Cereals–soybean intercropping is not well studied, despite the importance of these crops in increasing agricultural profitability and ensuring nutritional and food security in Southeast Asia. We compared different intercropping practices (IPs) with monocropping practices (MPs) for their yield and economic performance by small-scale farms without mechanization. The treatments were IPs of rice–maize, rice–soybean, or maize–soybean compared with MPs of rice, maize, or soybean as sole crops, across three provinces in the rainfed areas of western Indonesia with a wet climate. Our results show that the yield advantages using the land equivalent ratio of the IPs were 44% for rice–maize, 54% for rice–soybean, and 63% for maize–soybean compared to MPs. Rice equivalent yield, maize equivalent yield, and the gross margin under IPs were significantly higher per cycle than under MPs; IPs provided a substantially lower cost of production and of paid workers. Compared to just rice, there were additional net return gains of USD 160 and USD 203 ha⁻¹ per cycle under rice–maize and rice–soybean intercropping. Maize–soybean intercropping resulted in an additional net return gain of USD 153 ha⁻¹ compared to just maize. These results suggest there is considerable potential for small farmers to increase their yields and profits by intercropping in rainfed areas with a wet climate.

The potency and challenges of sorghum development in tidal swamplands in Indonesia have yet to be well studied. Thus, our study is the first to evaluate the land suitability, economic performance, and strategies for developing sorghum in the tidal swamplands in Central Kalimantan. We use the land suitability evaluation method, a gross margin and profit analysis, a break-even analysis, and a competitive analysis as the methods for assessing the potency and utilization of sorghum in this study. As a tool for decision-making, SWOT was also used, followed by a quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM) analysis. The results show that 578,511 ha of arable land is suitable for sorghum development. Economically, sorghum farming can generate IDR 12,894,000 per ha with a revenue-cost ratio of 1.72; the break-even price would be IDR 2447 per kg, around 42% lower than the current market price. Sorghum is also more competitive than cassava (Q = 0.76), sweet potato (Q = 0.58), and soybeans (Q = 0.61) and less competitive than maize (Q = 1.33). Based on the QSPM analysis, five alternative strategies were obtained for developing sorghum in tidal swamplands: (1) optimization of productivity; (2) improvement in the quality of human resources for farmers; (3) facilitation of partnership cooperation; (4) application of site-specific technology; and (5) optimization of waste utilization. These strategies show that the expansion of sorghum planting has potential in the tidal swamplands and economic value for the community.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important agricultural commodity in Indonesia. The combination of stability analysis on yields was considered accurate in selecting superior genotypes. The objectives of this study were as follows: identify the effects of genotypes, the environment, and their interactions (GEIs) on the yields of Fe-tolerant rice; select superior genotypes (stable and high yields) under diverse environment conditions in Indonesia; and determine the mega-environments (MEs) and representative environments for Fe-tolerant rice development. Fifteen genotypes of Fe-tolerant rice were used for this study. Field experiments were conducted at six experimental fields in Indonesia using a randomized block design with two replications. A combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the effect of genotypes, the environment, and their interactions on Fe-tolerant rice yields. Parametric, non-parametric, AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction), GGE biplot, and SI (sustainability index) measurements were used to determine the superior genotypes. GGE biplot was also used to determine MEs and representative environments. The measurement results showed that genotypes, the environment, and their interactions significantly affected rice yields with contributions of 13.30%, 35.78%, and 50.92%, respectively. One superior Fe-tolerant rice genotype (stable and high yield) was selected based on all measurements, namely G4 (B14316E-KA-4). In this experiment, two MEs were generated. Lampung was identified as a representative environment for the development of superior genotypes. The results of this study can be used as a consideration in the release and development of new superior varieties of Fe-tolerant rice in Indonesia.

Toxic candlenut (Reutealis trisperma) is an important plantation commodity that serves as barrier to prevent erosion, as main material for bio-pesticides and as renewable source of biofuel production. It has been studied that toxic candlenut development in post-mining field can restore soil structure while also influencing environment surrounding, including insects. The study examined insect diversity in theR. trispermaplantation aged ±7 years in Bajawa field, East Nusa Tenggara from July 2018 until February 2019. Insect were collected by installed malaise traps, yellow traps, and pitfall traps in 5 different plots A, B, C, D, and E for 24 hours. Collected insects were then identified in the laboratory using identification book. The results showed there were 13 orders of insects were collected by traps. The diversity index (H’) of insect in the area were 4.053; 3.305; 3.521; 2.973 and 2.611 while the Evenness index (E) of insect were 0.872; 0.836; 0.780; 0.665 and 0.614 respectively. Insect diversity in the Bajawa plantation was high and the dominan individual was Hymenopteran and Dipteran. Several insects were inR. trispermaplant, as herbivores, predators, parasitoids, and pollinators. Further research is needed to determine each family of insect’s role in theR. trispermaplantation.

Background Sorghum has potential as a source of material for food, bioenergy, and animal feed, making it a worthy candidate for promotion. This cereal thrives in regions characterized by low moisture and dry conditions. To address the diminishing availability of arable dry land, it may be necessary to explore the cultivation of sorghum in tidal swamplands and sandy soils. Methods Twelve sorghum varieties were evaluated in tidal swamplands during the rainy and dry seasons, as well as in sandy soil during the dry season, using two levels of organic fertilizers to create six test environments. The experiments were arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replications. To choose sorghum varieties with features that closely resemble an idealized sorghum variety, the Multi-trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) was utilized. Simultaneously, genotype plus genotype-environment interaction (GGE) biplots were employed to determine the best circumstances for choosing broadly adaptable varieties that exhibit desirable features, as well as to find varieties that thrive environmental contexts. Results Based on the MGIDI ranking on the average across environment, two varieties, i.e., Numbu and Kawali were selected. However selected varieties in each environment were differed due to significant variety-environment interaction. In terms of grain weight, the Soper 7 Agritan variety exhibits adaptability across diverse environments, while the Numbu variety likewise demonstrates versatility in various environmental conditions. When evaluating forage yield, several adaptable varieties have emerged. Tidal swamplands treated with a high application of organic fertilizer, as well as sandy soils, provide optimal environments for selecting broadly adaptable varieties that focus on both grain and forage yields. Conclusion Adaptable varieties differ for various groups of environments and different traits under consideration. Optimal environments for identifying broadly adaptable varieties varied by trait. The MGIDI proves to be a valuable tool for selecting varieties based on multiple traits. In parallel, the GGE biplots effectively identifies adaptable varieties based on individual traits.

Hypothenemus hampei is the major pest on a coffee plantation invested coffee berry in the field then unwittingly carried to storage. The aim of this research was to evaluate the potential of coconut shell wood vinegar and essential oils to control H. hampei. The research conducted in the Pest and Disease Laboratory of IIBCRI and Pakuwon Experimental Field started from January until December 2018. The test of clove oil and citronella oil residue conducted at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days after treatment (DAT) at a concentration of 2%; 3%; 4%; 5%; control (aquadest) and α-cyhalothrin insecticides (2 ml/l), respectively. Each treatment used 15 adults of H. hampei replicated 3 times. Coconut shell wood vinegar formulated into 2 formulas. Each formula was applied with different essential oil concentrations as 6 treatments and replicated 4 times. Result showed that the botanical insecticide formula of coconut shell wood vinegar + 5% clove oil caused mortality of H. hampei until 80 - 95%, and coconut shell wood vinegar + 5% citronella oil caused mortality of H. hampei reached 73.34 - 88.33%. Overall, the best botanical insecticide formula is a combination of coconut shell wood vinegar + clove oil.