Caraka Tani: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture
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Stakeholders and Farmers’ Preferences Towards Contract Attributes: Evidence from Hybrid Maize Production in Indonesia
Full text linkThe availability of quality seeds is critical to supporting the sustainability of agriculture, which is further reinforced by the success of contract farming between seed companies and partner farmers. To foster a mutually beneficial partnership, it is essential to align the needs of farmers with the facilities and services provided by the company through well-defined contract terms and conditions. This study aims to explore the contract attribute preferences and their importance levels among farmers, growth leaders, and companies using a quantitative approach. A discrete choice experiment utilizing the conditional logit model was employed to investigate the preferences of 170 farmers, while a descriptive analysis was used to outline the preferences of other stakeholders. The findings indicate that farmers prefer written agreements over informal ones, favor shorter contract durations, and demand higher prices. Additionally, farmers showed a marked preference for receiving inputs, incentives, and credits. The preference patterns of stakeholders align with those of farmers regarding agreement form, inputs, price, incentives, and credit, although stakeholders tend to favor contracts with longer durations. Based on the rank-based quotient method, both growth leaders and farmers identified price, input subsidies, incentives, credits, agreement form, and duration as the most important attributes in maize seed partnership contracts, in descending order of importance. Contrarily, the company prioritizes input subsidies over other attributes, including price, duration, credit, incentive, and agreement form. These insights can inform the design of more suitable and effective contracts, thereby fostering sustainable partnership relationships in the future
Associations and Multi-Traits Selection for Identifying Superior and Stable Maize Hybrids (Zea mays L.) Under Tropical Regions
Full text linkThe development of maize hybrids that combine desirable agronomic traits and grain yield could enhance the likelihood of adopting new superior cultivars. Breeding programs that use specific selection criteria aim to produce high-yielding and stable hybrids with good agronomic performance. The study aimed to determine the superior and stable tropical maize hybrids using simultaneous selection based on trait associations. Ten maize hybrids were evaluated across 10 different environments in tropical regions using a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Genotype, environment, and genotype-by-environment interactions exhibited statistically significant effects on all observed traits, indicating the differential genetic responses among hybrids across environments. Grain yield is significantly associated with agronomic traits and yield components, thus rendering it a suitable selection criterion for identifying superior genotypes. The heritability of each trait was high, along with selection gains, indicating good prospects for selection. Identifying genotypes using multiple traits can be effective for selecting the best genotype based on the selection criteria under multiple environments. H07, H04, and H05 were identified as superior and stable hybrids based on the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) and multi-trait stability index (MTSI), as well as the factor analytic best linear unbiased prediction (FAI-BLUP) and Smith-Hazel. These hybrids can be used in future breeding programs and as candidates for superior tropical maize hybrids
Physiological Responses, Growth, and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Between Rows of IP-1 Oil Palm in Response to Rhizobium sp. and Bacillus spp. Inoculation
Full text linkThe Indonesian population has not yet met the high demand for soybeans by domestic production. Researchers aim to increase soybean (Glycine max L.) production and optimize land use through intercropping with oil palm during the immature plant phase 1 (IP-1). This study evaluated the effectiveness of Rhizobium sp. and Bacillus spp. inoculation in enhancing the growth and yield capacity (physiological activity, growth, and productivity) of soybeans planted between rows of IP-1 oil palms at PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) IV, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatera. The field study employed a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and four blocks as replicates. Data from the experiments were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), least significant difference (LSD) testing at a 5% significance level, Spearman correlation, and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results showed an interaction effect between Rhizobium sp. and Bacillus spp. inoculation on the treatment variables of plant height, number of leaves, total dry weight, nutrient uptake (N, P, and K), IAA and GA3 hormones, total Bacillus in soil, total Bacillus in roots, pod dry weight, and yield. In treatment without Rhizobium sp., soybean plants inoculated with Bacillus spp. showed a significant contribution to all treatment variables. However, in soybean plants inoculated with Rhizobium sp., the addition of Bacillus spp. did not significantly affect the physiological activity, growth, and yield of soybeans. The performance of Bacillus spp. in boosting the physiological capacity and development of soybeans slowed down in the presence of Rhizobium sp. This indicated a potential antagonistic relationship between Bacillus spp. and Rhizobium sp
Comparative Study of the Nutritional Value, Phytochemicals, and Sensory Quality of Flakes Prepared Using Elicited and Non-Elicited Cowpea Sprout Flours
Full text linkGermination without and with elicitation using 50 mM NaCl or 250 ppm Na-alginate generated cowpea sprout flours with the levels of protein, total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoid compounds (TFC), radical scavenging activity (RSA), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), as well as functional properties that significantly higher than that of cowpea seed flour. Most cereal flakes lack protein content and health-promoting compounds. This study aims to investigate the potential for developing NaCl-elicited, Na-alginate-elicited, and non-elicited cowpea sprout flours for flakes production through a comparative study on the nutritional value (proximate, dietary fibers), phytochemicals (TPC, RSA, FRAP), and sensory quality. Oat-based commercial flake was used as a comparator. The flakes formulated using elicited cowpea sprout flours exhibited significantly lower fat and carbohydrate contents and higher levels of protein, soluble, insoluble, and total dietary fibers than those prepared using non-elicited cowpea sprout flour. The cowpea-based flakes showed more elevated carbohydrate, total, soluble, and insoluble dietary fiber levels and significantly lower fat levels than oat-based commercial flakes. The flakes designed using Na-alginate-elicited cowpea sprout flour have the highest TPC, RSA, and FRAP values. Compared to the commercial ones, flakes prepared with elicited cowpea sprout flours produce better aroma, texture, and overall qualities. These results have significant implications for developing legume-based flakes with lower fat, higher levels of protein, dietary fibers, and phytochemicals, as well as good sensory quality
The Prebiotic Index of Dried-Growol Made with Different Cassava Varieties and Cooking Methods
Full text linkCassava is a staple food source of carbohydrates that contain high starch levels. However, low amylose starch consumption can result in increased postprandial blood sugar. Therefore, it is necessary to provide food based on cassava, such as dried-growol, which gives a feeling of satiety for a long time and has a prebiotic effect. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of cassava varieties and cooking methods on the resistant starch (RS) content and the prebiotic index of dried-growol produced. This research was carried out in a completely randomized factorial design with two factors, namely cassava variety (M = Mentega, L = Lanting, and K = Ketan) and dried-growol cooking method (Au = Autoclave, ST = Steaming, and PC = Pressure cooker). Dried-growol was processed through preparation, fermentation, boiling, cooling, and drying. The cassava and dried-growol were analyzed for their moisture, starch, amylose, and RS content, while the prebiotic index was analyzed on dried-growol. Prebiotic index testing used two cultures of lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus plantarum. The results showed that RS levels were only influenced by cassava varieties. Dried-growols from the Lanting variety, cooked with steaming (L-ST) and with a pressure cooker (L-PC), contain high RS, ranging between 22.51 and 27.03 g 100 g-1 dry matter, and have potential as prebiotic food as indicated by the increased viability of L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum bacteria grown in media with cooked dried-growol supplements of L-ST or L-PC, with a prebiotic index between 0.82 and 0.90. Thus, dried-growol has the potential to be a functional prebiotic food that can serve as a staple food that is beneficial for health
Enhancing the Functional Biodiversity of Ground-Dwelling Arthropods with Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) Conservation
Full text linkIn European countries, considerable research has focused on the conservation and improvement of biodiversity of functional groups which are useful organisms in agricultural lands. In contrast, there is little research in this field in Asia. Living mulches using cover plants have been indicated to be an effective way to increase the density of functional groups in Europe. However, most of the living mulches used in Japan are non-native species native to Europe. There is concern that these alien plants may have a negative impact on the functional groups of native organisms. In this study, researchers investigated the impact of a community of henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), a winter weed native to Japan, on the maintenance of functional ground-dwelling arthropods. In a study of vegetable fields grown with radishes, Chinese cabbage, and onions, plastic mulch, henbit communities, and weeding areas were compared. In vegetable fields, henbit communities increased the number of functional arthropods, including carnivorous native enemies and weed seed predators, compared with plastic mulched or weeding bare ground. Weeds were removed from vegetable fields, whereas the undergrowth was often managed in tree orchards to prevent soil erosion. In a chestnut orchard study, a henbit-dominated area was compared with an area containing a mixed plant community. In the chestnut orchard, the area with henbit-dominant communities had more functional species than areas with other weed species. These results reveal that the henbit community has a positive effect on the maintenance of functional ground-dwelling arthropods
Blood and Hormone Profile of Kacang Goats with a Palisada perforata (Bory) K.W.Nam Supplemented Diet
Full text linkBlood and hormone profile analysis can reliably determine the health status of an animal. This study aimed to test the inclusion of two levels of one red seaweed species, Palisada perforata (Bory) K.W.Nam (PP), at 2.50 to 5.00% organic matter (OM) in a basal diet (total mixed ration/TMR) on the blood (metabolite and hematology) and hormone (glucagon and ghrelin) profiles of Kacang goats. The study employed a randomized complete block design with three treatments and four replicates, involving 12 female Kacang goats with live weights of 23.84±5.26 and 26.96±4.10 kg. The result revealed that for the blood metabolites, supplementation of PP at 2.50% and 5.00% OM (2.97% and 5.94% dry matter, respectively) on the TMR as a basal diet increased (p < 0.05) the glucose and iron concentration, tended to increase (p < 0.1) the total protein, decreased (p < 0.05) the ureum and blood urea nitrogen concentration, and did not affect the cholesterol concentration in the blood of Kacang goats. TMR supplemented with PP at 5.00% OM had the lowest counts (p < 0.01) of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils. This treatment also increased (p < 0.01) the red blood cells and tended to increase (p < 0.10) the hemoglobin and hematocrit but did not affect the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration of the blood. The plasma glucagon and ghrelin levels decreased (p < 0.01) at 5.00% OM supplementation with this seaweed. Therefore, supplementing a basal diet with PP at 5.00% OM is the optimum treatment to increase the health status of Kacang goats because it exhibits ideal blood and hormone profiles
Enhancing Nutritional and Functional Properties of Plant-Based Meatballs: A Study on Kepok Banana Flower, Brown Lentils, and Wheat Gluten
Full text linkInterest in meat substitutes has grown in recent years as consumers seek healthier options. However, many products still face limitations, either in texture or in nutritional balance. Kepok banana flower (KBF), with its fibrous structure, has the potential to mimic meat texture, though its protein content is relatively low. Brown lentils can enhance protein content, while high-protein binders such as isolated soy protein (ISP) and wheat gluten (WG) improve texture and structural integrity. This study aimed to determine the optimum ratio of minced KBF (MKBF) to brown lentil paste (BLP) and to evaluate binder formulations for nutrient-rich plant-based meatballs. The research was conducted in two stages. First, eight MKBF:BLP ratios (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70) were tested for protein content, cooking yield, and lightness (L*), identifying 40:60 as optimal. Second, the 40:60 blend was incorporated into five binder formulations: F0 (commercial reference), F1 (0% WG + 10% ISP), F2 (15% WG + 3% ISP), F3 (20% WG + 3% ISP), and F4 (25% WG + 3% ISP). Analyses included water-holding capacity (WHC), total dietary fiber (TDF), texture profile analysis, and sensory evaluation. The 40:60 ratio yielded 10.24±0.08% protein, 105.68±2.81% cooking yield, and 47.20±0.15 L*. The F4 showed the highest WHC (52.94±9.14%) and TDF (5.99±0.06%), with a hardness of 516.51±31.62 g, chewiness of 353.28±21.66 Nmm, and springiness of 0.87±0.02 mm. Sensory analysis showed that F4 was most comparable to F0. These results suggest that a 40:60 MKBF and BLP combined with WG and ISP produces consumer-acceptable plant-based meatballs with high protein and dietary fiber
Impact of Chitosan and Folic Acid on Growth, Leaf Qualities, and Antioxidant Compounds of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)
Full text linkPurslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a nutrient-rich leafy vegetable valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Improving its quality and bioactive compounds through eco-friendly inputs is essential for sustainable production. This study evaluated the effects of foliar-applied chitosan and folic acid on growth, leaf quality, and antioxidant compounds of purslane. A field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with chitosan (0, 50, and 100 mg l⁻¹) and folic acid (0, 25, and 50 mg l⁻¹), applied singly or in combination. The combined treatment of 100 mg l⁻¹ chitosan and 50 mg l⁻¹ folic acid was the most effective, producing plant height of 36.7 cm, leaf area of 17.8 cm², and 92 leaves plant⁻¹, representing 27 to 30% increases over the control. Fresh weight reached 91.2 g plant⁻¹, a 26% improvement. Leaf quality improved as total chlorophyll (33.2 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW) and carotenoids (5.46 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW) rose by 13% and 10%, respectively. Antioxidant levels were also enhanced: phenols (41.12 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW), flavonoids (15.91 mg RE g⁻¹ DW), tannins (20.11 mg TAE g⁻¹ DW), saponins (40.65 mg g⁻¹ DW), and ascorbic acid (55.82 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW), with 8 to 22% increases over single treatments and 12 to 31% over the control. DPPH radical scavenging activity reached 77.32%, 54% higher than the control (50.11%) and greater than single applications of chitosan (62.33%) or folic acid (69.58%), confirming a synergistic effect. These results suggest that chitosan and folic acid can serve as cost-effective and eco-friendly biostimulants to enhance purslane production and nutritional value under sustainable agriculture
Calcium Silicate Application Enhances Oxidative Defense and Improves the Physiological and Growth Responses of Shallot (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum Group) Under Salinity Stress
No full textIndonesia’s shallot production still falls short of domestic demand, necessitating imports. Expanding cultivation into marginal coastal areas such as Yogyakarta is promising but constrained by soil salinity. Silicon can help by enhancing plant resistance to such abiotic stress. This study evaluated the physiological and biochemical responses of shallot plants (Allium cepa L. Aggregatum group) to the application of calcium silicate (CaSiO3) under saline conditions. The experiment employed a completely randomized design with 2 factors: CaSiO3 (0, 2, and 4 mM) and salinity (0, 2, 4, and 8 dS m⁻¹), each with 5 replications. Physiological parameters, antioxidant activity, and yield traits were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) at p ≤ 0.05. CaSiO3 significantly alleviated salt stress by enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and membrane stability, improving photosynthetic efficiency, promoting growth, and yield components. Under high salinity, 4 mM CaSiO3 reduced proline and H₂O₂ accumulation compared with untreated plants. These findings indicate that applying 4 mM CaSiO3 can enhance shallot productivity and resilience in saline coastal soils, supporting sustainable shallot self-sufficiency in Indonesia