The Department of Plant Protection (HPT), Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) presented a research proposal titled “Profiling and Exploration of the Potential of Endosymbiotic Microbes for the Control of Sugarcane Stem Borer Pests” at a meeting held on 4 February 2026. This activity forms part of an effort to develop more sustainable pest management strategies through molecular biology and insect microbiology approaches.
The research is led by Dr. Suputa, S.P., M.P. and Dr. Prayogo Probo Asmoro, S.P., M.Si from the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM. The study aims to identify and explore the potential of endosymbiotic microbes that inhabit the bodies of sugarcane stem borer pests, which are expected to be utilized as an alternative and environmentally friendly pest control method.
In its implementation, the research represents a collaboration between the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture UGM, PT. Gunung Madu Plantation (GMP), and the Perhimpunan Entomologi Indonesia (PEI). This partnership is expected to strengthen the synergy between academia, the plantation industry, and professional organizations in developing science-based pest management innovations.
Through this collaboration, the research is expected to make a tangible contribution to the development of more effective and sustainable technologies for controlling sugarcane stem borer pests, while also supporting increased productivity in Indonesia’s sugarcane plantation sector.
The research on the exploration of endosymbiotic microbes for controlling sugarcane stem borer pests is also aligned with the efforts to achieve several targets of the United Nations through the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study contributes to the achievement of SDG 2: Zero Hunger by supporting sustainable agricultural productivity through more effective pest management. Furthermore, environmentally friendly microbe-based pest control approaches also support SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 15: Life on Land, as they have the potential to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides while maintaining the balance of agricultural ecosystems. The collaboration among academia, industry, and professional organizations in this research also reflects the implementation of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which promotes innovation and sustainable agricultural development.
