IPB University’s Biological Dome Technology Effectively Repels Massive Rice Stem Borer Infestations

Just as the “iron dome” is used to intercept missile attacks in the Middle East, the Faculty of Agriculture at IPB University has a biological dome capable of warding off plant pest infestations.

The biological dome is a bio-intensive integrated pest management (PHT) technology for rice developed by Prof Suryo Wiyono, Professor of Plant Protection, and his team.

“This bio intensive rice PHT technology works like a biological dome, it makes the plants and their ecosystem resistant to pest or disease outbreaks,” said Prof Suryo, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at IPB University. 

The biological dome proved effective in warding off an infestation of stem borers in a 10 hectare rice field in Ciasem District, Subang—amid a massive migration of these pests in late August 2026 across hundreds of hectares of crops in the surrounding harvested areas.

In practice, this technology integrates a number of components, ranging from seed immunization using superior strains of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and endophytic fungi, the addition of organic matter, a reduction in pesticide use (70%), to a reduction in fertilizer use (15–30%).

“Thanks to PGPR and endophyte inoculation, the plants become more resilient. The ecosystem is also resilient because the communities of predators and natural enemies are abundant,” explained Prof Suryo.

Mad Anwar, Chairman of the Ciasem Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for Agriculture, believes the technology should be widely adopted because it has shown excellent results. 

H Syamsul, a farmer in Ciasem who has been applying this technology for three growing seasons, said, “The results consistently show greater pest resistance and higher yields. This IPB technology should be implemented on a large scale”.

According to Prof Suryo, the implementation of bio-intensive rice farming in Ciasem is a form of PHT development that prioritizes plant health and ecosystem balance as crucial aspects of agricultural management. 

“Hopefully, this technology can be developed more widely as an alternative method for controlling stem borers while also increasing rice production productivity and efficiency,” he said. (*/Rz) (IAAS/STD)