Promoting Sustainable Agriculture, KKNT Innovation Team from IPB University Encourages Farmers to Use Biological Agents for Pest Control
IPB University students participating in the Thematic Real Work Lecture (KKNT) Innovation program in Margamulya Village, Tegal Regency, Central Java, held a workshop on the “Utilization of Biological Agents for Pest Control” for local farmers. The event took place on Sunday (28/7) at the Margamulya Village Hall.
The KKNT Innovation team from IPB University, under the guidance of Dr Asep Tata Permana, developed this program based on field surveys and discussions with farmers.
“Farmers in the joint farmers group (gapoktan) reported damage to their rice crops caused by pests such as brown planthopper, green leafhopper, and rice ear bug,” said Wulandari, a member of the KKNT Innovation team and a student of the Faculty of Agriculture at IPB University.
She also noted that the field survey revealed symptoms of tungro disease in rice, caused by the green leafhopper, which acts as a vector for the tungro virus. This was evident from the stunted rice plants, yellowing leaves, brown roots, and a reduced number of rice tillers.
Fathan M Azzaini, another IPB University student from the Faculty of Agriculture, emphasized the need for effective and environmentally friendly pest control methods, such as using biological agents like the fungus Beauveria bassiana as a bioinsecticide.
“Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus capable of killing various types and stages of insects, including eggs, nymphs/larvae, and adults. Using biological agents as insecticides provides an environmentally friendly solution for pest control compared to chemical pesticides,” Fathan explained.
He added that the KKNT Innovation students’ initiative supports sustainable agriculture by avoiding residues that can harm the environment.
Fathan further elaborated that the program aims to educate and train farmers on how to utilize biological agents, such as Beauveria bassiana fungus, as bioinsecticides.
“This bioinsecticide is expected to address pest problems in crops and support sustainable agriculture. The bioinsecticide-making program is a tangible contribution from IPB University students in addressing the challenges faced by farmers in Margamulya Village,” he added.
The bioinsecticide-making workshop was directly led by IPB University students from the Faculty of Agriculture. The materials needed to produce the bioinsecticide include potatoes, Beauveria bassiana fungal isolate, an aerator, and sugar.
The bioinsecticide is made using a fermentation medium of potato sugar extract (EKG). The process begins with boiling the potatoes and mixing them with sugar to provide a nutrient source for the fungus.
Next, the Beauveria bassiana fungal isolate is inoculated into the EKG mixture. It is then stored in a container connected to an aerator and left for 5-7 days for fungal fermentation. The application dosage is 250 ml of bioinsecticide in a sprayer containing 15 liters of water, applied in the late afternoon.
Fathan reported that the farmers were very enthusiastic about the training and actively asked questions about how to make bioinsecticides. He hopes the program will bring tangible benefits to the farmers.
“With the knowledge and skills gained, they should be able to make bioinsecticides at home and apply them in support of sustainable agriculture,” he concluded.
Wamin, the leader of the Margamulya Village Gapoktan, expressed his gratitude to the KKNT Innovation team from IPB University for assisting the farmers.
“I am grateful to the KKNT Innovation team from IPB University for implementing this program. It is very useful because farmers need to know how to control pests using biological agents, which offer many advantages and hopefully benefit the farmers,” said Wamin. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
