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One of the important factors in the success of True Seed of Shallot (TSS)-based shallot production is the right seeding technology. The study aimed to obtain appropriate nursery techniques for producing high-quality seedlings to increase shallot productivity. The experiment was conducted in Cirebon Regency, West Java, Indonesia, from May to October 2021, using a factorial randomized block design with three treatment factors and three replications. They consisted of shallot varieties (V) (Trisula, Bima, Lokananta, and Maserati); seedlings age (U) (45 and 60 days); and seedling population density (P) (5, 7.5, and 10 g m−2 of TSS). The results revealed that seedling performance was negatively correlated to the bulb yield and revenue cost ratio (R/C). The use of young seedlings enhanced bulb production and R/C ratio in all varieties but had varied effects on cluster alterations in Maserati, Bima, and Trisula varieties. Young Lokananta seedlings prepared in the nursery at a seed density of 7.5 g m−2 proved to be the best treatment to generate the highest bulb production (39.92 t ha−1) and the highest R/C (3.62). Farmers are expected to implement seedling preparation techniques using young seedlings and managing seed populations in diverse varieties to maximize bulb production and R/C.

Garlic is usually propagated asexually from the cloves. Clove as the propagation source for garlic has many weaknesses. Alternatively, bulbils could be used for the propagation. The aim of this study was to know the effect of temperature and time of vernalization from several clones of Indonesian garlic to bulbil production. This research was conducted at a farmer’s field at Banjarnegara, Central Java, Indonesia. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Block Design with three factors: temperature of vernalization, i.e., 0, 5, and 10°C, duration of vernalization, i.e., 20, 40, and 60 days, and on 12 garlic varieties/clones (V1–V12). Cloves of garlic were vernalized in cold storage according to the treatments and then planted in the field. The results revealed that a temperature of 5°C and duration of 20 days of vernalization independently single factor increased the number of bulbils of V3. Bulbil variables of V4 and V7 were enhanced with vernalization at 0°C for 20 days, although it did not significantly differ from the control. Therefore, these clones do not need particular vernalization treatment in order to produce bulbils.

Agronomic performance of garlic is speculated strongly affected by genotype × environment interaction, however, interaction evaluation is rarely studied in Indonesia. This research aimed to study the agronomic response of four garlic varieties in two different locations. The research was conducted from April to December 2021 using Lumbu Putih, Lumbu Hijau, Lumbu Kuning, and Tawangmangu Baru genotypes grown in two locations, i.e., Lembang (1250 m asl) and Ciwidey (1200 m asl), Bandung, West Java using randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that genotypes × locations interaction was found for traits: plant height, pseudo-stem stem diameter, number of stomata, weight, and diameter of fresh and dried bulbs. Chlorophyll content (SPAD value) depends on genotype, height of fresh bulbs and percentage of weight loss depending on location, while number of leaves was independently affected by genotype and location. Lumbu Kuning produced the highest average fresh weight with considerable differences in both locations (Lembang: 52.01 g, Ciwidey: 31.87 g) and also had the highest weight of dry bulb when planted in Lembang (24.65 g). Pearson's correlation showed that the strongest positive correlation (r=0.91) was found between the weight of the fresh bulb and pseudo-stem diameter when garlic genotypes were planted in Ciwidey. The present study implies the importance to select suitable genotypes for a particular location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited agricultural land areas combined with increasing demands for food require breakthroughs in land use development using agroforestry systems. Intercropping root crops with trees could be an alternative for food production in forest areas. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) farming on dry land within 12- and 42-year-old teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) forests to support local food security. The feasibility assessment took into account both productivity and socio-economic aspects. The agroforestry land productivity was measured using the land equivalent ratio (LER), and our analysis of the cocoyam farming within the teak stands was carried out using the revenue/cost ratio (R/C) at the demonstration plot scale. Furthermore, we also surveyed farmers' perceptions of the production of cocoyam for food security. The results showed that the R/C values of cocoyam tuber production in agroforestry systems were lower than 1. However, the production rates of cocoyam tubers in the 12-year-old teak stand (48.3% light intensity) and the 42-year-old teak stand (62.5% light intensity) were 2.64 and 2.76 tons/ha, respectively. The overall yields from the teak and cocoyam agroforestry systems were more profitable than those of the monoculture system, as indicated by the LER values of 1.61 and 1.85. Cocoyam production was socially acceptable (77% of respondents) as a smallholder subsistence agroforestry practice to meet food demand. Increasing cocoyam productivity in teak forests requires the adoption of agroforestry silvicultural technology to achieve food security for rural communities. To increase their farming production and income, farmers could apply intensive silvicultural practices. Governmental support that could be provided includes encouraging product diversification and providing assistance for the processing and marketing of cocoyam products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Indonesia, the chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is popular. Unfortunately, its current productivity is lower than its potential yield. The low productivity is due to the cultivation methods or varieties used in the field. Seaweed is a known bio-stimulant and combining it with a microbial consortium could be an effective way to boost crop productivity. The goal of this study was to examine how a combination of bio stimulants enriched with a microbial consortium can affect the productivity of two chili varieties, Tanjung-2 and Ciko. The experiment used a complete randomized block design with a single factor, namely a combination of bio-stimulants (B1-B6). In comparison to other formulas, the bio-stimulant B4 formula was found to be the most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]