Aromatic rice is a special type of rice that highly preferred by people in Asia due to the presence of aroma. Aroma in rice is determined by 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) compound which is controlled by a recessive fgr gene. A hybridization between cv. Sintanur (aromatic rice) and PTB33 (non-aromatic, resistant to brown planthopper/BPH) has been done in order to develop aromatic rice lines that resistant to BPH. In the F2 progeny, molecular marker-based selection and bioassay for the brown planthopper resistant lines have been carried out; however selection for the aromatic trait has not been performed yet. The objective of this study was to obtain the F3 progeny’s individual with aromatic trait. Sensory test was conducted by KOH 1.7% solution, meanwhile molecular markers applied were ESP (External Antisense Primer), IFAP (Internal Fragrant Antisense Primer), INSP (Internal Non fragrant Sense Primer) and EAP (External Antisense Primer). Eighty-eight plants from two selected (SP#31 and SP#224) F3 lines progenies derived from cv. Sintanur and PTB33 have been evaluated in this study. Detection by molecular markers found seventy-five genotypes (85.23%) were homozygous recessive (aromatic rice) and one was heterozygous (non-aromatic). Eighty-five (96.59%) genotypes were aromatic as detected by sensory test alone. Seventy-two (81.82%) genotypes were categorized as aromatic rice based on sensory test and molecular markers. Due to inconsistency results from each method alone, it is advised both methods to be applied to ensure the reliability and the accuracy since aroma in rice is affected by genetic composition and environment conditions. Selected genotypes will be continued for breeding program in developing aromatic rice with improved agronomic traits.

Pesticide action can leave a residue in plant, including in the nectar and pollen of the flowers. Besides residues, sprays of pesticides could also make unintended possible effect to honey bee and other pollinators. Pollinators have a great impact on plant productivity, so it was important to keep the pollinators in healthy and in high diversity for sustainable of environment, food, and economy. The research was aimed to obtain valuable information regarding on pesticide use in both locations. The survey was divided into two steps. First, we did a preliminary survey to determine representative locations of study, and then followed by the second step, it was in-depth interview of pesticide use directly with 61- and 51 respondents in Pangalengan and Majalengka, respectively. Ninety six pesticide trademarks were applied by farmers in Pangalengan, meanwhile, 83 trademarks were in Majalengka with the variable bioactive compound. Neonicotinoids as bioactive of some pesticides were found only in one farmer from Pangalengan who used Alika (pesticide brand name). Besides, there were 13 active ingredients of fungicides, 15 insecticides, one herbicide, and one molluscicide found in Pangalengan. In Majalengka, there were 9 active ingredients of fungicides, 19 insecticides, and one molluscide. They usually applied herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides at least twice a week during crop cultivation. Although some farmers may be aware of pesticide hazards, adequate protection is hardly taken to minimize the risks. Sixty percent of farmers mentioned the presence of honeybees on their land. Farmers’ knowledge in the use of pesticides is appropriate and safe for both the health of pollinators and farmers when applying pesticides in the field.