Powdery mildew in melon plants is one of the common challenges farmers face in preventing crop failure. Caused by the fungus Podosphaera xanthii, this disease spreads easily and is difficult to control in the field, while the continuous use of pesticides risks environmental pollution and adverse health effects.
In response to this issue, Putri Nabila Naziroh, a student of the Master’s Program in Phytopathology at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted research on controlling powdery mildew in melon plants through a more environmentally friendly approach. She explored the use of ultraviolet B (UVB) light as an alternative method of disease control.
“I chose this topic because it is very interesting to explore. Moreover, UVB comes from light that we naturally receive from the sun,” said Putri on Tuesday (5/5).
She revealed that her research process was often marked by setbacks, particularly due to technical challenges. Putri explained that the method she studied is relatively new and has not yet been mastered. Nevertheless, support from her academic supervisors and a supportive circle of friends motivated her to persevere and complete her research toward the end of her studies.
“I believe that every difficulty comes with ease. That ease can come from people around us who continue to support us during difficult times,” she explained.
Although her thesis research was still in its early stages, it enabled Putri to complete her master’s degree with a perfect GPA of 4.00, the highest among graduates at the postgraduate commencement held on April 22-23 at Grha Sabha Pramana. The average cumulative GPA of the 1,388 master’s graduates in this period reached 3.75.
Behind this remarkable achievement, Putri admitted that the journey was not always easy. According to her, the experience of pursuing graduate studies also shaped a new perspective on academic responsibility. Her efforts ranged from learning research methods to traveling back and forth between campus and other cities to complete her research. She noted that these moments served as a reminder that every choice must be pursued to completion.
“Whatever we start, we must strive to finish,” she said.
Putri emphasized that achieving the highest GPA was not her primary goal. Instead, she was more interested in understanding how the knowledge she gained could be applied in real life. She added that the learning process itself is the most valuable part to remember in the future.
“What matters most is not just the GPA, but how the knowledge we gain can benefit others and the surrounding environment,” she said.
Putri also shared a message for students who are currently striving to complete their studies: remain consistent and enjoy the process. She believes that every effort, no matter how small, will lead to satisfying results in the end.
“Everything we start will eventually be completed, so take it step by step and enjoy the process,” she concluded.
Author: Diyana Khairunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumar
Photo: Courtesy of Putri Nabila