Research Project

Shallots are one of the most important kitchen ingredients in Indonesia. They are used almost every day, not only as a spice but also as a crop with high economic value for farmers. As demand continues to rise, farmers need practical ways to maintain and increase shallot production without depending too heavily on synthetic inputs.

A study published in Yuzuncu Yil University Journal of Agricultural Sciences explored one promising solution: beneficial fungi. These are fungi that can support plant growth, improve root activity, help plants absorb nutrients, and in some cases protect crops from pests or disease. The researchers tested four shallot varieties—Maserati, Sanren F1, Lokananta, and Tuk-Tuk—combined with four types of beneficial fungi: Trichoderma asperellum, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Glomus sp. The fungi were applied at three doses: 0, 7, and 14 g.

The results showed that variety selection was very important. Among the tested varieties, Tuk-Tuk stood out for several production traits. It produced the tallest plants, largest bulb diameter, heaviest fresh and dry bulb weight, and highest yield per hectare. Sanren F1 showed strength in leaf number and stomatal density, while Lokananta had the largest stomatal opening area.

The type of fungus also mattered. Beauveria bassiana produced the highest average plant height, while Trichoderma asperellum supported the highest number of leaves. For yield, some combinations were especially promising. Sanren F1 combined with Glomus sp. produced the highest yield per hectare, while Tuk-Tuk with a 7 g fungal application also showed very high production. This means that beneficial fungi are not “one-size-fits-all.” Their effect depends on the shallot variety and the application dose.

Interestingly, the full interaction among variety, fungus type, and dose was significant only for chlorophyll index. The best chlorophyll response appeared in Maserati treated with Metarhizium anisopliae at 7 g. Chlorophyll is important because it helps plants capture light and produce energy through photosynthesis.

This research supports Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. Using beneficial fungi can help promote healthier soil biology, reduce excessive reliance on synthetic agricultural inputs, and support more sustainable crop production. These fungi act as natural partners in the farming system, helping plants grow while maintaining ecological balance.

The main message is clear: better shallot farming is not only about fertilizer or variety alone. It is about finding the right combination of plant genetics and biological support. Beneficial fungi, when matched with suitable varieties, can become a practical tool for improving shallot production while protecting land-based agricultural ecosystems.

For many shallot farmers, good production begins with good planting material. Traditionally, shallots are grown from bulbs, but this method requires a large amount of planting material and may carry diseases from one season to the next. True shallot seed offers a promising alternative because it needs less planting material, is easier to transport, and can produce healthier crops. However, seed-grown shallots also bring a challenge: seedlings need a nursery period before transplanting, and weak seedlings may not survive well in the field.

A study published in the Journal of Agriculture Faculty of Ege University investigated a simple question: can pruning improve the growth of shallot seedlings grown from seeds? The researchers tested three shallot varieties, Sanren F1, Lokananta, and Maserati, and compared three pruning frequencies. Seedlings were pruned once at 25 days after sowing, twice at 25 and 30 days, or three times at 25, 30, and 35 days. The pruning method was simple: about 25% of the leaf length was cut in the morning using scissors.

The results showed that pruning mattered. Seedlings pruned three times had better growth than those pruned once or twice. They produced more leaves, thicker pseudostems, longer roots, more root tips, and higher fresh and dry seedling weight. In practical terms, repeated pruning helped seedlings become stronger both above and below the soil surface.

The response also depended on the variety. Maserati produced the highest number of leaves and root tips. Lokananta had the largest pseudostem diameter and the heaviest fresh and dry seedling weight. Sanren F1 produced the longest roots. These differences show that genetics still play an important role, but pruning can improve seedling performance across varieties.

Why can cutting leaves make seedlings stronger? Pruning may encourage new leaf growth and help balance the relationship between shoots and roots. When seedlings have better root development, they may absorb water and nutrients more effectively after transplanting. A thicker pseudostem may also help seedlings become more robust before they are moved to the field.

This research supports Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty. For smallholder farmers, stronger seedlings can mean fewer losses after transplanting, better crop establishment, and more reliable production. A simple nursery practice such as scheduled pruning does not require expensive equipment, making it suitable for practical use by farmers and seedling producers.

The main message is clear: sometimes a small cut can lead to stronger growth. By pruning shallot seedlings three times during the nursery period, farmers may produce healthier seedlings that are better prepared for field conditions. Better seedlings can become the first step toward better harvests and more stable farmer livelihoods.

A good melon harvest does not begin when fruits appear. It begins much earlier, in the nursery, when a small seed becomes a seedling. At this stage, the growing medium is more than just something that holds the plant upright. It supplies water, air, nutrients, and space for roots to grow. If the medium is poor, seedlings may look weak before they ever reach the field.

A study published in Italus Hortus examined how different growing media affect the growth and quality of melon seedlings. The researchers tested seven media: soil, rice husk biochar, compost, soil mixed with rice husk biochar, soil mixed with compost, compost mixed with rice husk biochar, and a mixture of soil, compost, and rice husk biochar. Melon seedlings of the ‘Golden Langkawi F1’ variety were grown for 21 days after sowing without additional fertilizer.

The results showed that no single medium was best for every growth trait. Soil mixed with rice husk biochar produced the tallest seedlings, with an average height of 16.5 cm. It also supported the longest roots, reaching 31.5 cm, and produced high fresh shoot weight. This suggests that adding rice husk biochar to soil can improve the growing environment, especially by supporting root extension and early shoot growth.

Compost mixed with rice husk biochar gave the best results for total leaf area, root volume, and fresh biomass. Larger leaves are important because they help seedlings capture more light and produce more energy through photosynthesis. Better root volume also means the seedling has a stronger underground system to absorb water and nutrients.

However, when overall seedling quality was considered, compost alone gave the best performance. It produced the highest dry biomass and the highest seedling quality index. This quality index is important because it combines several traits, including shoot and root balance, rather than looking at only one measurement. In simple terms, compost produced seedlings that were not just big, but better balanced and potentially more ready for transplanting.

This finding is practical for farmers and nursery operators. Strong seedlings can reduce transplant shock, improve field establishment, and support better crop performance later. Choosing the right medium is therefore not a small technical detail; it is a key decision in melon production.

This research supports Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. Using organic materials such as compost and rice husk biochar can help recycle agricultural waste, improve nursery practices, and support more sustainable plant production. Instead of depending only on soil, farmers can use locally available organic materials to build healthier seedling systems.

The message is clear: better melons start with better roots. Compost and rice husk biochar are not just waste materials; when used wisely, they can become valuable tools for producing stronger, healthier melon seedlings.

Shallots are a daily need in many Indonesian kitchens, but producing them is not always easy. One of the biggest challenges for farmers is obtaining good planting material. Traditionally, shallots are planted using bulbs, but this method can be costly, bulky, and risky because bulbs may carry diseases. True shallot seed offers another option. It is easier to store, easier to transport, and can support healthier crop production. However, seed-grown shallots also face a problem: seedlings may grow unevenly and some may fail to survive after transplanting.

A study published in the International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology explored a simple technique to improve shallot seed performance: seed priming. Seed priming is a pre-sowing treatment where seeds are soaked in water or nutrient solutions and then dried before planting. This process helps seeds prepare for growth and can improve seedling strength.

The researchers tested two shallot varieties, Lokananta and Maserati, and six priming treatments: no priming, hydropriming, IAA priming, zinc oxide priming, zinc sulfate priming, and zinc-EDTA priming. The study was conducted at Hasanuddin University, Makassar, using true shallot seeds that had been stored for 15 months.

The results showed that zinc-based priming improved shallot growth and production. Among the treatments, zinc-EDTA gave the strongest overall results. It increased the percentage of surviving seedlings, plant fresh and dry weight, bulb fresh and dry weight, bulb diameter, bulb height, yield, and productivity. Zinc sulfate also performed well, especially in improving leaf number, bulb fresh weight, and yield. In practical terms, seeds treated with zinc were more likely to become stronger plants and produce better bulbs.

Why does zinc help? Zinc is a micronutrient, meaning plants need it only in small amounts, but its role is important. It supports enzyme activity, chlorophyll formation, protein metabolism, and plant growth regulation. When seeds receive zinc before planting, they may begin growth with a better nutritional start. This can help seedlings adapt after transplanting and produce more biomass, which later supports bulb development.

The study also found that seed priming affected bulb quality. Treatments such as zinc-EDTA and zinc sulfate helped reduce bulb shrinkage and improve bulb characteristics. This matters because better bulb quality can support postharvest handling and market value.

This research supports Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty. For smallholder farmers, better seedling survival and higher productivity can reduce crop failure and improve income stability. A simple, low-cost seed treatment may help farmers get more reliable harvests from true shallot seed systems.

The main message is clear: better shallot production can begin before the seed is even planted. Zinc-based seed priming, especially zinc-EDTA and zinc sulfate, offers a practical step toward stronger seedlings, better bulbs, and more resilient farmer livelihoods.

Chili is more than a spicy ingredient. In many Indonesian households, especially in Gorontalo, local chili is part of daily food culture, farmer livelihoods, and regional identity. Behind its strong flavor, however, lies an important agricultural question: which local chili genotypes should be developed, and when should fruits be harvested for the best seed quality?

A study published in Yuzuncu Yil University Journal of Agricultural Sciences evaluated four local Capsicum frutescens genotypes from Gorontalo: Diti, Malita FM, Samia, and Siropu. The researchers studied their morphology, germination performance, plant growth, and yield. They also tested seeds taken from fruits at three ripeness stages: 50%, 75%, and 100% maturity.

The results showed that local chili genotypes are not all the same. Each has unique traits that can be useful for farmers and breeders. Diti had strong vegetative growth and produced many branches, but it showed weak reproductive performance and low seed vigor. Malita FM had potential, but only when seeds were taken from fully ripe fruits. Meanwhile, Samia and Siropu consistently performed better across many traits, including germination and yield.

Seed ripeness was also very important. Seeds from 50% ripe fruits generally produced weaker plants and lower yields. In contrast, seeds from 100% ripe fruits produced the best overall performance, including taller plants, more fruits, and heavier fruit yield per plot. This means that harvesting fruits too early can reduce seed quality and later crop productivity.

For farmers, this finding is practical. A fruit that looks almost ready may not produce the best seed. Waiting until full maturity can give seeds more time to accumulate food reserves and complete physiological development. Better seeds then become stronger seedlings, and stronger seedlings can become more productive plants.

The study also highlights the value of local genetic resources. Samia and Siropu were identified as promising genotypes for commercial cultivation and future breeding programs. This is important because local varieties often carry traits adapted to local environments. Protecting and studying them can help farmers face changing climate, pests, and market demands.

This research supports Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. By identifying and using local chili genotypes wisely, agriculture can help conserve plant biodiversity while improving productivity. Sustainable farming is not only about increasing yield; it is also about protecting valuable genetic resources that may support future food systems.

The message is simple: better chili production starts with better seed decisions. Choosing the right genotype and harvesting fruits at full maturity can improve seed quality, plant growth, and yield. Local chilies from Gorontalo are not only part of cultural heritage—they may also hold important answers for sustainable agriculture.

Shallots are an everyday ingredient in Indonesian kitchens, but producing them is not always simple. One of the biggest challenges in shallot farming is the supply of healthy planting material. Many farmers still use bulbs from previous harvests. This method is familiar, but it has weaknesses. Bulbs can carry diseases, lose quality after repeated use, and need a dormancy period before they can be planted again.

A published study in the International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology explored another path: botanical seed production, also known as true shallot seed. These seeds can help reduce dependence on seed bulbs because they are easier to store, easier to transport, and less likely to carry bulb-borne diseases. However, producing true shallot seed is not easy. Some shallot varieties flower poorly, and even when flowers appear, they may not always produce strong, viable seeds.

The researchers studied three Indonesian shallot varieties: Lokana, Rubaru, and Ambassador 3 Agrihorti. They tested different doses of zinc, a micronutrient needed in small amounts but important for plant metabolism, flowering, and seed development. Zinc was applied as a foliar spray at 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kg ha⁻¹ under highland conditions in Bantaeng Regency, South Sulawesi.

The results showed that variety mattered. Ambassador 3 Agrihorti produced the strongest seed yield components, including the highest number of capsules per umbel, number of seeds per umbel, seed weight, seed production per hectare, and germination rate index. This means that genetic background plays a major role in determining whether a shallot variety is suitable for botanical seed production.

Zinc also played an important role, especially in seed quality. The highest zinc dose, 1.5 kg ha⁻¹, gave the best results for seed weight per clump, faster germination time, higher coefficient velocity of germination, and higher germination rate index. In simple terms, zinc helped the seeds become more vigorous and germinate faster. The Rubaru variety treated with 1.5 kg ha⁻¹ zinc also showed the highest germination percentage.

This research is closely linked to Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Improving shallot seed systems cannot be done by farmers alone. It requires collaboration among universities, seed laboratories, extension workers, government programs, and farming communities. Research findings like this can guide practical recommendations, while farmers’ field experience can help test and improve them under real conditions.

The key message is clear: a tiny nutrient can make a big difference. Zinc is not a magic solution, but when combined with the right variety, it can help improve true shallot seed production. Stronger seeds mean stronger planting systems, and stronger planting systems can support more stable shallot farming in Indonesia.