To enhance knowledge and competence in the field of nematology, PT Syngenta assigned several staff members—Agus Musthofa Ali, S.P., Henty Ira Fajar, S.P., Pudjo Rahardjo, S.P., Irvan Insanul Muttaqin, S.P., and Dyah Ayu Wulansari, S.P., M.Sc.—to participate in a nematology training program conducted over three days, from 9 to 11 January 2026, at the Nematology Laboratory, Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada.
The training activities were supervised and guided directly by nematology lecturers from the Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, namely Prof. Dr. Ir. Siwi Indarti, M.P. and Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Maulana, S.Hut., M.Sc., assisted by Ms. Tiara Indah Wahyuni, S.P., M.Sc. and Ms. Arifah Andriyanti. The materials and activities covered fundamental concepts as well as advanced practical applications in nematology.
On the first day, the training focused on fundamental understanding of nematodes, including definitions, their important roles in agricultural ecosystems, morphology, anatomy, classification, identification, life cycles, reproduction, bioecology, and interactions with other organisms. The activities continued with discussions on the management of important nematodes, particularly regulated quarantine pests (OPTK A1), as well as theoretical and practical sessions on various nematode extraction and isolation methods, including the Baermann Funnel, Whitehead Tray, maceration, centrifugation, elutriation, mist chamber, and cyst extraction from both dry and wet soil.
On the second day, the training emphasized morphological identification of nematodes at the species level based on specific diagnostic characters, such as stylet type, annulation, vulva, esophagus, spicules, and anterior and posterior body regions. Participants also studied examples of seed-borne nematodes in rice and other relevant species. The materials were further deepened through taxonomic identification and the use of nematode determination keys, particularly Ditylenchus angustus, accompanied by techniques and formulas for morphometric measurements. Practical sessions included harvesting nematodes from extraction results, analysis of population density, and nematode collecting techniques using baiting methods.
On the third day, nematode identification was strengthened through DNA-based molecular approaches as supporting methods for morphological identification. Participants also conducted practical work on the preparation of nematode slides and preservation techniques to produce high-quality and durable microscopic documentation. Advanced practical activities included direct observation of nematodes using stereo microscopes, morphometric calculations based on identification keys, root staining, and quantification of nematodes within plant root tissues.
The entire training program concluded with a wrap-up session and final remarks as an evaluation and reinforcement of the materials learned. Upon completion of the program, certificates were symbolically awarded to the participants by the nematology lecturers from the Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, namely Prof. Dr. Ir. Siwi Indarti, M.P. and Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Maulana, S.Hut., M.Sc.
This nematology training initiative supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through enhanced capacity in nematode identification and management to sustain crop productivity, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthening human resource capacity via theoretical and practical learning in nematology, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through improved understanding of nematode diversity and the implementation of sustainable plant pest management to maintain healthy agroecosystems.
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