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

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

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

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

Determining granule size of Cyperus rotundus tuber-based bioherbicide for weed control in upland rice

The application of granular bioherbicides derived from purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) tubers offers an environmentally friendly alternative for managing weed competition in upland rice cultivation. This study evaluated the efficacy of various granular bioherbicide forms and sizes (67.5 kg ha-1) in suppressing weed growth and their impact on upland rice. A completely randomized design with twelve treatments was employed. Results showed that granular bioherbicides effectively controlled broadleaf weeds for up to four weeks without causing phytotoxicity to upland rice. Very small granular bioherbicides (spherical and cylindrical) were the most effective form to suppress weed growth of Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex DC., and Mimosa pudica L., and enhance upland rice growth and yield. Keywords: allelopathy; biological control; efficacy; pre-emergence; sustainable agricultur

Silicon priming enhances growth and photosynthetic pigments in rice plants under drought stress

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety 'Inpari 24 Gabusan' offers high nutritional value and a short growth cycle that is ideal for further development. This study aimed to assess the effect of silicon priming on the growth and photosynthetic pigments of rice 'Inpari 24 Gabusan' during the vegetative stage under drought conditions. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used with two factors: sodium metasilicate (Na₂SiO₃) concentrations (0 mM, 20 mM, 40 mM, and 60 mM) and field water capacity (100, 75, and 50%). Germination parameters (percentage and rate of germination, and seed vigor index) and vegetative parameters (plant height, leaf number, root length, biomass) were measured. Leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid content were also assessed. Results showed that silicon priming increased the germination rate from 57.17% at 0 mM to 63.83% at 60 mM. Seed vigor index significantly improved at 60 mM. However, sodium metasilicate concentration had no significant effect on the percentage of germination. Priming at 40 mM and 60 mM significantly enhanced growth and chlorophyll content, particularly at 100% and 75% field capacity. Under 50% field capacity, growth improvements were more limited due to water deficit. Higher sodium metasilicate concentrations also enhanced chlorophyll content, improved photosynthetic efficiency and drought tolerance. Keywords: carotenoid; chlorophyll; field capacity; germination; sodium metasilicat

Improving edamame yield on peat soil via Rhizobium and soil amendment applications

Soil amendment is a key factor in improving peat soil suitability for agriculture from the perspective of its fertility and quality. Red mud is potentially used as a peat soil ameliorant. The study aimed to evaluate red mud application as an ameliorant and application of Rhizobium on peat soil for growing edamame. The research was conducted at Tanjungpura University, Pontianak, from February to October 2024. A completely randomized design factorial was used to compile field experiments. The ameliorant factor consisted of 4 levels: control (dolomite 8 tons ha-1) and Red Mud of 10 tons ha-1, 15 tons ha-1, and 20 tons ha-1. The second factor was without and with Rhizobium. The application of Red Mud as an ameliorant increased pH, Na, and P2O5 levels and increased base saturation in peat soil. The Red Mud increased Na absorption in edamame tissues and increased pod yield. The highest edamame yield was reached with 20 tons ha-1 of red mud which was similar to with 8 tons ha-1 dolomite. Rhizobium has a role in supporting the formation of better root nodules. Keywords: crop yield; microorganisms; red mud; soil chemistry; soybea

IBA-induced rooting in Nepenthes reinwardtiana Miq. cuttings for germplasm conservation

Nepenthes reinwardtiana Miq. is an endemic species distributed in Sumatra and Kalimantan and classified as least concern due to the lack of recent research data on its abundance and distribution. Excessive exploitation, deforestation, the long time required to reach the generative phase, and the dioecious flowering type have caused a population decline. Plant propagation through cuttings can support conservation activities. The success of cuttings is determined by the concentration of plant growth regulators (PGR), making studies on PGR concentration important. This research aimed to determine the best indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentration for inducing roots and shoots in N. reinwardtiana. The study was conducted from February to October 2023. The research was arranged based on a completely randomized design with IBA concentration treatments consisting of 5 levels: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg L-1. The results showed that there was no significant effect of IBA on all variables. However, 5 mg L-1 IBA gave the best responses on shoot height increase (10.9 cm), leaf number increase (5.0 leaves), and root length (8.7 cm). These findings suggest that the growth of N. reinwardtiana cuttings may rely heavily on endogenous auxin levels, reducing the observable effects of exogenous IBA application. The non-significant results highlight the potential of this species to thrive without external auxin under certain conditions, which could simplify propagation protocols. Keywords: biodiversity; conservation; endemic species; extinct; plant growth regulato

Improving germination of aged melon seed using garlic oil emulsion

Seed storage is an important aspect of plant breeding. Aged seeds tend to lose their viability during storage, reducing their ability to grow. One effort to increase the viability of seed germination that has been stored for a long period is to provide priming treatment to the seeds before planting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of garlic oil emulsion on the germination of aged melon seed that has been stored for more than five years. The study was conducted using a factorial completely randomized design (CRD). The first factor consisted of two melon seed lines that had been stored for more than five years, namely Ougan makuwauri (V1) and Ginsen makuwauri (V2), and the second factor was the priming treatment consisting of P0 = Aquadest, P1 = 0.125% garlic oil emulsion, P2 = 0.25% garlic oil emulsion, and P3 = 0.5% garlic oil emulsion, each treatment was repeated three times with a soaking time of 20 hours. There is an interaction between the line and priming treatment that significantly affects the variable of cotyledon opening on the fifth day and hypocotyl length. Meanwhile, the single priming treatment has a significant effect on the observation variable of cotyledon opening on the third day and has a very significant effect on the variable of root length of germinated melon seeds. Keywords: Ginsen makuwauri; old seeds; Ougan makuwauri; priming treatmen

Growth and yield of basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) supplemented with liquid organic fertilizer from moringa leaves and chicken eggshells

This study examined the effects of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) derived from Moringa leaves and chicken eggshell fertilizer on basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) growth and yield. The experiment was conducted at Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo and arranged in a randomized block design with three replicates. The research incorporated two factors namely moringa leaf LOF at concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 mL L-1 and chicken eggshell powder at levels of 3, 6, and 9 g. The observation included plant height, leaf number, branches, root length, and fresh and dry weights. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at a 5% significance level. Results revealed a significant interaction between LOF and eggshell treatments. The 25 mL L-1 LOF plus 3 g of eggshell fertilizer produced the best results in all growth parameters. This suggests that these organic fertilizers can effectively enhance basil growth. The findings emphasize the potential of combining organic fertilizers at certain levels to optimize basil growth and yield. Keywords: basil growth; moringa extract; organic fertilize