Dr. Niken Subekti (left most); with Prof. Sudarsono; Head of Dishutbun, Pati; & Mr. Ismail M. visited Pati
Dr. Niken Subekti is an entomologist working at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science (FMIPA), State University of Semarang (Universitas Negeri Semarang – UNNES), at Semarang, Central Java.
Oryctes sp. and Rhincophorus sp. captured from Kopyor coconut plantation in Pati
She obtained her PhD from IPB Graduate Program and her PhD dissertation research was about diversity of termites existed in Indonesia.
During Prof. Sudarsono of PMB Lab., Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) recent visit to UNNES, Dr. Niken Subekti has discussed with him about pest problems infesting Kopyor coconut palms in Pati, Central Java
Dead trunk of coconut palms is the best breeding ground of Oryctes sp.
The two major pests are “Kumbang Badak” (Oryctes sp.) and “Kumbang Sagu” (Rhyncophorus sp.). Prof. Sudarsono has suggested that Dr. Niken Subekti and her team start and develop research agenda to solve problems associated with those two pests in Kopyor coconut.
Oryctes larvae found within rotten dead trunk of coconut in Pati, Central Java
To do so, Dr. Niken Subekti need to know the insect pests herself. Hence, on Saturday, February 23, 2013, Dr. Niken Subekti, Prof. Sudarsono, and Ir. Ismail Maskromo, MSc. visited Kopyor coconut production centers at Pati, Central Java, Indonesia.
Samples of larvae of Oryctes sp. taken by Dr. Niken Subekti from Pati, Central Java
The objectives of her visits was to take samples of insect pests and see the impact of insect pest infestation in the fields. She also surveyed the possible breeding ground of the insects in the areas.
After visiting Kopyor coconut production centers in the field, Dr. Niken Subekti is expected to come up with research ideas on how to control those pest infestation in the field. Kopyor coconut farmers are in desperate need of control strategies for those major pests.
Sample of adult Oryctes sp. taken by Dr. Niken Subekti from Pati, Central Java
All PMB Lab staffs and associated graduate students wish Dr. Niken Subekti success in drawing the ideas for control strategies of Oryctes sp. and Rhyncophorus sp. We also hope that Dr. Niken Subekti will be able to secure funding for realizing her ideas to develop the targeted control strategies.
