seedling quality parameters. The 10-3 wt% concentration was able to reduce the time needed for germination compared to the control by 11% in C. annuum, 12% in S. lycopersicum, and 10% in S. melongena. Further evaluation was conducted by analyzing the elements present in the seedlings. The results showed that the elemental information of seedlings treated with candle soot did not differ significantly from the control. This indicates that candle soot is biocompatible for agricultural applications. Further evaluation was also carried out to analyze biochemical components such as starch and soluble sugar, which play a crucial role in the seed germination process. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in starch content compared to the control, while the soluble sugar content increased during treatment with candle soot. These carbonaceous particles could be a potential approach to enhancing germination and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, as revealed by this investigation