Publication Search

Hydroponic cultivation of mustard greens (Brassica juncea L.) in greenhouses is an effective alternative for overcoming land limitations, particularly in urban areas. Hydroponic systems enable plants to obtain nutrients optimally through the application of the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Deep Flow Technique (DFT), thereby promoting more efficient plant growth. In addition, the success of hydroponic mustard cultivation is influenced by environmental control, including temperatures ranging from 15–35°C and relative humidity levels of 70–90%. Plant nutrient requirements are supplied through an AB Mix nutrient solution with a pH range of 5.5–6.5 and an electrical conductivity (EC) value of 1.5–3.0 mS/cm. This review aims to analyze various factors affecting the growth of hydroponic mustard greens, including nutrient management, environmental conditions, and biological pest and disease control using beneficial agents such as Trichoderma and Bacillus. Furthermore, this study discusses several technical and economic challenges that may influence cultivation success. The findings indicate that hydroponic systems can significantly improve crop productivity and yield quality, reduce the use of chemical pesticides, and support the implementation of sustainable and environmentally friendly urban agriculture in Indonesia.

The use of synthetic pesticides in the agricultural sector remains the primary choice for farmers in Indonesia due to their high effectiveness, but their massive use has negative impacts on human health and the environment. Therefore, there is a need for environmentally friendly and sustainable pesticide innovations. Red onion peel waste with the addition of TiO₂ nanotechnology is a strategic development step as a solution to the dangers of synthetic pesticides. Red onion peel contains bioactive compounds such as acetogenin, squamocin, gibberellin, cytokinin, and abscisic acid, which have the potential to be natural pest control agents. The process of making organic pesticides is carried out through the maceration of onion skins, followed by the addition of TiO₂ nanoparticles that act as photocatalytic catalysts to increase pesticide effectiveness and degrade synthetic pesticide residues. The development of these organic pesticides is in line with the principles of Green Chemistry, particularly designing safer chemicals, catalysis, design for degradation, and real-time pollution prevention. Through the implementation of strategic steps such as research, testing, socialization, and continuous evaluation, TiO₂ nanotechnology-based organic red onion peel pesticides have the potential to become a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly alternative in supporting sustainable agriculture in Indonesia.

Vegetables are food commodities widely consumed by the public due to their high nutritional content. Chili (Capsicum annuum L.), green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensia L.) are among the vegetables that can be processed into various delicious dishes or consumed fresh as raw vegetables. To obtain healthy and high-quality vegetable crops, pesticides are commonly used to control pests that may damage the plants. One of the widely used pesticides is chlorpyrifos, which can leave residues that may pose both acute and chronic health risks. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the levels of chlorpyrifos pesticide residues in vegetables. The residue levels were determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 230 nm with dichloromethane as the solvent, while qualitative analysis was performed using HPLC by comparing the retention times of standard solutions and vegetable samples. In this study, washing treatments were applied to the vegetables using dichloromethane, distilled water, well water, and tap water (PDAM) to evaluate the effect of washing on pesticide residue levels. The concentrations of pesticide residues in unwashed vegetables were chili (2.6680 ± 0.0214 mg/kg), green beans (2.4658 ± 0.0193 mg/kg), and Chinese cabbage (2.7950 ± 0.0379 mg/kg). The washing process was carried out three times for each solvent. After three washings using dichloromethane and distilled water, pesticide residues were no longer detected, whereas washing with tap water (PDAM) and well water still left residues, although at levels much lower than the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). The health risk assessment showed that the aHQ and cHQ values were < 1, indicating that consumption within the recommended limits of these samples does not pose health risks, either in the short term or long term. This study provides important information that repeated washing is necessary to effectively reduce pesticide residue levels in vegetables before consumption.  

Chili (Capsicum annuum L) ) is one of the most important horticultural commodities widely consumed in Indonesia and has high economic value. To maintain productivity and prevent pest attacks, farmers commonly apply chemical pesticides intensively. However, excessive and improper pesticide application can leave harmful residues on the surface and within the tissues of chili fruits. The accumulation of these residues not only poses health risks to consumers but also contributes to environmental pollution, particularly in wastewater generated from chili washing activities. This study aims to reduce pesticide residues of Cherizeb and Emacel in chili washing water using the photolysis methodassisted by a ZnO/zeolite catalyst. Zinc oxide (ZnO) acts as a photocatalyst activated by ultraviolet (UV) light to produce reactive hydroxyl radicals (•OH) capable of decomposing complex organic compounds into simpler compounds such as CO₂ and H₂O. Meanwhile, zeolite is used as a catalyst support due to its large surface area and high adsorption capacity, allowing adsorption and photocatalytic processes to occur simultaneously. The results showed that the photolysis method using the ZnO/zeolite catalyst significantly reduced pesticide residues, with optimum degradation efficiencies of 85.66% for Cherizeb using 0.8 g ZnO/zeolite under UV irradiation for 60 minutes, and 83.97% for Emacel using 0.8 g ZnO/zeolite under UV irradiation for 75 minutes. The samples were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify functional groups, indicating the disappearance of specific organic functional groups. Pesticide residues on chili samples were analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry to determine concentrations before and after treatment. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that the crystalline structure of the catalyst remained stable after the photolysis process. Based on these findings, the ZnO/zeolite catalyst is proven to be effective in reducing pesticide residues through photocatalytic degradation and has the potential to be applied as a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly post-harvest technology to improve the quality of agricultural products.

This research was conducted in April 2024 in Kota Besi Hulu Village, Kota Besi Subdistrict, Kotawaringin Timur Regency. The research location was determined purposively. The objectives of this study were: (1) to analyze the characteristics of tomato farmers in Kota Besi Hulu Village, Kota Besi Subdistrict, Kotawaringin Timur Regency; and (2) to analyze the factors influencing tomato production in the same area. The sampling technique employed was a census (saturated sampling), in which all active tomato farmers who were members of farmer groups in Kota Besi Hulu Village were included as respondents. A total of 64 tomato farmers participated in this study. The data collected were analyzed using the Cobb–Douglas production function model. The results of the study in Kota Besi Hulu Village, Kota Besi Subdistrict, Kotawaringin Timur Regency, indicate important patterns in local farming practices based on data regarding land area, fertilizer use, seed use, pesticide use, and tomato production. The majority of farmers cultivated land ranging from 7,060.12 to 7,614.72 hectares, reflecting a tendency to manage relatively large farm areas. In terms of fertilizer application, most farmers used between 130.05 and 139.53 kilograms, suggesting a preference for higher input levels to achieve optimal yields. Regarding seed use, the dominant range was between 156.04 and 175.36 kilograms, which may contribute to better production outcomes. Pesticide application also showed a dominant pattern within the range of 4,001.72 to 4,878.76 liters, indicating farmers’ primary strategy in controlling pests and diseases.

Soil contamination by hydrocarbons, pesticides, heavy metals, and complex pollutants is rapidly increasing and degrading essential ecosystem functions. Physical or chemical treatments offer faster results, yet they are often costly, energy-intensive, and risk disrupting soil biological integrity without fully eliminating pollution sources. Microorganism-based bioremediation provides a more sustainable alternative by utilizing microbial metabolism to degrade or immobilize pollutants into less toxic and less mobile forms. This article presents a structured literature review on the roles and applications of microorganisms for bioremediation of contaminated soils, covering comparisons between single isolates and microbial consortia, dominant biological mechanisms, and ecological challenges in field application. A Systematic Literature Review approach was applied, using narrative synthesis and thematic clustering of national and international journals published between 2020 and 2025. The review indicates that single microbial isolates are commonly selected for specific pollutant targets, whereas microbial consortia are preferred for mixed or persistent contaminants due to metabolic synergy that enhances microbial adaptability and stepwise pollutant breakdown in highly polluted soils. Adaptive mechanisms such as EPS production and biofilm formation contribute to microbial resilience under stress and help retain contaminants within the soil matrix. Key challenges identified include inoculum stability under extreme conditions and limited microbial access to pollutants trapped in micro-soil pores. The findings highlight that microbial selection strategies must be tailored to pollutant characteristics and soil environmental conditions, while also emphasizing the potential of biofilm-based systems and organic carriers to support broader field implementation of microbial bioremediation.

Food safety is crucial for maintaining public health, especially in rural areas that face limitations in knowledge and resources to detect harmful substances in food products. The PKK Group of Borisallo Village, Gowa Regency, has great potential to become an agent of food safety education and monitoring. However, they still face limitations in understanding the impact of pathogenic microbes, pesticide residues, and harmful chemicals such as formalin, borax, and synthetic dyes. This Community Service Program (PKM) aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of PKK members through education and training on detecting harmful substances using simple organoleptic methods and household tests. The activities include counseling, self-detection demonstrations, and providing supporting tools such as portable stoves and frying pans for home practice. The results show a significant improvement in participants' knowledge, especially regarding the characteristics of contaminated food and natural inspection techniques. The PKK group also showed high enthusiasm in disseminating food safety information. This program enhances the capacity of PKK as agents of change, strengthens the culture of food safety at the household level, and supports sustainable education through collaboration with the village government and health centers. It is hoped that this can be replicated in other villages.

This research seeks to define polycyclic aromatic compounds, which are chemical compounds consisting of fused aromatic rings that do not contain heteroatoms or substituents. Many of these compounds are known to be carcinogenic and are primarily produced through the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels such as wood, coal, diesel, grease, and tobacco. Pure polycyclic aromatic compounds generally appear as colorless, white, or pale green solids that often develop a yellowish tint over time. These substances are commonly found in coal tar, crude oil, creosote, and tar deposits in industrial and urban environments. Despite their widespread occurrence and potential health risks, only a limited number of polycyclic aromatic compounds are utilized in industrial applications, including the manufacture of medicines, dyes, plastics, and pesticides. Furthermore, this research examines the distribution, persistence, and accumulation of these compounds in the environment, as well as their toxicological effects on human health, ecosystems, and long-term environmental sustainability.

The issue of global food security is increasingly pressing amidst climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation. The agricultural sector, particularly rice production, faces threats from pests and diseases that reduce crop yields and farmer incomes. Climate change exacerbates pest attack patterns, increasing crop losses. In addition, excessive use of chemical pesticides leads to pest resistance and negative impacts on ecosystems and human health. This study used a descriptive method with a qualitative approach, and the study population included farmers who cultivate rice fields and farmer groups that have received Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Makale District, Tana Toraja Regency, with a population of 325 families. Respondents were randomly selected at 15% of the total population, with a sample of 49 farmers consisting of three farmer groups. The results showed that the role of farmer groups in IPM implementation in Makale District includes extension and training (65.5%), facilitating access to information and resources (69%), decision-making (67.5%), and conflict management and IPM cooperation (66.5%). Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the implementation of the rice farming system, with support from the Government and the Tana Toraja Regency Agriculture Service to optimize the development of rice farming businesses.

The Community Service Program (KKN) in Pematang Kasih Village, Pantai Cermin District, focused on the construction of owl houses (RUBUHA) as an environmentally friendly effort to control rice field rats. The background to this activity was the high level of rat infestation that was detrimental to local farmers' rice harvests and the excessive use of chemical pesticides, which had the potential to negatively impact human health and ecosystem balance. The research method used was descriptive qualitative, with data collection techniques through direct observation in agricultural fields, interviews with farmer groups, and documentation of the owl house construction process. The results showed that the village community responded positively to this program because the use of owls as natural predators was proven to be more effective in controlling the rat pest population while reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. In addition, this program also increased public awareness of the importance of ecologically based pest control and preserving biodiversity. With the owl houses built around rice fields, it is hoped that a sustainable agricultural pattern can be created that supports the welfare of farmers while preserving the environment.

Bulu Village, Sugihwaras District, Bojonegoro Regency, is an agricultural village with abundant natural resource potential, including tobacco. However, community agricultural practices still rely heavily on the use of chemical pesticides, which are relatively expensive and carry the risk of negative impacts on human health and environmental sustainability. This situation prompted the implementation of a community service program in the form of training in the manufacture of natural pesticides from jadam sulfur and tobacco leaves using the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach. This approach was chosen because it focuses on exploring and optimizing local assets, both in the form of natural materials and community social skills. The training activities were attended by farmer groups and youth organizations (Karang Taruna), which play a crucial role in the program's sustainability. The training materials included theories on the dangers of chemical pesticides, the advantages of natural pesticides, and hands-on practice in making pesticides from jadam sulfur and tobacco leaves. Evaluation of the activities was carried out through observation, interviews, and the distribution of questionnaires to participants. The evaluation results showed a significant increase in farmers' knowledge about environmentally friendly pesticides, skills in making natural pesticides, and growing awareness of the importance of sustainable agriculture. In addition, the involvement of Karang Taruna strengthens the sustainability of the program through regeneration and ongoing mentoring. Overall, this training demonstrated the effectiveness of the ABCD approach in optimizing local potential to produce more economical, healthy, and environmentally friendly agricultural innovations. Thus, this program not only supports increased agricultural productivity but also contributes to the broader well-being of rural communities.

The use of chemical pesticides in modern agriculture in Indonesia has a negative impact on the environment and health. To address this issue, students from the 24th Community Service Program (KKN) of Raja Ali Haji Maritime University (UMRAH) held a training session on making plant-based pesticides from papaya leaves in Kota Baru Village, Bintan. This activity aimed to provide environmentally friendly and easy-to-apply pest control solutions to local farmer groups. The training involved agricultural extension workers from the Bintan Regency Food Security and Agriculture Office as resource persons. The results of this training are expected to increase farmers' knowledge and skills in utilizing papaya leaves as natural pesticides, reducing the use of chemical pesticides, and realizing more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture in Kota Baru Village. Despite obstacles in community participation, this activity succeeded in sparking farmers' interest in applying plant-based pesticides in their crop cultivation.

The community service program carried out at Stella Matutina Salatiga Junior High School aims to strengthen environmental awareness while supporting the implementation of sustainable education through the manufacture of biopesticides made from eco enzymes. This activity is based on students' low understanding of the impact of the use of synthetic chemical pesticides on health and the environment. Therefore, the program is designed for students to gain hands-on experience in processing organic waste into eco enzymes and using it as the main ingredient of environmentally friendly biopesticides. The implementation method includes socialization on the importance of protecting the environment, introduction to natural biopesticides, training in making biopesticides with simple techniques, and intensive assistance to teachers and students. The evaluation process was carried out through an interactive quiz using the Kahoot application to measure participants' understanding. In addition, the follow-up of the program includes the preparation of materials, creative workshops, the development of interactive modules, teacher training, classroom implementation, and exhibitions of student works. The results of the program showed that the training was effective, as evidenced by the application of biopesticides in school parks and the increase in student knowledge, namely from a pre-test score of 53% to 59% in the post-test. These findings confirm that the application of eco enzymes is not only beneficial in reducing the use of chemical pesticides, but also able to foster students' environmental awareness and practical skills. In the future, this program has the potential to be replicated in other schools as a project-based learning model that is applicable and sustainable.

This research aims to study and offer solutions to the problem of fruit flies that attack citrus plantations in Gadingkulon Village through the Integrated Pest Control (PHT) approach. Fruit fly attacks have caused significant losses to citrus farmers, so an effective and sustainable control strategy is needed. PHT is implemented by integrating mechanical methods in the form of garden sanitation and yellow trap installation, as well as renewable technology approaches to suppress the population and life cycle of fruit flies. This activity is carried out through the stages of socialization, training, and group discussion forums (FGD) which involve the active participation of farmers as subjects as well as agents of change. This participatory approach aims to improve farmers' understanding and skills in implementing PHT techniques independently and consistently. The results of the activity showed that the combination of mechanical and educational methods was able to significantly reduce the intensity of fruit fly attacks. In addition, the benefits of this program can be reviewed from the economic aspect, in the form of increasing crop yields and farmers' income, as well as the ecological aspect, in the form of reducing the use of chemical pesticides that have a negative impact on the environment. Thus, the implementation of PHT in Gadingkulon Village shows great potential to be replicated in other areas that face similar problems, in order to support sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural development.

The agricultural sector plays a strategic role in ensuring national food security, particularly in rural areas where the majority of the population depends on agricultural production. Sememu Village, an agricultural-based community with rice and tobacco as its primary commodities, has faced recurring pest attacks in recent years. Conventional pest control methods in the area have primarily relied on chemical pesticides. However, excessive and prolonged use of these chemicals has resulted in serious problems, including pest resistance, environmental contamination, and potential health risks to farmers and consumers. This study aims to improve farmers’ knowledge and practical skills by introducing an alternative, eco-friendly approach through a training program on the production of botanical pesticides derived from papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.). Papaya leaves are known to contain bioactive compounds such as papain, chymopapain, alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, which exhibit natural insecticidal properties. The training activities consisted of initial observation, presentation of scientific and practical materials, hands-on practice in the preparation of botanical pesticides, and field testing on rice and tobacco plants. The findings demonstrated that the use of papaya leaf-based pesticides effectively reduced pest feeding activity and increased pest mortality rates, thereby minimizing crop damage. Importantly, this approach did not cause harmful effects on the surrounding ecosystem. The program highlights the potential of botanical pesticides as a sustainable solution for integrated pest management in agricultural villages, contributing both to environmental conservation and farmers’ welfare.

This study also highlights the importance of education and training for farmers to improve their technical skills in farming and managing their farms. Training in the use of modern agricultural technologies, such as automated fertilizing tools and efficient irrigation systems, can help farmers reduce production costs and increase yields. Furthermore, training in digital marketing can help farmers market their products more effectively through online platforms, reducing reliance on intermediaries and increasing profit margins. Furthermore, it is crucial for the government to provide support in the form of extension services and easy access to business capital. More accessible capital will enable farmers to invest in more efficient equipment and more environmentally friendly organic fertilizers. Targeted microcredit distribution to farmer groups can also accelerate the adoption of new, more productive agricultural technologies. The adoption of sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices should be a long-term focus to ensure the registration of shallot farming businesses. Farmers need to be incentivized to use organic fertilizers and natural pesticides that are safer for the soil and air. Furthermore, the implementation of integrated and environmentally friendly farming systems such as agroforestry can also be an alternative to increase agricultural yields without damaging the environment. With improvements in education, training, access to capital, and the adoption of more efficient technology, shallot farming in Pasir Village can develop better and become more sustainable in the future. Furthermore, collaboration between farmer groups and local research institutions and universities can also be key to introducing new agricultural innovations.

During storage and before consumption, grains often experience a decline in quality, nutritional content, and cleanliness due to pest attacks. Botanical insecticides are considered an alternative method to reduce dependence on harmful chemical pesticides. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from the leaves of Cymbopogon citratus against Cadra cautella (Walk.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and their potential as biological control agents. The selection of C. cautella as the test organism was based on the limited number of studies examining this pest. The AgNPs used were synthesized through an eco-friendly method, and their optical and physical properties were analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that AgNPs synthesized from C. citratus extract showed high effectiveness in controlling the eggs and second instar larvae of C. cautella. Egg mortality reached 80.3% at a concentration of 40 μg/ml after 24 hours of exposure, followed by 72.9% at 30 μg/ml, and 65.8% at 20 μg/ml. In contrast, the control group showed no egg mortality. Similarly, larval mortality rates were 74.9%, 65.8%, and 60.2% for concentrations of 40 μg/ml, 30 μg/ml, and 20 μg/ml, respectively. These findings indicate that higher concentrations of AgNPs lead to greater mortality in both eggs and larvae. This study highlights the potential of green-synthesized AgNPs from C. citratus leaves as an effective and eco-friendly biopesticide. Their significant impact on egg and larval mortality suggests that they can be developed as an alternative pest control strategy in stored grains, thereby reducing reliance on conventional chemical pesticides that are detrimental to human health and the environment. Further research is recommended to explore their long-term efficacy, safety, and integration into sustainable grain storage management.

This study aims to utilize data mining techniques, specifically the K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithm, to classify leaf diseases in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum). Early and accurate detection of leaf disease types is a crucial step in prevention and control strategies, thereby reducing potential crop losses caused by pathogen attacks. Leaf diseases in sugarcane, such as leaf scald, rust, and mosaic virus, are known to affect photosynthesis, inhibit growth, and reduce the quality and quantity of sugarcane produced. The classification process in this study was carried out through image analysis of infected sugarcane leaves, where features such as color, texture, and shape were extracted using digital image processing techniques. The KNN algorithm was chosen because of its non-parametric nature, ease of implementation, and its ability to provide accurate classification results even with limited data size. The working principle of KNN is to determine the class of a new sample based on the majority class of its k nearest neighbors in the feature space, making it very suitable for the case of leaf disease image classification. In addition to building a classification model, this study also examines disease prevention strategies based on the identification results. These strategies include the use of disease-resistant sugarcane varieties, the implementation of appropriate planting patterns, land moisture management, regular plantation sanitation, and the measured and environmentally friendly use of pesticides or fungicides. Model performance evaluation was conducted using accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score metrics to assess model effectiveness across various data scenarios. The results of this study are expected to not only contribute to the development of decision support systems for farmers and related parties but also support the application of artificial intelligence-based technology in the agricultural sector.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a disease caused by a virus that is very dangerous because it can cause patients to die in a very short time. Eradicating the Aedes aegypti mosquito is the most important way to eradicate dengue disease, this is done because vaccines to prevent and drugs to eradicate the dengue virus are not yet available. Abate (tempo’s) is one of the groups of pesticides used to kill insects in the larval stage. The goal is to increase public knowledge about the use of abate as a form of dengue prevention. The method carried out in the implementation of community service activities uses the extension method. As a result, the Abate Movement Program has shown positive results in increasing public awareness and knowledge related to dengue prevention. This activity not only provides education, but also encourages real actions in the neighborhood where residents live, such as the use of abate and the implementation of PHBS.

The main issue faced by BSI Farm is the suboptimal quality control at each stage of hydroponic kale production, resulting in inconsistent product quality. This study aims to analyze the quality of hydroponic kale products at BSI Farm using the input-process-output (IPO) approach. The analysis covers all stages of production, from the selection of superior seeds, nutrient and water management, cultivation using the NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) system, to harvesting and packaging. The results show that the implementation of strict quality control at each stage successfully produces fresh, clean, pesticide-free kale that meets modern market standards. Production waste is managed through a grading system and utilized as animal feed to minimize environmental impact. The main challenges include pest attacks, plant diseases, and inconsistent harvests due to a lack of standardized procedures. However, these can be addressed through regular monitoring, appropriate use of pesticides and fungicides, and consistent implementation of cultivation SOPs.