Rice is a major source of carbohydrates worldwide. As the global population increases, its annual consumption also increases. Using the high-quality seeds, rice productivity can be enhanced. However, increasing seed access and availability is a major concern. This study aimed to map rice seed production and distribution in Indonesia and determine the challenges. It was carried out in 10 provinces in Indonesia from May to December 2022. These provinces are the centers of rice production in Indonesia. Primary (survey, focus group discussion, and key informant interviews) and secondary data collection methods were used. Results showed that producer capacity and production are closely related to institutional type, where legal institutions are more powerful in terms of knowledge, competency, and market. Almost all seed producers produced the extension seed class. The specific locations, agroecology, and rice consumer preferences affected the variety produced. Seeds were produced with good management, as shown by the adequacy of information types and sources. Furthermore, a free market is a sustainable strategy for selling seeds. The main challenges for seed rice production and distribution in Indonesia include encouraging appropriate resource management and planning (human, infrastructure, and financial) in the seed sector and increasing the linkage of seed stakeholders, such as research institutions, seed certification agencies, producers, and the government. A rapid and appropriate response to these challenges can increase seed availability for producers.

Indonesia has a large cassava diversity, but the tolerant cultivars on drought areas have not been well recorded. Candidate mapping can begin with morphological and physiological characterization. This study aimed to map cassava’s genetic diversity, determining the key phenotype to distinguish genotypes, physiological adaptation, and high-yield candidates under environmental stress. A total of 29 genotypes were clustered into 5 groups. A specific group for genotype from same site was not found. The differences and relations among genotypes were very clear, demonstrating cassava’s genetic diversity in Indonesia. The key group characteristics are upward petiole orientation (G1), nine lobes (G2), prominent foliar scars (G3), winding lobe (G4), and elliptic-lanceolate (G5). A total of 19 genotypes had a number of storage root >10 storage roots, 20 genotypes had a weight of storage root >2 kg/plant, and 3 genotypes had >4 kg/plant. Morphological and physiological trait determination is relevant to contribute to high-yield cassava breeding in dry areas. The morphological characteristics of well-adapted plants were plant height, lobe characteristics, and petiole orientation, while the physiological traits were chlorophyll index, transpiration rate, and photosynthesis rate.

Corm type correlates with corm size, which affects longevity and early growth in the field. Seed storage after harvesting is important to preserve viability and vigor. This study was conducted to determine the correlation between the corm type and storage period on corm deterioration, storage, vigor, and growth in the field. A factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was arranged, with the corm size (i.e., corm and cormels) and the storage period (i.e., 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks). Corms undergo color changes faster than cormels do. The weight and diameter decreased by more than 10–30% after 4 weeks, while the length decreased by more than 10% after 6 weeks, and even the hardness decreased by 50% compared to that at 0 weeks. Corms were stored for 6 weeks, when the weight loss was lower than that of cormels. The corm sprouted after 2 weeks of storage. Corm resulted in a higher sprouting percentage than cormels. The corm type did not have a significant effect on growth vigor, but corm resulted in higher growth vigor than cormels after storage. The storage period leads to growth vigor loss. Weight, length, and diameter loss were positively correlated with sprouting and negatively correlated with hardness and growth vigor. This research recommends that the storage period of taro tubers before planting should be less than six weeks to optimize growth in the field.

Perubahan iklim dan keberlanjutan merupakan tantangan besar dalam produksi pangan, yang didominasi sumber pangan biji-bijian yang rentan terhadap perubahan iklim. Sumber karbohidrat umbi dianggap lebih tahan dan mudah beradaptasi dengan tantangan tersebut. Talas merupakan salah satu potensi besar untuk memenuhi kebutuhan pangan dengan nilai gizi yang tinggi. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi pengaruh penambahan dosis bahan organik terhadap karakter morfologi talas, dan hubungan karakter morfologi dan umbi yang dihasilkan, serta menentukan dosis yang tepat untuk budidaya talas di Indonesia. Penelitian menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap faktor tunggal yaitu dosis bahan organik, dengan lima ulangan. Dosis bahan organik terdiri dari 4 taraf yaitu 0,25 kg tanaman-1, 0,5 kg tanaman-1, 0,75 kg tanaman-1, dan 1 kg tanaman-1. Bahan organik (BO) meningkatkan pertumbuhan vegetatif, umbi atribut dan produksi bibit. BO meningkatkan pertumbuhan vegetatif kuantitatif. Dosis sekitar 0,5 - 1 kg lubang-1 diidentifikasi sebagai dosis yang tepat untuk pertumbuhan vegetatif, umbi atribut dan produksi bibit talas. Ada korelasi positif antara pertumbuhan vegetatif, atribut umbi dan produksi bibit. Tinggi tanaman, ukuran daun, dan diameter batang sangat penting untuk menentukan perkembangan umbi, dan selanjutnya menyebabkan tingginya produksi bibit.

The utilization of NPK fertilizer specifically formulated to meet the requirements of maize plants can contribute to improved nutrient absorption efficiency and maximized growth and yield. Choosing NPK fertilizer with a suitable nutrient content is a critical aspect in attaining optimal maize productivity. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of inorganic NPK 12-10-22 fertilizer on the growth and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L.). This study was conducted from November 2022 to February 2023 at the Sawah Baru Experimental Garden, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor, West Java. The study was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The fertilizer dose treatments consisted of six levels: without the tested fertilizer application (Control), Standard NPK fertilizer as a comparison (Standard NPK), 0.5 doses of NPK 12-10-22 (0.5 NPK), 1.0 dose of NPK 12-10-22 (1.0 NPK), 1.5 doses of NPK 12-10-22 (1.5 NPK), and 2.0 doses of NPK 12-10-22 (2.0 NPK). The application of 0.5 to 2.0 doses of inorganic NPK 12-10-22 fertilizer was able to produce growth characteristics, yield components, and yields of sweet corn plants that were equally as good as the standard treatment. The application of 2.0 doses of NPK 12-10-22 fertilizer even resulted in significantly higher cob weight and cob weight without husk compared to the standard dose. The application of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 doses of inorganic NPK 12-10-22 fertilizer produced RAE (Relative Agronomic Efficiency) values ≥ 95%, namely 111%, 104%, and 125% for sweet corn plants. The recommended dose of NPK 12-10-22 fertilizer is 545.5 kg per hectare, accompanied by 161 kg of urea, 48 kg of SP-36, and 80 kg of KCl per ha.