The Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), in collaboration with Kasetsart University, Thailand, held an open guest lecture for the UGM academic community and the general public on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The lecture was delivered online via Zoom Meeting by Dr. Chanita Boonmak from the Duckweed Holobiont Resource and Research Center (DHBC), Kasetsart University, Thailand.

The lecture, titled “Duckweed Microbiome: Unlocking Bacterial Potential for Environmental and Food Applications”, presented research findings from a collaborative project funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) program.

Thailand is home to four duckweed genera: Spirodela polyrhiza, Landolita punctata, Lemna aequinoctialis, and Wolffia globosa. Dr. Chanita explained, “Duckweed’s nutritional content varies depending on its environment. It contains fiber, lignin, protein ranging from 7–45%, and starch between 14–44%, all of which can be utilized by humans.” In Thailand, duckweed is cultivated for various purposes: Wolffia grown in clean water is used as livestock feed to improve egg yolk quality, it acts as a carbon sequestration agent by rapidly absorbing CO₂, serves as a starch substrate for biofuel, and can be processed into bioplastics and polyester.

“Duckweed’s high protein content is influenced by environmental conditions. It’s a fast-growing aquatic plant that requires minimal space but offers significant benefits for water and land ecosystems,” she added. According to her research, duckweed can thrive on water surfaces such as rice fields, lotus ponds, drying canals, and natural ponds. It can also grow in polluted or wastewater environments, including urban areas and designated wastewater ponds.

To enhance duckweed growth in wastewater streams, Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) can be utilized. Common bacterial phyla found in association with duckweed include Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Agricultural waste, particularly from livestock farming, often contains high organic matter such as chicken manure, feed, feathers, and wash water, typically treated in anaerobic wastewater tanks. However, nitrogen removal can be challenging, requiring additional treatment such as facultative ponds planted with duckweed.

Desi Utami, S.P., M.Env.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer in Agricultural Microbiology and coordinator of the guest lecture, emphasized that this regular international lecture series aims to broaden students’ knowledge, spark curiosity, and foster global collaboration for Faperta UGM.

Through partnerships with Kasetsart University and Hokkaido University, Faperta UGM is expanding its understanding of duckweed and its vast potential for sustainable applications. This initiative also supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Writer: Octavia Riezqi Yusandra  
Editor: Desi Utami   
Documentation: Media Faperta

To commemorate its 41st anniversary, the Student Nature Lovers Association of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM (Plantagama) organized a social activity in the form of a blood donation drive. The event took place on Tuesday, 27 May, 2025, at the AGLC Building, Faculty of Agriculture UGM, in collaboration with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Sleman Regency.

Blood donation has become a yearly tradition for Plantagama in celebrating its anniversary. This year, the activity carried the spirit of humanity and compassion, warmly welcomed by students and the academic community. Afita Rismawati, Chair of Plantagama’s 41st Lustrum Committee and a 2024 Soil Science student, revealed that 33 participants had registered, with more joining on the spot.

“We hope this blood donation activity can truly benefit those in need. Through this program, we also hope Plantagama will continue to be remembered not only as an organization that cares about nature but also about people,” Afita said with enthusiasm.

The initiative was also well received by the PMI Sleman team. Agus Wiranto, one of the PMI team members, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration, noting that activities like this are not just social actions but also an important part of building character and instilling humanitarian values in students.

“Blood donation is a real expression of care. It’s a lesson that cannot be learned only in the classroom. Through humanitarian acts like this, students learn to be sensitive and empathetic human beings,” Agus explained.

He also offered some advice to prospective donors to ensure a safe and comfortable donation process. “Before donating, it’s important to get enough sleep, avoid staying up late, and drink plenty of water. Most importantly, bring a genuine sense of social responsibility, because the blood we donate can mean so much to others,” he added.

Through this event, Plantagama not only celebrated its 41st anniversary as a nature-loving organization but also reaffirmed its active role in fostering empathy and social awareness among its members and the wider community. At its core, the message of this event is simple yet powerful:
“One drop of blood can become a lifeline for those in need. Blood donation is a true form of sharing life.”

This blood donation initiative also contributes directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author             : Muhamad Fathan Mubina
Editor               : Desi Utami
Documentation           : Media Faperta

The SC-STA 2025 Summer Course organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), concluded with the final presentations on Friday, 8 August 2025. The AGLC Building of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM witnessed the enthusiasm of participants as they delivered their final works, marking the culmination of intensive learning and collaboration throughout the program.

The event was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, who warmly welcomed the participants and extended high appreciation to both the attendees and the organizing committee. “The Faculty of Agriculture UGM is always open to any opportunity for future collaboration,” said Ir. Jaka Widada, M.P., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM.

The agenda continued with presentations from eight participating groups. Each group shared the results of their studies during the summer course and engaged in interactive and in-depth Q&A sessions with judges and fellow participants. The presentations reflected diverse perspectives and creative solutions developed through the course activities.

The program concluded with an awarding session to honor outstanding participants and groups in three categories: Favorite Video, Best Group, and Best Poster. This served as an appreciation for their dedication and hard work throughout the program. The closing atmosphere was warm and filled with hope that the knowledge and experiences gained would continue to be applied in advancing sustainable agriculture in the future.

The SC-STA 2025 Summer Course was not only a platform for learning but also a space for participants to expand networks, share inspiration, and strengthen their collective commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable tropical agriculture. This program also demonstrated the tangible contribution of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Educatio, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institution, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Rani Nur Rochim, Ghorizatu Shofra
Editor: Desi Utami
Photo: Media Faperta