AgroTech- Food Science, Technology and Environment

Screening Traditional Eggplant for Potential Resistance Rootstock in Management of Bacterial Wilt Disease on Tomato

Aminah Mahmud, Nurul Farisa Reward, Rahayu Anang, Nor Hazlina Mat Saat — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) suffer major yield losses due to bacterial wilt, a highly destructive disease resulting from infection by the soil-borne bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. One effective strategy to manage this pathogen is grafting susceptible tomato varieties onto resistant rootstocks. In this study, nine traditional eggplant (Solanum melongena) accessions from MARDI MyGenebank were screened under glasshouse conditions for resistance to R. solanacearum using artificial inoculation via soil drenching. Disease symptoms were monitored for 21 days post-inoculation to assess disease severity and wilting percentage. Results revealed that terung pipit, terung rapuh 77, and terung rapuh 22 exhibited strong resistance, with wilting percentages ranging from 0.0% to 10.0% and disease index values below 1. Terung assam and terung telunjuk exhibited moderate resistance, with 33–50% wilting and disease index values ranging from 2 to 3. The remaining accessions were highly susceptible, exhibiting 55–100% wilting and disease indices of 3–4. These findings are consistent with international studies on traditional and wild Solanaceae species, highlighting the genetic diversity and resistance potential within local germplasm. The identification of resistant accessions provides promising candidates for rootstock development in grafting systems to control bacterial wilt in tomato. Future work should focus on field validation and molecular characterisation to support the integration of these accessions into sustainable tomato production systems.

Effect of Organic Fertilizer Vermicompost and Effective Microorganisms (EM) Bokashi on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Growth

Zafirah Mohamad, Shafeeqa Shahruddin — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Local demand for okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is getting higher every year. Thus, the production of okra needs to be increased. A common method to increase crop yield is to use chemical fertilizers, but there are adverse side effects on the environment and humans if used continuously. The use of organic fertilizers is then being expanded. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the effects of vermicompost and effective microorganisms (EM) bokashi on the growth of okra compared to chemical fertilizers. The fertilizers used; (i) vermicompost (15.0g/plant), (ii) EM bokashi (10.0g/plant), (iii) NPK (15:15:15; 5.0g/plant), and (iv) control. The study involved 60 experimental units of okra seedlings up to 10 weeks of planting. The experimental design was CRD, and data was analyzed using SAS software. In the end (10^th week), the results showed significant effects on the stem diameter, leaf surface area, canopy, shoot weight, bud number fruit number and weight (P≤0.01). Plants with EM bokashi produced the largest stem diameter and fruit number. Meanwhile, plants with NPK showed the largest leaf number, leaf surface area and canopy. Followed by plants with vermicompost, and the control, showed the lower growth rates. The results indicated significant response of vegetative growth for plants with NPK. Meanwhile, EM bokashi is seen to encourage vegetative and reproductive growth. Accordingly, the used of reduced amount of NPK, along with EM bokashi is recommended to promote more balanced vegetative and reproductive growth, together with the healthier environment. Vermicompost is seen as an added value to improve the structure and quality of soil for planting.

Respiration and Physiological Characters of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) Seeds After Invigoration Treatment

Puguh Bintang Pamungkas, Okti Purwaningsih, Nur Azizah Uswatun — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Degradation of seed quality occurs quickly, which makes it difficult to meet national soybean targets. This damage has the effect of making soybean seeds less viable. Invigoration is one of the methods used to improve seed viability. Two common methods of invigoration are osmoconditioning and matriconditioning. The primary objective of this research was to determine the most effective invigoration medium for enhancing the quality and viability of soybean seeds (Glycine max (L.) Merr) through invigoration techniques. Additionally, the study aimed to examine the correlation between the respiration rate and the physiological properties of the seeds. The research was conducted at PGRI University of Yogyakarta over a four-month period, from January to April 2022. The study utilized a completely randomized design (CRD) with five factors and three replications. Observed variables included water content (WC), seed germination (SG), vigor index (VI), and respiration rate (RR). The findings indicated no significant differences in WC across treatments, while SG and VI also showed no notable variation among treatments. Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between RR and WC, while RR showed negative correlations with both SG and VI. These results suggest that respiration rate is a reliable indicator of seed viability, reflecting the metabolic activity of seeds during storage

The toxicity of Sapindus saponaria and Piper hancei extracts against Bactrocera dorsalis

Muxiang Lan, Faizah Abu Kassim, Shafeeqa Shahruddin — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Botanical extract as alternative insecticides to chemical pesticides are widely studied globally. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity of ethanol extracts of S. saponaria and petroleum ether extracts of P. hancei against B. dorsalis. The two extracts were diluted into four different concentrations and applied to test tubes to form a pesticide film. Ten pairs of adult flies were introduced into the test tubes and kept for 2 hours before being transferred to the plastic box for further rearing. Mortality was observed and recorded at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 hours, and the corresponding LC50 values were analyzed. The results showed that the 80 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml S. saponaria extract achieved mortality rates (MR) of 96.67% and 76.67% within 36 hours, respectively, while concentrations below 20 mg/ml resulted in MR no higher than 30%. For P. hancei, the extracts of 20 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, and 5 mg/ml caused MR of 100%, 98.33%, and 68.33% within 36 hours, respectively, while the 2.5 mg/ml extract resulted in a 30%. Notably, the 20 mg/ml P. hancei extract achieved a 91.67% MR within just 6 hours. The LC50 values of S. saponaria ranged from 151.89 mg/ml to 24.49 mg/ml from 3 to 36 hours, while those of P. hancei ranged from 12.90 mg/ml to 3.63 mg/ml. In conclusion, both botanical extracts demonstrated certain toxicity and exhibited a cumulative effect, while the P. hancei extract also showed strong knockdown effect. These results indicate that both plants have potential insecticidal activity, and further research on their detailed chemical constituents and mechanisms of action is required in the future.

Impact of drought on cotton production in Marja District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Ali Ahmad, Abdul Wali Hemat, Jahid Ahmad, Shamsuldin Wafa, Zahir Shah Safari — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the effects of drought on cotton production in Marja District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Using data collected from 70 growers across seven villages through surveys and interviews, the study compares cotton production costs, yields, and profitability under irrigation versus drought conditions. Results show that drought increases production costs from 13,900 AFN to 21,170 AFN per jerib, while revenue decreases from 31,725 AFN to 25,920 AFN. Net income drops by over 70%. These findings highlight the urgent need for water conservation strategies, drought-resilient practices, and targeted support for affected farmers.

Managing Plutella xylostella in Crucifers: Field Application of Diadegma semiclausum in Cameron Highlands

Mohd Yusri Zainudin, Mohd Syauqi Nazmi, Mohd Fuad Mohd Nor — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Diadegma semiclausum is one of the promising biological control agents used to control the pest of cruciferous crops, Plutella xylostella. Its mechanism of action is by injecting its egg into the second and third instar larva of P. xylostella. The egg will develop inside the larva, causing the larva to weaken and reducing the population of P. xylostella in the field. This tiny parasitoid was introduced from Australia in the late 1970’s and has since been utilized as a biological control agent in cruciferous vegetable farms across the Cameron Highlands. As a key component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the use of biological control agents promotes the reduction of synthetic pesticide applications, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices. In 2019, MARDI reintroduced D. semiclausum to the Cameron Highlands, where the parasitoids were mass-reared at the insect rearing laboratory and subsequently released into selected vegetable farms to evaluate their effectiveness and field population stability. Six farmers representing different zones; Habu and Batu 33 (southern zone), Sg. Palas and Sg. Menson (central zone), and Ulu Telom and Kg. Raja (northern zone) was selected for scheduled D. semiclausum releases. Each farm was visited three times within three months. During each visit, both D. semiclausum and P. xylostella populations were monitored, and pupa samples were collected for laboratory assessment of parasitism rates. Additionally, 100 to 200 adults of D. semiclausum were released per visit at each farm. Throughout the program, farmers received training to identify biological control agents and other beneficial insects, along with guidance on safe pesticide usage and the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives. Field observations demonstrated a consistent increase in D. semiclausum populations, accompanied by a corresponding decline in P. xylostella populations over the three visits, indicating the parasitoid’s potential as an effective biological control agent. Laboratory assessments recorded an average D. semiclausum parasitism rate of 83.33%, whereas field parasitism rates ranged from 43% to 73.33%. The comparatively lower field parasitism rates suggest that D. semiclausum populations were still establishing stability under field conditions. From the economic study, the biological control was costing RM57,491/ha with a net profit of RM32,989/ha and a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.57. In contrast, conventional farming had lower costs (RM53,603/ha), higher profit (RM40,897/ha), and a better BCR of 1.76. While conventional methods currently yield better returns, long-term pesticide use may lead to insect resistance and rising costs. Thus, biological control offers a safer and more sustainable alternative for the long-term effects.

Impact of Fish Amino Acid and Boron Supplementation on the Growth and Yield Performance of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Cultivated in Soil and Soilless Systems

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

An experiment was undertaken to evaluate the impact of fish amino acid (FAA) fertilizer and boron (B) supplementation on the growth and yield of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) cultivated in both soil and soilless systems. The study comprised six treatments with four replications each, including Control group, as well as treatments involving FAA and B application. The experiment was conducted for 12 weeks using a factorial arrangement within a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA), SPSS software, and treatment means were compared using Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test at a significance level of P<0.05. The parameters assessed in this study included plant height, number of leaves, shoot and root biomass, media pH, fresh weight, and fruit number. The investigation into the impact of fish amino acid (FAA) application on the growth and yield of tomato in soilless culture was successfully conducted. The treatment involving 30 mL/L FAA (T3) demonstrated a statistically significant effect on the number of leaves and the results were like the treatment using AB fertilizer application (T5). Similarly, the study examining the impact of boron (B) on tomato growth and yield in soilless media was also successful. The combined application of 30 mL/L FAA with 1.87 mg/L B (T4) produced results on leaf number that were statistically like those observed with the AB fertilizer treatment (T6). These findings indicate that FAA and B applications positively impact certain growth parameters, suggesting their potential as alternative nutrient sources to reduce reliance on conventional chemical fertilizers.

Effect of Different Packaging Methods on the Postharvest Shelf Life and Quality of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.)

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Packaging plays a vital role in extending the postharvest shelf life and maintaining the quality of fresh produce, especially fruits like dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), which are highly sensitive to environmental factors. This study investigated the effects of three packaging methods—stretch wrap, polyethylene plastic (PE), and ziplock packaging—on the physical and chemical quality attributes of dragon fruit stored at 7 ± 2°C for 7 days. Parameters such as weight loss, skin color, firmness, pH, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), and vitamin C content were evaluated. Results revealed that ziplock packaging was the most effective in reducing weight loss (0.40%), maintaining vivid skin color, and preserving fruit firmness (1.8 N). Polyethylene packaging exhibited the highest pH (6.08) and vitamin C content (8.0 mg/100g), while all treatments showed similar TA levels (0.3%). These findings indicate that packaging type significantly influences the shelf life and quality of dragon fruit, with ziplock packaging being optimal for maintaining physical attributes and polyethylene packaging for chemical stability.

Effect of Varying NAA Hormone Concentrations on In Vitro Subculture of Raja Bulu Banana (Musa sp.)

Fauziah Maharani Sekar Langit, Nurhayati Dewi Ratna, Avisema Sigit Saputro — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tissue culture, a method involving the sterilized in vitro propagation of plant parts, offers potential for producing disease-free seedlings. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the effect of NAA (1-naphthaleneacetic acid) concentrations on root induction in Raja Bulu banana (Musa sp.) plantlets; (2) assess rooting percentage, root count, leaf number, root length, root mass, leaf color, plant height, and stem diameter; and (3) identify the optimal NAA concentration. Conducted from January to March 2025 at Salaman, Magelang (270 m a.s.l.), the experiment employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four NAA treatments (0, 2, 4, and 6 ppm) and six replications. Each bottle culture contained two plantlets. After 35 days, plantlets treated with 2 ppm NAA exhibited the highest root count (5.83 roots), with superior performance across other parameters. Elevated NAA concentrations (4–6 ppm) resulted in decreased rooting and chlorophyll content, indicating potential hormonal imbalance and phytotoxicity. The study concludes that 2 ppm NAA is the most effective concentration for rooting Raja Bulu banana in vitro. Future research should investigate the combined effects of auxins and cytokinins, natural biostimulants, and varying culture conditions to further enhance propagation efficiency.

Effect of Kelpak Plant Growth Regulator Soaking and NPK Fertilizer Dosage on the Germination and Growth of True Shallot Seedlings (Allium cepa L.)

Dewi Ratna Nurhayati, Asyari Nasrul, Saiful Bahri, Andini Desi Sawitri — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the effect of Kelpak plant growth regulator (PGR) soaking and varying dosages of NPK fertilizer on the germination and growth of True Shallot Seeds (TSS) of Allium cepa L. The experiment was conducted from February 2 to May 3, 2024, in Bodag Hamlet, Bandungharjo Village, Grobogan Regency, Indonesia, using a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with two treatment factors and three replications. The first factor was Kelpak PGR soaking at four concentrations: 0, 1, 2, and 3 mL/L (J0–J3). The second factor was NPK Mutiara fertilizer application at rates of 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg/ha (K0–K3). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference (LSD) at the 5% level. Parameters observed included germination rate, root length, plant height, leaf number, tuber number per plant, tuber weight per plant, and total yield per plot. The findings indicate that the combination of 1 mL/L Kelpak soaking (J1) and 300 kg/ha NPK application (K3) yielded optimal seedling growth and tuber development.