The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), hosted the Annual Research Meeting on Climate Resilient Crops Induced by Ultraviolet-B, held on Wednesday, 8 Januray 2024 at the Venture Room, 6th Floor of the Agrotropica Learning Center (AGLC) Building, Faculty of Agriculture UGM. This event is a follow-up to the research project titled “Study on the Expression of Several Shallot Resistance Genes Induced by UV-B Light Against Biotic Stress of Moler Disease.“ The research project is part of the Strategic Research Collaboration Implementation Contract (KATALIS) for the 2024 Fiscal Year, in collaboration with Universitas Padjadjaran, IPB University, and Universitas Andalas.
The collaboration among these universities was positively welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Ir. Jaka Widada, M.P., Ph.D.
“The Faculty of Agriculture is very pleased and warmly welcomes this collaboration,” stated Dr. Jaka in his opening remarks. The research, led by Prof. Ani Widiastuti, S.P., M.P., Ph.D. a lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, focuses on enhancing shallot resistance to moler disease by utilizing ultraviolet-B (UV-B) technology to strengthen the expression of resistance genes in the plant.
During the consortium, researchers presented their findings on shallot development, including the identification of UV-B responses in Allium cepa, characterization of UV-B responses through omics approaches (1 & 2), and the application of UV-B treatment on Allium cepa. The event aimed to facilitate the exchange of the latest research discoveries and strengthen synergy among research institutions to support the development of climate-resilient and disease-resistant crops. This initiative is expected to contribute to addressing the increasingly urgent challenges of food security.
The incorporation of UV-B technology in shallot research is anticipated to make a significant contribution toward the development of biotic stress-resistant shallot varieties, ultimately boosting productivity and national food security in the future. The Faculty of Agriculture UGM’s involvement in this research consortium further underscores its commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Authors: Agrit Kirana Bunda & Alkhansa Khairunnisa
Editor: Desi Utami