<p>Mangosteen is a genetic resource scattered and cultivated by farmers in Bengkulu Province. The study aimed at determining the morphological variability of mangosteen. The study was conducted from March to October 2015 in Bengkulu province using on-site supervision and observation methods. The number of plants observed was 34 genotypes and qualitatively and quantitatively characterized based on the Center for Plant Variety Protection and Agriculture Licensing (CPVPAL) guide. The data of morphology were analyzed by comparing the average value, variance, and standard deviation. Relationship or data grouping phenotypic characters appearance were identified using NTSYS software version 2.1. The results show wide variability in the density of leaf, flower size, and fruit weight, while narrow variability is occurred in plant height and the thickness of the rind. Data analysis of mangosteen genotypes generated similarity coefficients range from 0.71 to 0.91 (71-91%). Genotype 24 and 27 have the closest relationship, with the similarity coefficient of 91%.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>Mangosteen; Morphology; Variability; Character; Phenotypic</p><p><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p>Manggis merupakan sumber daya genetik yang tersebar dan dibudidayakan oleh petani di Provinsi Bengkulu. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui variabilitas fenotipik buah manggis. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Maret sampai Oktober 2015 di Provinsi Bengkulu dengan menggunakan metode observasi langsung morfologi tanaman manggis yang telah berbuah. Jumlah tanaman yang diamati sebanyak 34 genotipe dan masing-masing genotipe diamati karakterisasi kualitatif dan kuantitatif berdasarkan panduan Pusat Perlindungan Varietas Tanaman dan Perizinan Pertanian (PPVTPP). Analisis data melalui perbandingan varian fenotipik dengan standar deviasi varian fenotipe diukur dengan nilai rata-rata, varians, dan standar deviasi. Kekerabatan atau pengelompokan data penampilan karakter fenotipik dilakukan dengan menggunakan software NTSys versi 2.1. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variabilitas luas terdapat pada kerapatan daun, ukuran bunga, dan bobot buah, sedangkan variabilitas sempit pada karakter tinggi tanaman dan  ketebalan kulit buah. Analisis genotipe manggis menghasilkan koefisien kemiripan sebesar 0,71-0,91 (71-91%). Dari dendogram diperoleh genotipe yang memiliki tingkat kekerabatan yang tinggi terdapat pada genotipe 24 dan 27 dengan nilai kemiripan sebesar 91%.<strong></strong></p>

The development of agricultural commodity in rural areas has changes farmers’ livelihood strategies. This study aims to analyse the process of coffee to citrus conversion in Pal 7 village and changes in the farmers’ livelihood strategies that accompany it. The study was conducted in April to June 2019 through a survey of 116 citrus farmers. The data collected is emphasised on the process of developing citrus areas, conversion from coffee to citrus, and farmers’ livelihood strategies. Interviews were also conducted with key informants to confirm and deepen the results of the survey. Data were analysed descriptively. The results showed that the development of the citrus area in Pal 7 occurred since 2014 which was driven by the existence of pioneering farmers as movers, the motivation of farmers to plant citrus, credit facilities from the bank, and seed assistance from the government. Farmers’ high motivation caused them to convert coffee into citrus plantations through three patterns, namely insert, gradually, and direct cutting caused by economic considerations. The development of citrus areas causes changes in farmers’ livelihood strategies. As many as 35.34% of farmers changed their main source of income, mainly from coffee farming and artisan/worker to citrus farming.

RGL Citrus is a new commodity that was developed in Rejang Lebong Regency Bengkulu. This commodity increased fastly since 2014, primarily in Pal 7 village, Bermani Ulu Raya subdistrict. Therefore need to analyze RGL citrus financial feasibility for agribusiness development. The purpose of this study is to analyze the financial feasibility of RGL citrus farming in Pal 7 village. The study was conducted from January to March 2020 by interviews with 10 RGL citrus farmers. Data collected were production cost, quantities of production, and price. Data Analyzed with Net B/C value, NPV, IRR, and Payback period in 6 years citrus cultivation. The results showed that RGL Citrus farming feasible with net B/C is 1.44, NPV 71,599,830, IRR 20.23% and PP in 5 years 6 months citrus old. An increase in production costs, a decrease in production, and a decrease in prices individually by 20% and changes together of the three criteria of 10% are still feasible in RGL citrus farming.

This research aimed to study the right temperature to extend the shelf life of RGL oranges. The experimental treatments were arranged using a two-factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The factors were washing treatments, namely washing with water and washing with fruit washing solutions, and storage temperatures, namely room temperature (25±30C) and cold temperature (10±10C). The treatment was repeated four times. The variables observed included weight loss, diameter, fruit height and fruit sensory. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and followed by the DMRT test with a confidence level of 95%. The results showed that washing treatment and storage temperature had a significant effect on fruit weight loss inhibition, namely 4.72%, 8.58%, and 13.06% at day 5, 10, and 15. Hedonic test showed that the sensory attribute score in washing treatment was significant but was not significant on storage temperature. The panelists’ preference for citrus fruit treated with fruit washing solution and stored at cold temperatures until the 15th day showed the highest score compared to other treatments (skin color 3.93, smoothness 3.83, texture 3.86 and overall 3.76). Thus, the physical quality of citrus fruits freshness last longer if treated with fruit washing solution and stored at cold temperatures.

Rice is a staple food for the Indonesian people and is a national strategic commodity for national food security. Rainfed area is a potential land to support national rice production, by improving soil management through balanced fertilization based on the soil characteristics. This study aims to determine the soil fertility and alternative management implemented in 2019 and 2020 in Sukaraja and Pondok Kelapa sub districts, Bengkulu Province. Soil fertility status for CEC, base saturation, C-organic, total P and total K taken based on the classification of the value of the combination of these chemical properties. The results showed that the soil fertility status of the rainfed rice fields in Sukaraja and Pondok Kelapa sub districts was low. The limiting factors for soil fertility for Sukaraja sub district are alkaline saturation, total K-total and P-total for Pondok Kelapa sub district. The limiting factors are all elements related to nutrient status assessment, namely CEC, base saturation, total P, total K and C-organic. Alternative soil management is carried out in an integrated manner by providing balanced organic and inorganic fertilizers. The provision of soil amendments such as straw compost, manure, biochar and agricultural lime/dolomite, especially for acid reacting soils, aims at increasing soil fertility before fertilization is applied.