AgroTech- Food Science, Technology and Environment

The Effect of Yeast Type and Cassava Age on Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) and Protein Content in Mocaf (Modified Cassava Flour) of the Local Daplang Variety

2026-01-12T03:31:27+00:00

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crant.) is a food crop that serves as one of the food sources in Indonesia. One of the cassava processing diversification efforts currently being developed is Mocaf (Modified Cassava Flour). This

study aims to determine the method of producing mocaf flour from cassava (local daplang variety) through fermentation that meets quality standards (SNI 01-2997-1992) at various cassava ages. This study used a completely randomized design consisting of two factors, namely yeast type (M-Bio mocaf, pakmaya yeast, and tape yeast) and the age of the daplang cassava plant (7, 8, and 9 months), which was repeated three times to obtain 29 experimental units. The results showed that the yeast type treatment had a significant effect on HCN and protein levels. The best HCN level was found in the tape yeast type at 7.63 mg/kg. The best protein level was found in the M-Bio mocaf treatment at 1.68%. The cassava age treatment had a significant effect on HCN levels but not on protein levels. The best result was obtained in the seven-month cassava age treatment (u1) at 1.27%. In the combination treatment, there was an interaction between yeast type and cassava age on the protein content parameter, with the best result obtained in r3u3 at 1.14%.

The Effect of Different Types of Refugia Plants on Insect Adequacy Based on Ecological Roles in Rice Fields

2026-01-12T04:12:31+00:00

Refugia plants are an important component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) because they provide habitats and food sources for beneficial insects. This study aimed to analyze the effect of different types of refugia plants on insect abundance based on their ecological roles, namely pests, predators, parasitoids, and pollinators, in paddy rice fields. The research was conducted in eight rice fields in Kudus Regency, Central Java, from October to December 2024. Insect sampling was conducted using the sweep-net method, with three replicates per site. Collected insects were identified to the family level and classified according to their ecological roles. Data analysis was performed using the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H’) and the evenness index (E’). The results showed that differences in refugia plant species influenced insect abundance in rice fields. Of the total 128 insect individuals recorded, 51.56% functioned as pests and 46.58% as predators, while parasitoids and pollinators each accounted for 0.78%. Predator insects belonged to 15 families and 8 orders, with the family Coccinellidae being the dominant group. The diversity index (H’) across all fields was categorized as low, ranging from 0.223 to 0.691, while the evenness index (E’) ranged from 0.501 to 0.889. Certain refugia plants demonstrated potential to enhance the presence of natural enemies. Therefore, the use of refugia plants supports natural pest control and the sustainability of rice agroecosystems.

Influence of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Concentration and Soaking Duration on the Vegetative Growth of Premna oblongifolia Merr

2026-01-14T17:31:54+00:00

Indonesia is a country with abundant natural wealth, including a wide variety of flora and fauna that grow and thrive within its territory. Among them are plants that can be utilized as medicinal resources and food ingredients, one of which is green grass jelly (cincau hijau). This study aims to determine the effect and interaction between soaking time and PGPR concentration on the growth of green grass jelly (Premna oblongifolia Merr.) stem cuttings. The research was conducted from June to September 2024 in Sambirejo Village, Gabus District, Pati Regency. This study used a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The first factor was the length of soaking (L), namely L1 (20 minutes), L2 (40 minutes), and L3 (60 minutes). The second factor is concentration (K), namely K0 (control), K1 (2 ml/L), K2 (4 ml/L), and K3 (6 ml/L). The results showed that soaking duration had no significant effect on the growth of green grass jelly (Premna oblongifolia Merr.) stem cuttings. In contrast, PGPR concentration significantly influenced the growth of the cuttings, particularly root length and root dry weight. A PGPR concentration of 6 mL L⁻¹ resulted in the highest growth performance of green grass jelly stem cuttings. An interaction between soaking duration and PGPR concentration was observed for root length, with the best response obtained from a soaking duration of 40 minutes combined with a PGPR concentration of 6 mL L⁻¹.

The Combination of Urea and Catfish Organic Fertilizer on the Vegetative Growth of Soybean Plants in Regosol Soil

2026-01-14T17:45:11+00:00

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is the third most important food crop after rice and maize in Indonesia. Improving soybean productivity is essential, particularly through efficient fertilization strategie. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different combinations of urea fertilizer and catfish organic fertilizer on the vegetative growth of soybean cultivated in regosol soil. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a single factor consisting of five fertilizer treatments: P1 (0.6 g urea), P2 (0.45 g urea + 1.1 g catfish organic fertilizer), P3 (0.3 g urea + 2.2 g catfish organic fertilizer), P4 (0.15 g urea + 3.3 g catfish organic fertilizer), and P5 (4.4 g catfish organic fertilizer). Each treatment was replicated four times. Observed parameters included plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh and dry shoot weight, fresh and dry root weight, root length, and soil pH. The results indicated that the application of 4.4 g catfish organic fertilizer produced vegetative growth comparable to that of 0.6 g urea. This finding demonstrates that catfish organic fertilizer can effectively substitute urea fertilizer during the vegetative growth phase of soybean cultivated in regosol soil. The use of catfish organic fertilizer offers a sustainable alternative for reducing dependence on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers while maintaining soybean growth performance.