Search

Mauritius raspberry (Rubus rosifolius) is an exotic plant cultivated in Indonesia. Studies showed that the productivity of exotic plants is reducing due to a lack of pollination agent for their origin region. Several methods could be applied to overcome this problem. The study aimed to find the most effective method for pollinating this plant among four pollination regimes: Self-pollination, wild insects, stingless bees (Tetragonula laeviceps), and hand-pollination. The observation was conducted on the insect pollinators' activities (visitation rate, flower constancy, and flower handling time), pollination efficiency, and quality of the fruits produced (fruit volume). The results showed a higher visitation rate (10 to 70 per hour), higher flower constancy (visited from 07.00 to 16.00), and longer flower handling time (13.6 s) of T. laeviceps on raspberry flowers than other insects. High activities related to better raspberry pollination success (96%) and bigger fruits produced. Based on this study, applying stingless bees as pollination agents for exotic plants was the best and potentially applicable to other exotic crops.

Mecoptera is a primitive and minor order of insects with nine families, including Panorpidae. Research on Panorpidae in Indonesia is lacking, especially regarding its habitat. Thus, the purpose of this study was to observe the diversity and habitat characteristics of Panorpidae. The study was conducted at Taman Hutan Raya Ir. H. Djuanda Bandung from March to April 2023. The survey method was conducted at plots in three area blocks: the utilization block, the protection block, and the collection block. Panorpidae were collected by hand and sweeping net and then identified based on morphological characteristics. Temperature, humidity, light intensity, and vegetation where Mecoptera are found are identified and recorded. This study collected one genus (Neopanorpa) and five species found in the protection block (there were five species) and the utilization block (there were three species) while none in the collection block. The Penorpidae population was higher at the Protection block than at the Utilization block. Generally, Panorpidae was found in broad-leaf vegetation such as Clidemia sp. and Datura sp., with a canopy that is not too dense. The level of diversity and evenness of both areas was medium. Humidity positively affects the diversity and abundance of Panorpidae, while temperature and light intensity have negative effects. This research shows that Panorpidae likes damp places protected by bush vegetation and under not too dense canopy.

The Mount Ciremai National Park (TNGC) buffer zone is designed to support conservation efforts. However, agriculture in this area is dominated by conventional farming that excessively uses synthetic fertilizers, which threatens soil quality. Introducing an organic fertilizer and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is expected to enhance soil quality recovery in this area. This study aimed to analyze the differences in soil arthropod communities between organic and conventional agriculture and a forest in the TNGC buffer zone to assess soil quality improvement generated by the application of the organic fertilizer and PGPR. Soil arthropods were collected with Berlese-Tullgren funnels and pitfall traps. Several associated environmental parameters, including soil pH, C-organic, temperature, and moisture, were also measured. Data were analyzed using ecological indices (i.e., richness, diversity, evenness, dominance, similarity) and soil biological quality (QBS-ar). Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was performed to examine the relation of arthropods with environmental parameters. In total, 957 individuals of soil arthropods belonging to four classes and 15 orders were recorded. Berlese-Tullgren and pitfall traps resulted in a similar tendency in most variables, with higher richness, diversity, and evenness values in the forest, followed by organic and conventional habitats. In addition, similarity and QBS-ar indicated that forest and organic communities were more similar than conventional community. C-organic, soil moisture and pH were considered the most deciding environmental parameters for arthropod assemblages. All measured variables in this study illustrated better soil quality in organic than in conventional agriculture. This study implicates the benefit of utilizing organic fertilizers and PGPR for soil quality restoration in agroecosystems.

Larvae of Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly/BSF) are considered agents of bioconversion of organic waste, including by-products of agroindustrial waste. Palm kernel meal (PKM), a palm oil mill waste contains high lignocellulose, making it difficult for BSF larvae to digest in which pre treatment process is required. This study aims to analyze the growth and development performance of BSF larvae in fermented PKM waste using EM4 and molasses as the pretreatment process. Five (5) days old BSF larvae were reared in PKM waste, which was fermented with EM4 and molasses for 2, 3, and 4 days (F2, F3, and F4) and with water for four days (FA) while chicken feed (PA) applied as control. During this study, growth rate, average weight, developmental period, survival rate, and larval development period. Feed efficiency and feed reduction analyzed by efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), feed conversion ratio (FCR), waste reduction index (WRI) and substrate consumption rate (SCR). The growth and development performance of F2 group was the best among other treatment groups which is similar to larvae fed on chicken feed as a control. All treatments showed high larval survival rates (99.72-100.00%). On the other hand, the best best reduction efficiency recorded in F3. Based on these result it can be concluded that pretreatment of PKM by EM4 and molasses is applicable to be improve the quality of PKM as feeding material for BSF larvae.

Limbah kotoran ternak, seperti kotoran ayam dan kotoran domba merupakan salah satu limbah organik yang menimbulkan permasalahan lingkungan, seperti pencemaran bau tak sedap dan menjadi medium perkembangbiakan organisme patogen yang berbahaya untuk kesehatan. Lalat tentara hitam (black soldier fly [BSF]) diketahui memiliki kemampuan untuk mengonversi beragam jenis limbah organik secara efektif termasuk limbah kotoran ternak. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui potensi reproduksi dan morfometri BSF yang dipelihara pada kotoran domba dan kotoran ayam. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimental menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap dengan tiga perlakuan, yaitu perlakuan kotoran ayam, kotoran domba, dan pakan ayam (kontrol) dengan masing-masing lima ulangan. Parameter yang diukur meliputi waktu perkembangan, morfometri, jumlah pasangan yang kawin, dan fekunditas. Perlakuan kotoran domba memiliki waktu perkembangan yang paling tinggi di antara perlakuan lainnya. Morfometri BSF dewasa yang dipelihara pada pakan ayam mempunyai nilai morfometri tertinggi dibandingkan kotoran ayam dan kotoran domba. BSF yang dipelihara dengan pakan ayam mempunyai jumlah pasangan kawin terbanyak (44 pasang) dibandingkan yang diberi kotoran domba (31 pasang) dan kotoran ayam (20 pasang). Fekunditas telur tertinggi terdapat pada BSF yang diberi pakan ayam (3.535 butir). Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa kotoran ayam dan kotoran domba cocok sebagai media pertumbuhan BSF, namun potensi reproduksinya lebih rendah dibandingkan pakan ayam.

One of the recent organic waste management programs actively developed is organic waste bioconversion by using larvae of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus)). However, one major challenge in organic waste management in Indonesia is the limited space to manage the wastes at waste collection centers. This condition increases the number of wastes to be converted (consumed) by larvae of soldier fly. In this study, the condition was imitated in the laboratory where larvae were individually fed with a large number of wastes. Larvae were divided into 4 groups and were fed with 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg/larva/day of rotten vegetable waste (Pakcoy) and were replicated 3 times. Variables observed during the study were the growth rate, consumption capability, level of waste reduction (waste reduction index, WRI), consumption efficiency (efficiency of conversion of digested-feed, ECD), the weight of harvested biomass, and protein content of larvae, pupae, and adults. The results showed that there was no significant correlation between the weight of harvested biomass and the amount of substrate provided to larvae (one-way ANOVA, P > 0.05). The increasing amount of substrate reduced the efficiency of waste reduction and consumption (one-way ANOVA, P < 0.05). This study also showed that the possible upper limit of consumption capability of larvae was 400 mg/larva/day. On the other hand, the increasing amount of substrate increased the protein content of biomass of each developmental stage.

Larvae of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) has been widely applied as a biological agent for biodegradable wastes upcycling through bioconversion process. However, most of the biodegradable wastes produced from economic activities other than industrial is heterogenous. This may cause some physiological change which may alter the survivorship, growth, and efficiency of the bioconversion process. In this study, the substrate combination of macronutrients provided to black soldier fly larvae were observed to understand the larvae ability to degrade organic waste from economic activities. The substrat proportion consist of three major macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein, and lipid) and made of a mixture of decayed cabbage (Brassica oleracea) (source of carbohydrate), shark catfish (Pangasius sp.) (source of protein), and avocado (Persea americana) (source of lipid) which consisted of four types of substrate namely high fiber, high protein, high lipid, and balance. The feeding rate was 100 mg/larvae/day which provides every three days until 50% of larvae metamorphosed into prepupae. Mortality rate, the weight of larvae, and weight of residue (undigested substrate) were measured during substrate replacement and used to calculated survivorship rate, ECD (Efficiency of Conversion Digested-feed), AD (Approximate digestibility), and WRI (Waste Reduction Index). The proximate analysis also conducted on the harvested larvae biomass. The larvae group fed on high protein substrate showed best survivorship (64,75±2,60%), growth rate (2,97±0,166 mg/larvae/day), and AD (57,39±3,39) while the highest WRI recorded for larvae group fed on high fiber substrate and the highest ECD recorded for larvae group fed on high lipid substrate. The proximate analysis showed the best nutritional content of prepupae of larvae group fed on high protein substrate. It can be concluded that the proportion of macronutrients of substrate effect the growth and bioconversion performance of black soldier fly larvae. Some strategies related to the optimization of the bioconversion process for heterogeny substrate are discussed. Keywords: biodegradable wastes, black soldier fly, heterogeneity, growth, nutritional content, survivorship.

Organic waste produced by economic activities may create health, aesthetic, and economic problems. One of the approaches applied to solve this problem is the utilization of decomposer macrofauna to decompose the waste. One of the decomposers with great potential is Black Soldier Fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) that can consume various types of organic wastes and converts it into biomass with high protein and lipid content. In this study, banana peels and coconut testa had been fed to the larvae at 200 mg/larvae/day as the objects that represented organic wastes with low fiber content and high fiber content respectively. The purpose of this study was to observe the growth and efficiency of BSF larvae in decomposing those wastes. The analysis was conducted on some parameters such as the growth and consumption rate, the efficiency of conversion of digested (ECD), waste reduction index, and mortality rate. The results showed that BSF larvae THAT consumed banana peel had a higher final weight (58.24 mg), growth rate, and consumption rate while the mortality rate was lower than BSF larvae that consumed coconut testa. The ECD of the larvae group that consumed banana peel was higher than the larvae group that consumed coconut testa. The waste reduction index of banana peel was higher than coconut testa (1.5 and 1.4, respectively). The larvae that consumed coconut testa had a longer pupation period (9±1,75 days) compared to the larvae that consumed banana peel. Based on this result, it can be concluded that the fiber content of organic waste affected the decomposition rate and growth of BSF larvae.

The application of seed for true shallot cultivation is an alternative of the more common cultivation practice, in which 30% of harvested tubers used for cultivation purposes. The seed production of this temperate tuber, in the tropical region, is quite challenging due to low flowers and seed formation. Several studies showed that vernalization (cold induction) and application of Benzil Amino Purin (BAP) could be applied to improve flowering and seed production. However, such studies were conducted during the best cultivation period for about 3 months and thus, limit the production period of seeds. This study was conducted to observe the effect of both methods outside cultivation periods to flower and capsule numbers, fruit set, and weight of 100 seeds compared with common cultivation. In this study, bulbs of onion vernalized at 10oC for 30 days then became subjected to synthetic hormone (BAP) prior planted while control group The results showed that BAP treated shallot group has the lowest values for all observed parameters (1552.67, 312.11, 22.5%, 0.2244 gram) compared to those vernalization treated group (1592.44, 623, 30.5%; 0.2261 gram) and control group (6774.67; 3898.44; 57.06%; 0.3304 gram). Based on this study, it could be concluded that common cultivation is a better method to produce true shallot seeds during the offseason.

One main drawback of the local animal industry is the inavailability of affordable and sustainable protein supply for the livestock. Insect larvae, such as the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL), have been considered as a protein source which can be produced at a large scale using low cost organic wastes as feeding material. This study was designed to determine the response of BSFL to various waste combinations of vegetable and animal remains, Pak Choi (Brassica chinensis) residues (S) and carp (Cyprinus caprio) fish offal (I)). A total of 540 BSFL were fed with 100 mg/larvae/day combination of vegetable wastes: animal waste 70%: 30% (S > I), 50%: 50% (S = I), and 30%: 70% (S < I). Among the feed combinations, the S < I group showed the best results as it produced the significantly highest weight of BSFL at 122.8 mg/larvae and approximate digestibility of 62.01%, with the least pupae mortality rate at 4.29%. Keywords: bioconversion, biomass, Brassica chinensis, Cyprinus carpio, Hermetia illucen

One of the materials with great potency for future nutrition source for animal feed is prepupae of black soldier fly larvae (BSFP) (Hermetia illucens) which is fed on organic wastes. This study was designed to observe the accumulation of specific substance (omega-3) of organic wastes (marine fish offal and tofu dregs) inside harvested biomass of BSFP. A total of 150 gram food consist of marine fish offal and tofu dreg with different proportion (10:90, 25:75, 50:50, and 100% tofu dregs) was fed to black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for 21 days.At the end of feeding trial, all BSFL were harvested, weighed, and then analyzed for omega-3 fatty acids content. Fatty acid content was analyzed using Gas Cromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). Result of the experiment showed BSFL reared with 25% marine fish offal produced highest biomass (8.1 g / 50 larvae) with least development time (19 days). The total of omega-3 recorded from application of 0%, 10%, 25%, and 50% of marine fish offal was 0.02%, 0.87%, 2.16% and 2.61% in 100 g of dry weight, respectively. This result showed the possibility of transferring specific nutrient from organic wastes biomass of BSFP which provides base knowledgement for further application in design of specific animal feed from BSFP.

The wide distribution and high species diversity produce large variation in morphology, anatomy and genetics of local mangoes. Until now, most mango classification system is based on the generative character while the vegetative character is neglected. Inventory of mango cultivars in Subang rarely studied, therefore the purpose of this study is to development foundation of identification methods basedthe anatomy and morphology of leavesof mango cultivars of Subang. The data could futher develop as baseline information about mango cultivar diversity in Indonesia. During study, 21 mango cultivars found in Subang, West Java. Leave samples were collected from the field and soaked in 70% alcohol. Leaf anatomy preparats made by whole-mount method and paraffin. The shape and type, location, size, density and index of stomata were observed. The results showed high similarity of all sampels.There are three variations of vascular tissues on petioles, letter U shape (planoconvex),U lobed (highlyconvex) and round (circular) with the type of drus crystal form, small cubes, and prismatic. All cultivars have actinositic stomata and hypostomatatic leaves. It could be concluded that density, size and stomata index are less powerful to be apply as characters to identified cultivars of mangoes however the presence of oxalate crystals can be use to the grouping mango cultivars in Subang.

Fungicide is one of the common pesticide applies in agriculture. Even though fungicide specifically design to prevent growht of fungi, some studies reported neurotoxic effects of fungicide to some tested animals. Therefore there are concerns about the possible determintal effects of fungicide to beneficial non target organisms, like pollinating insects. This study was conducted to determine the toxicity of commercial fungicide to pollinator, Trigona (Tetrgonula) laeviceps Smith, by determining the LD50 and hazard quotient (HQ). The fungicides tested were triazole (tridimefon and difenoconazole), propamorcab (propamocarb HCl), and dithiocarbamate (mancozeb and propineb). Forager bees were collected and anasthesized by exposing the bees to low temperature (-10 oC) for 1 min. About 1 µl of tiadimefon (6,25; 12,5; 25; 37,25; 50 µg/bee), difenoconazole (1,25; 2,5; 5; 6,25; 12,5; 25 µg/bee), propamocarb HCl (72.,25; 144,5; 216,6; 361,25; 433,5 µg/bee), mancozeb (1,6; 3,2; 4,8; 6,4; 8 µg/bee), and propineb (0.9; 1.8; 2.7; 6; 8.4; 16.8; 25.2 µg/bee) were applied using topical application on dorsal area of bees. Ten bees were used for each concentration and replicated 3 times. Mortality of bees was recorded for 48 hours. Results showed that LD50 and HQ for each tested fungicide were as follow: triadimefon LD50 13.43 ±1.78 µg/bee, HQ = 18.62; difenoconazole LD50 9.25 ± 1.21 µg/bee, HQ = 27.03; propamocarb HCl LD50 270.45 ± 19.48 µg/bee, HQ = 14.34; mancozeb LD50 3.75±0.47 µg/bee, HQ = 512; and propineb LD50 9.71 ±2.20 µg/bee, HQ = 144.18. Among all 5 tested fungicide, two fungicide, mancozeb and propineb, has intermediate level of toxicity to foragers of T. laeviceps and could produce determintal effect to colony.

Insect larvae, such as black soldier fly larvae (BSFL: Hermetia illucens) are currently being considered as an alternative source of protein for poultry and aquaculture industry while in the same time apply as agent to manage organic wastes. In order to achieve both roles it is necessary to develop an appropriate farming methodology and understand the impact of different feeding source for the insect production. The study explored the effect of three local plant based organic wastes as feedstocks to growth of the black soldier fly larvae. Separate feeding trials on horse manure (HM), vegetable wastes (VW), and tofu dreg (TD) was done and their effect on BSF larvae growth rate, larvae weight and total prepupal yield in grams content analysed. The efficiency of the BSF larvae to consume and ability to reduce the waste load of the different substrates was also evaluated. The result showed all materials suitable as feeding material for black soldier fly. Difference on physical properties and chemical content affected the development time, harvested biomass, efficiency of digestivity, and efficiency of biomass production which is unique for each type of waste. This study provide base line information for future development of plant based organic waste management.

Serangga penyerbuk liar maupun terdomestikasi memainkan peran penting dalam proses penyerbukan pada berbagai tanaman bernilai ekonomi terutama tanaman monoceious seperti dari kelompok Cucurbitaceae. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mendapatkan informasi mengenai peran dari serangga penyerbuk liar dan aplikasi koloni Trigona (Tetragonula) laeviceps Smith terhadap produksi dan kualitas buah kabocha (Cucurbita maxima) sebagai model tanaman pada lahan pertanian tradisional. Pengamatan dilakukan pada pukul 07:00–15:00 selama periode pebungaan dalam kurun waktu tiga minggu. Pengamatan dilakukan pada tiga plot perlakuan: open pollination + T. laeviceps (OPT), open pollination (OP), dan hand pollination (HP). Efek dari polinator ditinjau melalui tiga parameter, yaitu pola kunjungan, plant reproductive success, dan kualitas buah. Pola kunjungan diukur berdasarkan frekuensi dan lama kunjungan serangga, plant reproductive success diukur dari fruit set dan jumlah biji, sedangkan kualitas buah diukur berdasarkan diameter dan berat buah serta produksi buah/tanaman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan mayoritas polinator liar aktif pada pagi hari, sedangkan T. laeviceps lebih aktif mulai siang yang diduga disebabkan oleh pengaruh variasi toleransi terhadap suhu pada tiap spesies. Terdapat perbedaan signifikan pada fruit set antara perlakuan OPT (80%), OP (65%), dan HP (38.3%) (F2,35 = 19.907, P = 0.000). Jumlah biji dan kualitas buah yang dihasilkan pada perlakuan OPT dan OP lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan perlakuan HP, sedangkan jumlah buah pada OPT jauh lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan lainnya. Rendahnya kesuksesan penyerbukan pada plot HP menunjukkan ketepatan waktu penting bagi penyerbukan kabocha. Berdasarkan hasil ini maka penyerbukan oleh lebah pada tanaman kabocha sulit digantikan oleh manusia dan variasi kunjungan yang dimiliki oleh T. laeviceps berdampak positif pada produksi buah kabocha.

Cricket is commonly use as feedstuf for fishes and birds. However, most of market demand for this insect fulfilled by natural harvest. Since they could be an alternative nonconventional protein source for livestock industry, it is needed to develop methods for high cricket biomass production such as find their suitable food plants. During this research, Ciriling cricket (Grillus mitratus Burm.) was fed with various plants and mated with different sex ratio. Pakchoi (Brassica sinensis L.), papaya (Carica papaya L.), and carrot (Daucus carota L.) was combined with common commercial fed of cricket. Changes in food consumption, nymph mortality, body size, egg production, and egg hatching rates were measured in order to find best fed combination and sex ratio. The result showed that combination of standard fed with pakchoi preferred by cricket and produced best growth, highest egg production and egg hatching rates while ratio sex of 1:3 (male:female) produced highest number of eggs and best egg hatching rates.

House fly (Musca domestica) is an important urban insect that can transmit various infectious diseases. This insect usually utilized organic wastes as nutrition source for their larvae. One of the main sources of organic wastes is livestock manure produced by animal farming located near human dwelling area. Thus, appropriate house fly population control program at animal farm is needed,based on information on the house fly’s life history. The research is focused on the development of house fly larvae reared with different livestock manures, such as cow, chicken, and horse. As comparison, rice bran were used as control. Results showed that larvae reared with horse manure has the shortest development time (5 days), with lowest larval survival rate (30%), pupal weight (6.8 ± 0.141 g), and weight of female imago (4.9 ± 0.14 g). This finding indicates the lowest nutrition value of horse manure for house flies larvae. Further research is needed to find the effect of manure to variables that directly influence population growth, such as fecundity of female flies and egg survivorship. These additional information on life history will help the design of appropriate house fly population management program for animal farm.