After more than ten years of collaboration, the UGM Faculty of Agriculture (Agriculture UGM) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) organized an International Training Workshop at the AGLC Building, Agriculture UGM, from May 28 to 30, 2024. Participants from Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia attended the event.
The workshop series included a Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) Identification Workshop, focusing on nematode studies. Professor Siwi Indarti, the lead researcher for the root-knot nematode research project, emphasized the need for accurate and precise identification to enhance effective management and prevent nematode spread to other areas.
“After establishing a long-term collaboration in various fields with ACIAR, this nematode research is the first of its kind, as we believe nematodes significantly impact agricultural crop production,” she explained during the discussion.
Dr. Anthony Barry Pattison, Senior Principal Nematologist from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of Queensland, explained that the workshop aimed to disseminate knowledge and train all researchers involved in identifying root-knot nematodes using various techniques.
“We will train all participants in applying traditional morphological and molecular techniques,” he clarified.
Dr. Pattison expressed hope that through this workshop, researchers from each country could apply nematode identification techniques in their respective countries and gain a deeper understanding of nematodes. He believes this will increase food security awareness, as a healthy agricultural ecosystem ensures optimal crop productivity.
The subsequent workshop focused on controlling fruit flies in mangoes through the area-wide management (AWM) system, an ongoing project since 2017.
Professor Andi Trisyono, the lead researcher, noted that this workshop marked the culmination of the research project, which is officially scheduled to conclude in August. However, the Faculty of Agriculture and ACIAR have already planned a continuation project for the next five years.
“Currently, together with ACIAR, we have planned a follow-up project, and its proposal is in the final stage for decision-making,” Professor Trisyono stated.
He added that student involvement in this research project focused on two master’s students who received research funding support from ACIAR.
These students are from the Master’s Program in Plant Pest Science: Valentina Erline, who is researching “Diversity and Abundance of Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Three Different Ecosystems in Sleman, Yogyakarta,” and Riya Fatma Sari, who is studying “Decision Making of Pesticide Use by Mango Farmers Practicing Large-scale Integrated Pest Management and Conventional Farmers.”
Dr. Stefano de Faveri, project leader at ACIAR, emphasized the importance of researching fruit fly control due to its significant impact on farmers’ mango fruit production. He mentioned that similar fruit fly research projects are underway in Asia-Pacific.
“Effective fruit fly control can lead to increased fruit production and broader export opportunities,” he emphasized.
Mikayla Hyland-Wood, a research officer in horticulture, represented ACIAR at the workshop. Hyland-Wood highlighted UGM’s crucial role as a partner in collaboration with ACIAR, mainly due to UGM’s significant involvement in field research that directly affects Indonesian farmers.
Reportage: Agriculture UGM
Author: Triya Andriyani