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The need for consumption of mustard plant (Brassica juncea L.) has increased every year. One of the efforts to increase its production and quality by applications of inorganic and organic fertilizer. This study aimed to evaluate the productivity of mustard plants treated with liquid organic fertilizer, a by-product of black soldier fly (BSF), and inorganic fertilizer (NPK). Mustard plants were grown at Karanggayam Research Station, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta were treated with water as a control, NPK fertilizer, DoctoRS organic fertilizer at 0.05%, organic fertilizer A, and B at 0.1, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25%. The effects of treatments to the phenotypic and the chlorophyll of the mustards were done after 2 weeks of treatments. The results showed that there were significant different on the stem height, number of leaves, leaf width, leaf length, and wet weight. These were in line with the total chlorophyll. Liquid organic fertilizer content analysis showed that DoctoRS liquid organic fertilizer and liquid organic fertilizer A were the most in accordance with the national standards for organic fertilizers on the parameters of pH, Mg, Ca, and TPC.

Bacillus thuringiensis serotype kurstaki is an entomopathogenic bacteria commonly used to control the cutworm Spodoptera litura (Fab.). However, B. thuringiensis has disadvantage of being easily degraded due to exposed sunlight. The objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of adding A. atlas (L.) cocoon extract as UV protectant B. thuringiensis to the mortality of S. litura. This research formulated 2.5% of the original substance of A. atlas cocoon extract and B. thuringiensis serotype kurstaki strain HD-7 applied from commercial product DiPel-WP®. The formulation was exposed to sunlight for 0, 1, 2, and 3 weeks. The suspension treated for 20 individuals of first instar larvae S. litura shifted into the artificial diet using 3-5 replicates. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) method began from a sample that was vacuumed, sample coated, and observed on SEM with the electron in a certain level probe. This research showed that the mortality of S. litura decreased with the growth of S. litura. The mortality of S. litura achieved 20%-100% mortality after treatments. The A. atlas cocoon extract was effective as UV protectant B. thuringiensis for three weeks of exposure to sunlight. The SEM analysis represented that formulation of B. thuringiensis and A. atlas cocoon extract sunlight exposure for one week has harsher surface than exposed during three weeks.

A novel approach, namely photocatalytic esterification and addition reaction of unsaturated fatty acids using CuO/TiO2 catalyst has been investigated in kemiri sunan oil. The objectives of this study are to reduce the free fatty acid (FFA) content by using catalyst CuO/TiO2, characterization of the catalyst and the operation condition of reaction. The CuO/TiO2 catalyst was synthesized by the impregnation of TiO2 P25 powder with copper nitrate solution as a precursor and followed by calcination. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Transmission electron microscopes (TEM) result showed that copper oxide was highly dispersed on the TiO2 surface. The X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) result showed that Cu is in the state of CuO (Cu2+), while Ti is in Ti4+ ( TiO2). The bandgap energy of CuO/TiO2 was smaller than TiO2 P25. It was found that the reactions conducted in the presence of CuO/TiO2 in a photoreactor under UV irradiation can perform esterification and addition reaction of the FFA, simultaneously. The optimum reduction of the FFA was under condition of 4% loading CuO/TiO2, 4 hours reaction time, 30:1 (mole/mole) methanol to oil ratio, 5% (w/w) catalyst amount. The conversion of FFA was at around 59%. The Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) results showed that the addition reaction of -eleostearic acid simultaneously occured at 100% conversion. Although the photocatalyst selectivity in FFA reduction was relatively low, but double bond reduction of -eleostearic acid (C18:3) was very high. The reduction of multiple double bond is considered as positive poin to improve the oxidative stability of the product. The simultaneous esterification and addition reactions mechanism has been proposed. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Armyworm (Spodoptera litura Fab.) is one of the agricultural pests that can cause huge losses especially for Indonesian farmers because it is damaging various crops, especially cabbage (Brassica oleifera L.). Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliMNPV) is one of the biological agent which is effective for the management of the Spodoptera litura. However, because of UV radiation it easily degraded when applied in the fields. This study was aimed to determine the effectivity of several indigenous plants for UV protectant of SpliMNPV for controlling armyworm at greenhouse scale. Extracts of 2% (w/v) of turmeric rhizome, red betel leaf, moringa leaf, and clove flower, were formulated with SpliMNPV and sprayed evenly onto two-month- old cabbages. The experiment used five replicates with six periods of sunlight exposures (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 15 days). A commercial product of deltamethrin was used as a comparison. The sprayed leaves were then used as a bioassay by using 25 individuals of one day old 1st larval instar by five replicates. The results showed that the turmeric additive was the most effective as a UV protectant and effectively prolonged the half-life of SpliMNPV to 4.12 days, while for clove, moringa leaf, and red betel was 2.48, 2.15, and 2.28 days, respectively.

Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bt.) is a bioinsecticide that is often used as an alternative for controlling tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura Fab. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). However, this bioinsecticide might easily degraded by ultraviolet (UV) from the sun light. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of eri, Samia ricini Drury (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) and atlas moth, Attacus atlas L. (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) cocoon extracts as UV B protectants for Bt. against the larval stage of tobacco cutworm. Cocoon extracts of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 2.5% of eri and atlas sericin was added respectively to make Bt. suspensions at 10LC95 (2 × 108 spores/ml). After that, the suspensions then exposed under UV B lights at laboratory conditions for 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Then, the pathogenicity was tested against 25 individuals of 1st larval instar of tobacco cutworm using three replicates. The results showed that the mortality percentage of tobacco cutworm treated with cocoon added Bt. were significant difference compared to Bt. alone. At the 1st week of UV B exposure, the mortality of tobacco cutworm in Bt. alone, Bt. + eri, and Bt. + atlas was 31.67, > 90, and > 75% respectively. Whereas, at the 4th week, the mortality of each treatment was 46.67, > 81, and > 75% respectively. The pathogenicity results implied that the addition of eri and atlas silk moths cocoon extracts significantly improved the Bt. toxicity by 1.75 – 1.86 and 1.6 – 2.1 fold, respectively, even after four weeks of UV B exposure. Based on this research, it can be concluded that the addition of eri and atlas silk moths sericin extracts show high potential for the UV B protectants for Bt. to enhance its persistence for future formulations.

Cancer is the main cause of death in the world with the number of sufferers in 2008 as many as 12.7 million with a death rate of 7.6 million people. In Indonesia, it is estimated that there are more than 1 million cancer patients in 2010. One of the ways to prevent cancer is primary prevention by adjusting the pattern and type of food consumed. Functional food introduced by bioactive components from sea cucumbers is an alternative for cancer prevention. The specific objective of this research was to produce meat-based functional foods containing anti-cancer compounds derived from sea cucumbers that can prevent cancer. The preliminary tests conducted were the sea cucumber extract lethality test against Artemia salina, namely the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT), and the total bacteria of beef meatballs. The results of the observation of the lathality of sea cucumber extract against Artemia salina and total bacteria of the meatball showed that the sea cucumber extract had high lathality against Artemia salina and was able to reduce the total bacteria in meatballs during storage period. The lathality of sea cucumber extract was strongly influenced or stimulated by heating treatment. Based on the BSLT test, of the five types of sea cucumbers, two of them (Holothuria similis and Pearsonothuria graeffei) have high lathality. Sea cucumber extract was also able to inhibit both bacterial and fungal growth in meatballs during storage at room temperature. Keywords: Beef Meatballs, Total Bacteria, Sea Cucumber, BSLT.

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), is the most deleterious pests of palms worldwide, including date palms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). An understanding of RPW diversity is crucial for designing management strategies of this pest. In this study, collections of RPW from date palm plantations were made in six known RPW-infected regions of KSA. The main objectives of the study were to characterize the RPW diversity in KSA using pronotal markings and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The results showed that based on pronotal markings, 18 different color morphs of RPWs were found, while based on the COI gene, it could be separated into three main haplotypes. Pronotal marking and COI gene diversity revealed that the Riyadh and Eastern Regions were the major RPW diversity hotspots and the primary sources for subsequent RPW introductions into other regions of KSA.

The ant genus Solenopsis Westwood, 1840 is the largest in Myrmicinae subfamily having almost 200 described species worldwide. They are commonly distributed in the tropics and temperate areas of the world. Some invasive Solenopsis species are very dreadful. We have already reported a fire ant species, Solenopsis saudiensis Sharaf & Aldawood, 2011, identified using traditional morphometric approaches of species identification. Present study was carried out to develop DNA Barcoding to identify Solenopsis saudiensis and to elucidate genetic structure of the various S. saudiensis populations across their distribution range in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The comparison of DNA barcodes showed no genetic diversity among six populations and a queen from S. saudiensis analyzed from the Riyadh region. This genetic resemblance probably reflects their adaptation toward a specific habitat, thus constituting a single and strong gene pool. Our comprehensive field survey did not provide any evidence of Solenopsis species except S. saudiensis in the Riyadh region. Solenopsis saudiensis populations were only found around date palm trees indicating their strong association with date palm groves. Moreover, S. saudiensis has 83–86% sequence identity to other Solenopsis spp. from other parts of the world. Interestingly, the highest sequence identity of (86%) was with that of Solenopsis molesta Say, 1836, the thief ant, from the USA. This study provides a working laboratory procedure and a reference library for the identification of Solenopsis saudiensis. Keywords: Fire ant, DNA barcoding, Cytochrome C oxidase I, Biodiversity, Arabian Peninsula

Postharvest almond moth (Cadra cautella Walker; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) infestation is one of the primary challenges for production of dates, Phoenix dactylifera L. (Arecaceae) cv. ‘Khodari.’ This study was a simulation of early almond moth infestations in uncontrolled storage conditions. It aimed to investigate the effects of low level almond moth infestations on the population growth of the moth, the damage to the dates, bacterial and fungal contamination, and the nutritional value of the dates. One, 2, and 3 pairs of male and female moths were introduced into 250 g Khodari date samples. Noninfested dates were used as controls. Each treatment was performed in 10 replicates. The results showed a more than 25-fold increase in the almond moth population and significant damage to the dates. The moth population in the 2 pair treatment was the highest. Moth infestation also increased microbial contamination by more than 3-fold compared with noninfested dates. The treatment of the 3 pairs of moths significantly increased the bacterial load more than 20-fold when compared to the control. The fungal contamination in the 2 and 3 pair treatments were more than 5-fold higher than that of the control. In contrast, the moth pairs did not significantly affect the sugar, protein, fiber, ash, or water contents of dates. The results suggest that infestation by a single pair of almond moths at the initial stage postharvest causes significant damage and contamination in Khodari dates. Resumen La infestacion de la polilla de la almendra en poscosecha (Cadra cautella Walker; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) es uno de los principales desafios en la produccion de los datiles Khodari. Este estudio fue una simulacion de infestaciones tempranas de la polilla de la almendra en condiciones de almacenamiento no controladas. Su objetivo era investigar los efectos de bajo niveles de infestacion de la polilla de la almendra sobre el crecimiento de la poblacion de la polilla, el dano a los datiles, la contaminacion por bacteria y hongo, y el valor nutricional de los datiles. Se introdujeron 1, 2, y 3 pares de polillas macho y hembra en muestras de datiles Khodari de 250 g. Se utilizaron datiles no infestadas como controles. Se realizo 10 repeticiones de cada tratamiento. Los resultados mostraron un aumento de mas de 25 veces en la poblacion de polillas de almendras y danos significativos en los datiles. La poblacion de polillas en el tratamiento de 2 pares fue la mas alta. La infestacion de polillas tambien aumento la contaminacion microbiana en mas de 3 veces en comparacion con los datiles no infestadas. El tratamiento de los 3 pares de polillas aumento significativamente en mas de 20 veces la carga bacteriana en comparacion con el control. La contaminacion por hongos en los tratamientos de 2 y 3 pares fue mas de 5 veces mayor que la del control. Por el contrario, los pares de polillas no afectaron significativamente el contenido de azucar, proteina, fibra, cenizas o agua de los datiles. Los resultados sugieren que la infestacion por un solo par de polillas de almendras en la etapa inicial posterior a la cosecha causa danos y contaminacion significativos en los datiles Khodari. Key Words: dates; almond moths; Cadra cautella; microbial contamination; nutrition View this article in BioOne

Spodoptera litura Fab. is an insect that damage cultivated plants in Indonesia. Efforts to control it can be done by using biological agents for example by using Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk.). Unfortunately, the Btk. is easily degraded by UV radiation. This research aimed to study the effectiveness of red and green spinach as UVB protection for Btk. and to observe the pathogenicity of Btk. formulations against armyworm. Furthermore, the sublethal effect of Btk. against S. litura was investigated. The morphology of the endospore, protein crystal, and bacterium were observed under a contrast phase microscope. The extracts at 2% (w/v) were mixed with Btk. suspensions at 5 x 104, 5x105, and 5x106 (spores/ml), respectively. The formulations then exposed under Ultraviolet B (UVB) lights for 3, 6, and 9 hours then tested against the 3rd larval instar of armyworm. The larval mortality was observed daily and the analysis of variance was analyzed by one way anova. The sublethal effects of the treatment to the pupal and adult stages were observed when the moths emerge. The results showed that the larval mortality caused by Btk. mixed with red spinach ranged from 11.7 to 26.7%. The sublethal effects of Btk. resulted in smaller sizes of pupae and imago, darker pupae, and wings abnormality of the adult stage, compared to any control treatment. The morphological observation of the bacteria showed that extracts gave UV protection against UVB. These results suggested that red and green spinach potentially can be used as a protectant for Btk. against UVB.

Nucleopolyhedrovirus is an effective biocontrol agent but for its biggest disadvantage of short persistence under sunlight conditions. In this study, 10 plant extracts were evaluated as ultraviolet (UV) protectants to improve the persistence of Spodoptera littoralis multiple-embedded nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliMNPV) against cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval). In the primary lab screening test, 5 out of 10 additives (cloves, henna, green tea, pomegranate, and grape extracts) presented a high rate of virus protection with original activity remaining (OAR) percentage of 100%, 97%, 91%, 90.6%, and 77%, respectively, when used at a concentration of 1% and exposed to UVB for a period of 1 h. A secondary screening was then performed with these best five extracts at a concentration of 0.5% and for an exposure timing of 5 h to UVB. Among these, clove and henna that showed highest protection with OAR values of 96.6% and 76.5%, respectively, were selected for the field trials. When applied on cabbage in the field during sunny summer conditions, clove and henna extracts enhanced the persistence of SpliMNPV by twofold. These findings are encouraging to be applied in the field studies.

Methyl bromide is an excellent fumigant but has been banned because it has high potential for depleting the ozone layer which leads to many environmental and human health hazard issues. In this connection, effectiveness of carbon dioxide (CO2, 99.9%) was studied as an alternative to methyl bromide under various exposure timings, 25 ± 1 °C, against different developmental stages of the almond moth, Cadra cautella, and red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. In case of C. cautella, the LT99 against adult, pupa, and larval stages was achieved after 37.5, 78.1, and 99.9 h of CO2 application, respectively. While for T. castaneum, the LT99 values were obtained after exposure timings of 29.3, 153.9, and 78.4 h against adult, pupa, and larval stages, respectively. Adults were very susceptible; in contrast, pupae and larvae were more tolerant. The susceptibility order was observed as follows: T. castaneum adult > C. cautella adult > C. cautella pupae > T. castaneum larvae > C. cautella larvae > T. castaneum pupae. This study could be useful in developing the management strategies to prevent stored dates from C. cautella and T. castaneum infestation.

Spodoptera litura Fab larvae. is a pest that is polyphagic and damaging cultivation plants in the vegetative and generative phases. Control of S. litura larvae can be done with the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis because its ability to produce protein crystal toxins and cause paralysis in digestive tract of larvae. However, Bt. Is easily degraded in environment by ultra violet (UV) light. This study uses Aloe vera L. extract as Bt. protectant. The method used to test pathogenicity of Btk. bacteria was by using skin extracts and Aloe vera gel exposed to UV light for 3 and 6 hours against second instar of S. litura larvae using 20 larvae and three replications in each treatment. The positive control used was mixture of Btk bacteria with distilled water, whereas the negative control used was only aquades. The results of this study indicate that the mortality rate of larvae in skin extracts and Aloe vera gel exposed to UV for 3 hours and 6 hours was above 50%. In UV irradiation treatment for 3 hours with Aloe vera skin extract, the highest larval death was 72% at concentration of 4.85 x 107, whereas in the skin extract and Aloe vera gel, the highest larval death was 75% at concentration of 4.85 x 107. In UV irradiation treatment for 6 hours with Aloe vera skin extract, the highest larvae mortality was 68.3% at concentration of 4.85 x 107, whereas in skin extracts and Aloe vera gel, the highest larval death was 69% at concentration of 4.85 x 107. It can be concluded that Aloe vera skin extract and gel are more effective as Btk protectants compared to Aloe vera skin extract. Btk. test has sub lethal effects on S. litura larvae, which are smaller size and shape of imago, dead pupae and abnormal imago.

One potential and useful product of Indonesia's biodiversity is fibroin which extracted from silkworm cocoons of Bombyx mori L (silk fibroin). Silk fibroin, in which has capability to fuse into the human body, is used for bone graft or wound healing dressing. In the dentistry, researchers develop silk fibroin as a dental treatment material for pulp perforation teeth case. The dental treatment material developed from silk fibroin is expected to overcome the limitation of existing materials. The purpose of this study was to determine the molecular weight and structural characteristics identification of silk fibroin as a preliminary study before being used as dental material. This research used two methods, which were sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) and Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The result showed that there was an expression of electrophoresis bands on the molecular weight of 10 – 55 kDa, while the FTIR showed the peak spectra of fibroin sample was at 3309.80 cm-1. Based on its molecular weight and structure characteristic, fibroin consists of an NH group of protein that consists of several amino acids.

Parangkusumo sand dune is a one of unique eolian ecosystem in Yogyakarta. The study on the species diversity of dragonflies in this habitat is still limited. The main purpose of this research was to observe the dragonflies species diversity in Parangkusumo sand dune, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The collection of dragonflies was done by aerial collection using sweep net. The specimens identification was done in Entomology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada based on the morphological characters of the adult stage. The results showed that there were 22 species of Odonata, including 17 dragonflies (Anisoptera) and 5 damselflies (Zygoptera). The diversity index (H’) was 2.51 which inferred medium diversity. Several species such as Anax guttatus, Lestes praemorsus and Tramea transmarina were found to be endemic species. The highest relative abundance of the species was Orthetrum sabina (21.79%) and lowest abundance of species is Orthetrum chrysis (0.14%). Parangkusumo sand dune has medium dragonfly diversity, thus it is recommended this habitat need to be conserved.

Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo is one of the unique eolian ecosystem in Yogyakarta. This place which mostly formed by dune which in the rainy season is flooded by water, thus forming a pool called wet dune slack. Damselflies (Odonata: Zygoptera) are closely related to the occurrence of water. The aim of this research is to compare the diversity of damselflies in canopied and non-canopied areas on Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The method which used in this research was the descriptive method with active exploration techniques around the wet dune slack to the vegetation formation. The result showed that there are 4 species of damselflies in canopied area and 5 species of damselflies in non-canopied area. The diversity index (H’) is 1.18 in canopied area and 1.01 in non-canopied area. The highest relative abundance of the species in canopied area is Ischnura senegalensis (45,65%) whereas in non-canopied area is Agriocnemis pygmaea (62,34%). The non-canopied areas has conditions more suitable for damselflies’s life.

Candida rugosa lipase (CRL, EC Number: 232–619-9) is a stable enzyme, and its use is relatively widespread in the field of biotechnology, especially in hydrolysis reactions, esterification, transesterification and enantioselective biotransformation. This study examined the role of CRL as a biocatalyst for L-lactide ring-opening polymerization in the production of metal-free polylactic acid (PLA). The ring-opening polymerization reaction was conducted at various temperatures (70, 90, 110 and 130 °C) and CRL concentrations (1, 2, 3 (%w/w)). The results revealed a strong relationship between PLA formation and CRL activity. The highest CRL activity was obtained in ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide at a temperature of 90 °C and concentration of 2% (w/w). Under these conditions, the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) and number-average molecular weight (Mn) of PLA analyzed by gel permeation chromatography was highest at 5428 and 2854 g/mol respectively, with a yield of 93% and the enzyme activity 0.39 U. The polymerization of lactide at 90 °C occurred only in the presence of the catalyst. The crystallinity and melting point of PLA were 31% and 120 °C, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the morphology of PLA revealed smooth and uniform pores in each region, with mass percentage of the elements carbon (C) and oxygen (O) of 52% and 48%, respectively.

Spodoptera litura Fab. is an insect that damage cultivated plants in Indonesia. Efforts to control it can be done by using biological agents for example by using Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk.). Unfortunately, the Btk. is easily degraded by UV radiation. This research aimed to study the effectiveness of red and green spinach as UVB protection for Btk . and to observe the pathogenicity of Btk . formulations against armyworm. Furthermore, the sublethal effect of Btk . against S. litura was investigated. The morphology of the endospore, protein crystal, and bacterium were observed under a contrast phase microscope. The extracts at 2% (w/v) were mixed with Btk . suspensions at 5 x 10 4 , 5x10 5 , and 5x10 6 (spores/ml), respectively. The formulations then exposed under Ultraviolet B (UVB) lights for 3, 6, and 9 hours then tested against the 3 rd larval instar of armyworm. The larval mortality was observed daily and the analysis of variance was analyzed by one way anova. The sublethal effects of the treatment to the pupal and adult stages were observed when the moths emerge. The results showed that the larval mortality caused by Btk . mixed with red spinach ranged from 11.7 to 26.7%. The sublethal effects of Btk . resulted in smaller sizes of pupae and imago, darker pupae, and wings abnormality of the adult stage, compared to any control treatment. The morphological observation of the bacteria showed that extracts gave UV protection against UVB. These results suggested that red and green spinach potentially can be used as a protectant for Btk . against UVB.

This study was conducted to study orthopterans biodiversity in the paddy fields of Sleman Regency. This research was conducted on the paddy fields of Sleman which were divided into two lines (Palagan and Cangkringan lines). The variations of altitude are 150-250 masl, 260-350 masl, 360-450 masl, and 460-550 masl. Observations were performed by purposive sampling. The environmental parameters, such as humidity, light intensity, and temperature, were measured. Diversity of orthopteran was analyzed using Shannon - Wiener index (H’) and Evenness index (E’). We found 4.417 individuals which consisted of nineteen species, sixteen genera, and five families. The most dominant species were Oxya japonica, Gesonula mundata, and P. fumosa, while Caryanda spuria, Euconocephalus pallidus, and Paratettix sp. were minor species. The highest diversity and evenness of orthopteran in Palagan line was at P4 (H’=1.836, E’ = 0,678), and in Cangkringan line was at C4 (H’=2.098, E’=0.755). The lowest diversity and evenness of orthopteran in Palagan line was at P2 (H’ = 1.141, E’ = 0.433), and in Cangkringan line was at C2 (H’ = 0.989, E’ = 0.375). Correlation value between altitudes with individuals, diversity, and evenness were -0.069, -0.676, and -0.530, consecutively.

Animal products with high fat content are generally correlated with several human diseases including coronary heart disease, hypertension and arteriosclerosis. However, some unsaturated fatty acids are considered to have pivotal role in human health. As a consequence, many studies were conducted to reduce fat and increase some unsaturated fatty acid content in animal products. This study investigated the use of phytonutrition (duckweed) as feed ingredient on fat and fatty acids composition of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata domestica L.) meat. Results showed that the use of 1% duckweed significantly increased the linoleic acid content of carcass while reducing the fat level. This result might suggest that duckweed can be used as an alternative feed ingredient to produce a healthy poultry meat.

The objective of this research was to evaluate artificial diets that can be used to successfully culture the atlas silk moth, Attacus atlas L. (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) indoors. Four plant species were evaluated as the basic component of each diet, barringtonia (Barringtonia asiatica), cheesewood (Nauclea orientalis), soursop (Annona muricata), and mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni). Evaluation of the nutritional value of each diet was determined by an analysis of the hemolymph proteins of sixth instars using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Survivorship, cocoon quality, and hemolymph protein content of larvae fed the barringtonia diet were higher than those of larvae fed mahogany-, cheesewood-, and soursop-based artificial diets. The average adult emergence of those fed the barringtonia-based diet was 74.5%. The weights of the cocoon in this treatment with the pupa and the empty cocoons were 7.0 and 1.1 g, respectively. Hemolymph of the larvae fed the barringtonia-based artificial diet had the highest concentration of protein with an average of 28.06 mg/ml. The atlas moth reared on the barringtonia-based artificial diet was comparable with those reared only on barringtonia leaves. However, the weight of empty cocoons, adult wingspan, and amount of hemolymph protein were lower than in those reared on barringtonia leaves only. This may suggest that the artificial barringtonia-based diet requires additional protein for maximum efficiency.

Palm weevils are notorious insect pests of coconut palms in Indonesia and other palm species worldwide. Indonesian palm weevils exhibiting a rusty red marking on the pronotum are classified as the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier; Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae). However, morphology-based identification and crossbreeding studies suggested that these insects are color morphs of the Asiatic palm weevil (Rhynchophorus vulneratus Panzer; Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae). The purpose of this study was to clarify the presence of undescribed color polymorphisms of the Asiatic palm weevil from Indonesia using a partial sequence of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The COIs of 107 specimens of palm weevils collected from Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan were amplified using Folmer primers. COI analysis revealed high intraspecific variability in palm weevils from Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Although Folmer primers of COI are powerful species identification tools in many taxa, they were unsuitable in this research for Indonesian palm weevils because interspecific variation was lower than intraspecific variation. This study concluded that undescribed color polymorphisms exist in the Asiatic palm weevil. The rusty red polymorphisms of the Asian palm weevil might be erroneously identified as R. ferrugineus.

Terminalia catappa leaves extract has a high content of polyphenol compounds. Polyphenol compounds inhibit the corrosion rate for mild steel. This study aimed to assess the ability of terminalia catappa leaves extract to inhibit bio-corrosion on the surface of mild steel placed in a corrosive medium of 1M sulphuric acid, and to compare this with that of tannin and sodium phosphate. The method used was the loss of weight at temperatures of 313K, 333K and 353K. It found that the inhibition efficiency was susceptible to increased temperature. The efficiency of bio-corrosion inhibition of sodium phosphate> tannin>Terminalia catappa leaves extract; that is, the ability of Terminalia catappa leaves extract to inhibit bio-corrosion was relatively lower than that of tannin and sodium phosphate. Terminalia catappa leaves extract’s inhibiting corrosion rate of mild steel was very good at 333K and 1250 ppm concentration, with an efficiency inhibition of 64%. The adsorption mechanism is a Langmuir isotherm, and the process is endothermic and spontaneous.

Intercropping kayu putih ( Melaleuca cajuputi ) has more advantage than other tree crops, such as teak, pine or acacia due to the beneficial intercropping season length. Soybean was intercropped with kayu putih because soybean has higher commercial value than other field crops. The survey-based research was conducted during March until May, 2014 in Menggoran Forest Resort, Playen Forest Section, Yogyakarta Forest Management District. Stratified random sampling method was used during the research by stratifying the types of soil stratification (alfisol and vertisol), rainfall and declivity then was made into 7 land mapping unit (LMU) with map overlay technique. Agronomic characters of soybean were observed on 12 weeks after planting (wap) and the physiological data were observed during the maximum vegetative phase (8 wap). Agronomic and physiological characters of soybean in each LMU were grouped and statistically tested with analysis of variance (ANOVA) then continued with orthogonal contrasts (alpha 5%). The results showed that some characters of soybean planted in alfisol had higher value than in vertisol, especially on leaf area, photosynthetic rate, root and canopy weight, 100 grain weight and grain weight per plant. The agronomic and physiological characters of soybean which had significant effects on yield in the intercropping with kayu putih system were stomatal density, stomatal conductivity, photosynthetic rate, and leaf area. Soybean intercropped with kayu putih produced 1.007 tons/ha in alfisol and 0.996 tons/ha in vertisol. Soybean development in intercropping system of kayu putih can be conducted by using soybean varieties superior effort.

The added value of the waste of Rama shrimp (Thalassina anomala) carapace could be increased by extracting it to be a chitosan through the stages of demineralization, deproteination and deacetylation. The aim of the research was to determine the ability of chitosan extracted from the carapace to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Chitosan extracted from the shrimp carapace was showing its chemical characteristics, namely: the content of water 6.74%, ash 4.13%, nitrogen 7.5%, and deacetylation degree 71%. Chitosan was dissolved in 1% acetic acid. Antibacterial activity testing was carried out by using the well diffusion method, conducted by addition of chitosan at varied concentration (0%, 1%, 2%, 4% and 6%). The results showed that the chitosan had an ability to be antibacterial against Salmonella thypi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. It was indicated by the clear zones formed around the well. The clear zone formed was indicating that the chitosan extracted from the carapace could inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria at a concentration of 1 %. The average of inhibition zone diameter for each bacterium was 11.54 mm, 11.46 mm, 7.78 mm, and 9.84 mm, respectively.

Hydrodeoxygenation of palm oil and Jatropha curcas oil over NiMo/ZAL (nickel molybdenum/zeolit alam Lampung) catalyst was investigated under temperatures of 375°C and 400°C and H2 pressure of 15 bar in a semibatch stirred autoclave reactor. NiMo/ZAL catalyst was prepared using a rapid cooling method. NiMo/ZAL characterization revealed a crystal size of 70.07 nm, surface area of 12.25 m2/g, and pore size and pore volume of 9.83 Å and 0.0062 cm3/g, respectively. The hydrodeoxygenation removal pathway of palm oil and Jatropha curcas oil over NiMo/ZAL catalyst was primarily achieved through decarboxylation. Under hydrogen pressure of 15 bar and temperature of 375°C, palm oil and Jatropha curcas oil can be converted into paraffin chains (from n-C15 up to n-C18) by a decarboxylation reaction that produces water, methane, and COx gases as byproducts and contains some undesirable reactions. These byproducts can produce alkene bonds that form chains different from those in conventional diesel fuel. The conversion was 80.87%, selectivity was 52.78%, and yield was 45.66%. The hydrodeoxygenation reaction catalyzed by NiMo/ZAL catalyst was found to be suitable for removing oxygen and producing paraffin chains; this increased the heating value and stability of renewable diesel fuel.

This research was aimed to know the morphologic and physiologic characteristics and corn plant production as forage on alfisol and vertisol soil at Kayuputih intercropping system. Supporting forage supply is one of goals in forest for food/feed program, and it significantly showed at Kayuputih (Melaleuca leucadendron Linn) intercropping system. Kayuputih intercropping system of corn was planted particularly at the 3rd rotation (May-July). The research performed by a strip plot design, soil type was the main plot, and the interface zone (IZ) was the secondary plot. Interface zone was 1 m (IZ-1), 2 m (IZ-2), and 3 m (IZ-3) distance from the Kayuputih plantation row. Growth and physiologic data was analyzed using Bartlette to obtain data homogenity, followed by analysis of variance and DMRT at 5% degree of confidence, data transformation was performed when needed. Contrast orthogonal (5%) test was used to do the grouping based on soil type. Biplot technique as a development from the multivariate technique was performed to determine the stability of IZ treatment toward result. Forage potency on alfisol was higher (5.04 ton/ha) than on vertisol (4.04 ton/ha). Interaction between the IZ and soil type was found at several variables: number of stomata, stomatal aperture width, proline content, plant growth rate on 3-6 wap, net assimilation rate on 3-6 wap, fresh root weight on 3 wap, root dry weight on 3 wap, fresh canopy weight on 6 wap and canopy dry weight on 6 wap. The highest level of corn forage production was IZ-3 on alfisol soil (1.26 ton/ha) and the lowest production was IZ-1 on vertisol soil (0.73 ton/ha).

Serious outbreaks of oriental migratory locusts, #Locusta migratoria manilensis# (Meyen 1835), were reported on different islands of the Indonesian archipelago during the rainy season of 1997-98, especially in southern Sumatra. In the long term, the intensive deforestation that has been under way over the last 20 years is certainly partially responsible for these outbreaks. The drought that prevailed in the region in 1997 also seems to be a major recent factor that prompted these outbreaks. (Author's abstract)