A research team from the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Agriculture UGM), in collaboration with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), has agreed to work together on plant protection research, specifically the application of nuclear technology to control fruit flies, one of the primary pests affecting horticultural commodities. Export markets for horticultural products are often disrupted due to pest infestations.
Dr. Suputa, Head of the Master’s Program in Plant Pest Science at Agriculture UGM, stated that the collaboration will focus on strengthening the competitiveness of local horticultural commodities, particularly salak pondoh, a fruit that has become an icon of Yogyakarta.
“Fruit fly infestations have been a serious barrier to Indonesian fruit exports,” said Dr. Suputa during a visit from BRIN researchers at the Joglo, Agriculture UGM, on Saturday (Aug. 23).
He recalled a case in 2016 when salak exported to Australia was destroyed after fruit fly larvae were detected.
Since then, Australia has refused imports of salak from the Yogyakarta region.
According to Dr. Suputa, nuclear technology can effectively eliminate fruit fly eggs and larvae inside the fruit.
“We hope partner countries will accept our fruit products,” he explained.
Dr. Suputa emphasized that the greatest expectation from this collaboration is to increase the country’s foreign exchange through the export sector while ensuring the sustainability of local fruits.
“This collaboration represents an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary effort, avoiding sectoral egos. The main goal is shared benefit, particularly improving the welfare of farmers,” he said.
He added that this research could become a productive first step in building stronger research synergy, particularly in the application of phytosanitary measures and the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) based on nuclear technology, which will enhance food safety and the competitiveness of Indonesia’s horticultural commodities.
A representative from BRIN, Murni Indarwatmi, highlighted the significant potential of nuclear technology in plant protection, especially in post-harvest processes to meet export standards.
“The potential is enormous. For the post-harvest stage, the use of irradiation, especially for fruits, serves as a phytosanitary treatment. Radiation can penetrate the fruit and kill hidden fruit fly eggs and larvae,” she explained.
However, Indarwatmi acknowledged the challenges posed by public perceptions of nuclear technology, often associated with bombs or reactor accidents.
“In fact, irradiation leaves no radioactive residue on the product. The dosage is small and safe, ensuring that exported fruits are free from pests,” Indarwatmi concluded.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwna
Photographer: Salwa