[Unpad.ac.id, 20/10/2016] In agriculture, nanotechnology can be useful in crop protection from pests and pathogens. Certain nano materials are believed to function as a controller as well as the detection of pests and pathogens so that the plant can grow optimally.
It was delivered by Professor of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hj. Hersanti, M.P. when she became one of the speakers at the National Seminar on “Crop Protection Technology Trend” in Bale Sawala Jatinangor Rectorate Building, on Thursday (20/10). This seminar is one of a series of activities Plant Protection Day held on Tuesday (18/10).
As it is known, the application of synthetic pesticides can cause environmental pollution, the emergence of pests and pathogens, and loss of biodiversity. However, often the farmers still rely on the use of synthetic pesticides.
“In response with these problems, we will use nanoscale materials to overcome or minimize the damage from the application of synthetic pesticides,” said Prof. Hersanti.
Thus, through nanotechnology, it can be formulated pesticides that are environmentally friendly. The advantages of pesticide formulations using nanotechnology is the level of safety and high efficacy, reducing the dose or concentration of pesticide use on crops, reducing toxic residues, improving fertilization management, and reducing environmental emissions on farms.
Nano materials are believed to be used as a carrier of a particular compound in order to work more effectively and efficiently. In addition as a pesticide carrier, nano materials can be useful as a carrier of fertilizer or plant nutrition, and a nature/DNA. Nano materials can also be utilized to improve soil structure and detect the presence of pollutants or substances present in the soil or water.
In addition to Prof. Hersanti, also presenting as speakers in this seminar are Food Crop Protection Director Dr. Ir. Dwi Iswari, M.Sc.P., Professor of the University of Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Ir. Y. Andi Trisyono, M.Sc, and professor of Prof. Hironori Yasuda of Yamagata University and Prof. Ivan Galis from Okayama University, Japan.
This seminar was officially opened by Vice Rector for Research, Community Engagement, Cooperation, Innovation, and Business Universitas Padjadjaran Dr. Keri Lestari, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt. On the occasion, Dr. Keri expected that from this seminar would produce a range of innovative multidisciplinary collaboration results in the treatment of plant pests. *
Reported by Artanti Hendriyana / eh
