Nematicidal activity of extracts from plants was assayed against Meloidogyne incognita. In laboratory assays extracts from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L), clove (Syzygium aromaticum L), betelvine (Piper betle L), and sweet flag (Acorus calamus L) were most effective in killing the nematode, with an EC 50 that was 5-10 times lower than the EC 50 of the synthetic pesticides chlorpyrifos, carbosulfan and deltamethrin. The shapes of the dead nematodes differed in a characteristic way, and groups of pesticides and plant extracts could clearly be distinguished based on this phenomenon, which may be an indicator for the modes of action of the tested pesticides. In a greenhouse bioassay clove bud and betelvine were tested as mulch. Experiments revealed that the total number of live nematodes on roots of pepper plants treated with mulch of the clove bud was 7% of that of the controls and did not differ significantly from that of plants treated with the recommended synthetic pesticide carbofuran. The application of clove buds as a botanical pesticide for future use against nematodes is highly promising since clove is the 6 th major plant grown on Bangka Island, and the market value of clove has decreased sharply over the last years.

Crude palm oil (CPO) is produced from the extraction process of palm fruit pulp. Palm oil contains essential components in the form of triglycerides, mostly as fatty acids, namely palmitic acid, oleic, and linoleic. However, palm oil also contains minor phytonutrients, such as carotene, tocopherol, and tocotrienol. Palm oil has been widely used in the food and non-food industries. As a raw material in various products, palm oil undergoes a refinery process to remove unlike free fatty acids (FFA), odors, and colors (reddish to bright yellow). In this process, phytonutrients are degraded and damaged so that the content becomes very low. Phytonutrients in the CPO has not been fully utilized their benefits for human health. One of the palm oil products that contain high phytonutrient compounds is red palm oil. There are two types of red palm oil, namely virgin red palm oil (VRPO) and red palm oil derived from CPO (RPO). VRPO is produced from direct extraction of oil palm fruit, while RPO is produced from the neutralization of CPO and deodorization at low temperatures to reduce FFA levels. Both of these products contain high phytonutrients, such as carotene, tocopherol, and tocotrienol. This paper reviews several studies on the processing, characteristics, and potential use of red palm oil in food and non-food products. The application of red palm oil in margarine as a specific food product has the potential to be further studied.

Habits and consequences of pesticide use in pepper plantations were studied in Indonesia. The first study was conducted by questioning 117 farmers about their habits in pesticide use and determining pesticide residues on pepper berries on Bangka Island. Meanwhile, the second study was completed by analyzing exposure levels of pesticide in farmers' bodies before and after pesticide application to pepper plantations at Sukamulya, West Java. Risks of pesticide exposure to below ground terrestrial invertebrates and aquatic ecosystems adjacent to the treated fields were evaluated using scenarios and a decision support system. Results showed that five respondents (4.3%) were agricultural workers without their own plantations and the others were plantation owners. About 112 respondents (95.7%) used pesticides regularly, while 21 respondents (17.9%) had experienced pesticide poisoning. About 54 respondents (46.2%) tended to apply the same pesticide on all occasions, and 104 respondents (88.9%) indicated to always apply a single compound. About 91 respondents (77.8%) were not aware of the possible impact of pesticides on their health, and 102 respondents (87.2%) were not aware of the possible effects on the environment. In addition while spraying pesticides 17 respondents (14.5%) were smoking, 81 respondents (69.2%) were wearing daily clothes, and 84 respondents (71.8%) were throwing empty bottles into the forest. Exposure study revealed that the residues in the urine and blood increased 6.5-10 and 1.1-1.5 folds, respectively indicating actual and direct exposures. The environmental risk assessment indicated low risks for the terrestrial below ground invertebrates but high potential risks for the aquatic ecosystem. The residues of the major pesticides were below the maximum residue limits. This study indicated that the farmers and their workers, and probably also the environment, were at risk of high exposure to the pesticides applied, but that the risks for the consumers were negligible, if present at all.

Aktivitas antibakteri ekstrak kulit buah kakao (Theobroma cacao L.) terhadap Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, dan Staphylococcus aureus Antibacterial activity of cocoa pod husk extract (Theobroma cacao L.) against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus

Sengon tree (Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Nielsen) currently becomes a major forest tree species widely planted by smallholders in Indonesia. The wood of this is quick growing and relatively easy to sell. However, level of plant safety sengon between crop plantations and other forestry need to be assessed considering the sengon tree is alternative host of Ganoderma spp. Studies have been conducted to know the presence and diversity of Ganoderma spp. on the sengon tree and some ways inoculation on sengon plant in the nursery. Survey of Ganoderma conducted in several locations of community forests and cacao (Theobroma cacao) plantations in West Java and East Java. Testing of genetic diversity based on RAPD technique.