Analysis of drought stress tolerance in doubled haploid lines of green super rice at the vegetative stage

Current climate change has caused drought in various regions, which has decreased rice yields. Green super rice (GSR) has the characteristic of being tolerant to water limitation. GSR lines were bred through anther culture technique to obtain doubled haploid (DH) plants. This study aimed to analyze the response of DH GSR lines to drought stress at the vegetative stage and identify potential lines based on the weighted selection index. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The materials used consisted of twenty DH lines, Inpari 42 Agritan GSR, and Inpari 18 as check varieties, Salumpikit as a drought-tolerant check, and IR 20 as a drought-sensitive check. Qualitative data were analyzed using the non-parametric Friedman test. The result showed different responses among the lines for leaf rolling, leaf drying, and recovery ability. Line SN14 exhibited moderate leaf drying and showed improvement to mild tolerance during the recovery phase. Nine lines (SN12, 14, 32, 40, 51, 57, 58, 59, and 60) were selected using a selection index based on leaf rolling, leaf drying, and recovery ability. These lines can be further tested for drought tolerance tests until the reproductive stage, and the tolerant lines could be useful for future development. Keywords: abiotic stress; anther culture; climate change; selection index; water limitatio

Morpho-agronomic diversity of local ABB banana ‘Roid’ in Jatigede, West Java

Bananas are one of Indonesia’s most important horticultural crops, valued for their adaptability and economic potential. Among them, the Roid banana (ABB) (Musa spp.) stands out as a local variety native to West Java-Indonesia, particularly the Jatigede District, Sumedang Regency where it thrives naturally without agronomic inputs. Known for its resistance to pests and diseases, long shelf life, and strong fruit attachment that reduces post-harvest losses, the Roid banana remains underutilized and understudied. Despite its advantages, research on its genetic diversity is limited, highlighting the need for characterization as a foundation for conservation and breeding. This study, conducted from October to December 2023 in the Jatigede District, aimed to analyze the distribution patterns and genetic diversity of Roid bananas. Characterization used a survey method and purposive sampling in situ. Results revealed two primary clusters dominated by accessions from Ciranggem and Jemah Villages. Key traits supported clusters were peduncle curvature, bunch length and density, number of fruit hands, male flower attitude, apex shape, skin color, plant height, and the presence of hermaphrodite flowers. The genetic diversity based on Euclidean distances was 0.47 to 11.92. The Index of Cultural Significance value was 105, implying a very high level of utilization diversity. These findings highlight the genetic richness and cultural importance of Roid bananas, offering valuable insights for future conservation and breeding programs. Keywords: characterization; cluster analysis; exploration; Index Cultural Significance (ICS); Musa spp

Determination of maturity stage, after ripening period, and seed storability of upland rice seeds at various phosphorus fertilizer doses

The increasing demand for rice makes upland rice a promising alternative. However, one major challenge in upland rice cultivation is the availability of high-quality seeds. This study aimed to determine the physiological seed maturity, after-ripening period, storage longevity, and optimal fertilizer dose to produce high-quality IPB 10G Tanimar. The research used a split-plot randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications. The main plot was phosphate fertilizer doses (50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1 SP-36), and the sub-plot was seed maturity stages (112, 116, 120, 124, and 128 days after planting(DAP). The results showed that fertilizer dose had no significant effect on vegetative and generative growth. The application of 100 kg ha⁻¹ P fertilizer produced the best seed quality based on the initial vigor index. The best maturity stage was 124 DAS with a heat unit of 2,505 °Cd, as indicated by the parameters of initial vigor index, germination rate during storage, and storability. The shortest after-ripening period was also found at 124 DAS, with the minimum germination rate (>80%) achieved one week after storage (WAS). The best storage vigor at the end of the observation period (8 WAS) was at 124 DAS, with a germination rate of 79.67% and a vigor index of 21.89%.   Keywords: high-quality seed; heat unit; phosphate fertilizer; storage longevity; vigor inde

Zinc and boron micronutrients application enhance sweet corn productivity

Sweet corn (Zea mays L. var saccharata) is a valuable crop whose productivity depends not only on macronutrients but also on micronutrients such as zinc (Zn) and boron (B), which play essential roles in plant physiological processes. However, the effectiveness of foliar-applied micronutrients in sweet corn cultivation under tropical conditions remains insufficiently studied. This research aimed to evaluate the agronomic effectiveness of a micronutrient fertilizer containing Zn (5.46%) and B (3.59%) when combined with reference and reduced doses of NPK fertilizer. The experiment was conducted from February to May 2025 at the Sindangbarang Experimental Farm, IPB University. This experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four treatments, namely control (no fertilizer), reference fertilizer, reference fertilizer + 1 dose of micronutrient fertilizer, and ¾ dose of reference fertilizer + 1 dose of micronutrient fertilizer, with six replications. Results showed that micronutrient application significantly enhanced vegetative growth and yield components compared to the control. The combination of reference NPK and one dose of micronutrient fertilizer produced the highest productivity, with a 78.8% increase over the control and a relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) value of 114.5%, indicating a 1.14-fold improvement over the reference treatment. These findings suggest that integrating Zn and B into fertilization strategies can enhance sweet corn performance and support more efficient nutrient management in tropical agroecosystems. Keywords: crop yield improvement; foliar fertilization; micronutrient uptake; tropical field experiment; Zea mays physiolog

Effect of organic and NPK fertilizers on flowering, pod formation, and seed production of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp), known as tolo beans in Indonesia, is a nutrient-dense legume consumed as young pods, dry seeds, or livestock feed. Despite its nutritional value and agronomic potential, cowpea productivity in Indonesia remains low. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of poultry manure and NPK fertilizers on flowering, pod formation, and seed filling of cowpea. The experiment was conducted from July to October 2024 at the Sawah Baru Experimental Field, IPB, using a randomized complete block design. Treatments included poultry manure at 0, 10, 20, and 30 tons ha-1 and NPK (16-16-16) at 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1. Results showed that poultry manure at 10-30 tons ha-1 and NPK above 100 kg ha-1 significantly increased the productive nodes at the ninth week after planting. Both fertilizers enhanced plant growth and yield. The highest average seed yield was obtained at 30 tons ha-1 poultry manure (3.64 tons grain ha-1) and 300 kg ha-1 NPK (3.38 tons  grain ha-1), highlighting the benefit of integrating organic and inorganic fertilization to boost cowpea productivity. Keywords: cowpea; chicken manure; NPK fertilizer; kacang tol

Morphophysiological and production responses of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) ‘Takar 2’ to organic, biological, and NPK fertilizers

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) is the second most important type of legume after soybeans in Indonesia. Fertilizers were given in either organic or inorganic forms. However, the continuous use of chemical fertilizers was found to have negative impacts on the environment and the microorganisms in the soil. Therefore, organic and biological fertilizers were recommended because they had positive effects on both the environment and the soil’s microorganisms. Some of the bacteria that were beneficial for plant growth were Pseudomonas sp. and Azotobacter sp. This study aimed to analyze the use of organic fertilizers, biological fertilizers, and NPK combinations on the growth and yield of peanut plants of the Takar 2 variety. The study was conducted from March to June 2024, located at the Leuwikopo Experimental Station of IPB, Bogor, Indonesia. The experiment used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and three replications. The factors are NPK fertilizer doses (100% and 50% recommended dose) and types of organic + biological fertilizer (control, Azotobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., humate, and a combination of humate and biological fertilizer). Observations were made on 5 sample plants per treatment. The characteristics observed were plant morphology, physiological characteristics, and plant production. The results of the study showed that the application of 100% NPK fertilizer at the recommended dose, in combination with Pseudomonas sp., Azotobacter sp., and humate, had a significant effect on various morphological, physiological, and production-related plant variables. This study shows the potential for a combination of NPK and organic biological fertilizers to increase the growth and production of peanuts. Keywords: Azotobacter sp; humate; morphology; physiology; Pseudomonas s

Seed priming boosted waxy corn yield across different water regimes

Plant resistance to drought stress could be improved by seed priming using natural plant growth regulators, such as coconut water. This research aimed examine the physiological characteristics, root development, and yield responses of waxy corn following different seed priming treatmens using coconut water and to determine to the optimal coconut water concentration for seed priming under each drought condition. The research was conducted at Banguntapan Sub-district and Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta - Indonesia, in July-October 2023. The research used a split-plot design with a main plot of watering intervals and a subplot of coconut water concentration with three replications. The main plot consisted of three levels: watering every day, once every three days, and once every six days. The subplot consisted of four levels of coconut water concentrations, i.e., 0, 33, 67, and 100%. The results indicated that seed priming with 100% coconut water increased corn yield. The increased yield could be attributed to the different photosynthetic rates and total seed weight under both well-watered and drought-stress conditions. Keywords: coconut water; drought stress; root improvemen

Integrating phosphate-solubilizing fungi and moderate phosphorus application for sustainable corn production

Corn (Zea mays) is a vital staple crop and the second-largest agricultural commodity in Indonesia. However, productivity remains suboptimal, often due to nutrient imbalances, particularly in phosphate-rich soils where availability to plants is limited. This study aimed to assess the effects of reducing phosphate fertilizer by 50% in combination with bioagents Trichoderma harzianum, Metarhizium anisopliae, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on key agronomic traits of corn. A randomized block design was employed to measure parameters including root volume, root-to-shoot ratio, leaf width, and seed sphericity. Results showed that applying 50% phosphate fertilizer alone yielded the highest root volume (70.00±18.19 mL) and root-to-shoot ratio (0.50±0.32), suggesting improved root development. In contrast, treatment with Metarhizium produced the widest leaves (10.14±0.30 cm) but showed the lowest values for root volume and root-to-shoot ratio. These findings highlight the potential of combining moderate phosphate input with beneficial bioagents to improve corn performance in marginal soils. The approach offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative for managing nutrient imbalances. Further studies on long-term effects and economic feasibility are recommended to support wider adoption of these practices in sustainable agriculture. Keywords: maize; Metharizium; nutrient management; sustainable agriculture; Trichoderm

Total glucosinolate content of arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.) supplemented with rhizobacteria-enriched bio-slurry

Arugula is a member of Brassicaceae that has a high antioxidant content of glucosinolate. Bio-slurry is a kind of liquid fertilizer derived from sap of cow dung. Bio-slurry in combination with rhizobacterial can maximize decomposition and make nutrients more available. The research aimed to determine the total glucosinolate content in arugula due to the application of bio-slurry enriched with rhizobacteria. The study used a randomized complete block design with a single factor consisting of 9 levels, i.e., the combination of 3 types of rhizobacteria (Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Pseudomonas + Bacillus) and 3 doses of bio-slurry (0, 100, and 200 mL). The results showed that the application of Pseudomonas & Bacillus + 200 mL bio-slurry produced a higher antioxidant content than other inputs. The combination of bio-slurry fertilizer with rhizobacterial provides a higher ability than control to increase plant growth rates and the biosynthesis of glucosinolate. The optimal substitution for maximizing nutrient uptake in arugula growth was achieved with a bio-slurry dose of 200 mL, where the combined application of Pseudomonas and Bacillus strains enhanced plant growth and glucosinolate content. Keywords: antioxidant capacity; Bacillus; bacterial; biofertilizer; Pseudomona

Systematic reviews of self-pruning incidents on commercial horticulture plants

Pruning is a crucial practice in horticulture to maintain tree health, reduce production costs, and improve yield. However, conventional pruning remains labor-intensive and costly. Self-pruning has the potential to provide a sustainable alternative, yet studies on its mechanisms and applications in horticultural crops are still limited. This review aimed to systematically synthesize the mechanisms, incidence, and potential applications of self-pruning in horticultural crops. The review followed the PRISMA 2020 framework to ensure transparency and minimize bias. Literature searches were conducted in ScienceDirect and Garuda databases using the keywords self-pruning, pruning, cladoptosis, autophagy, and senescence in both English and Indonesian. The search was restricted to articles published within the last 10 years (2013–2022). Inclusion criteria were original research or review articles on self-pruning in plants. Exclusion criteria were duplicate records, articles from irrelevant fields, non-systematic studies, and grey literature. Bias reduction was addressed by predefined criteria, time limits, specific keywords, and independent screening by two reviewers. From 5,588 records identified, only 25 articles met the inclusion criteria. However, none of the eligible studies specifically addressed self-pruning in horticultural crops. The limited number of relevant articles was due to restricted database coverage and the absence of standardized quality assessment tools within the PRISMA framework. This review highlights a critical research gap on self-pruning in horticultural crops. Broader database searches and the development of standardized quality assessment tools are required. Evaluating the incidence and mechanisms of self-pruning in commercial horticultural crops is essential as a new perspective to support sustainable horticultural production. Keywords: autophagy; abscission; cladoptosis; programmed cell death; senescenc