Encouraging Cultivation of Tejakula's Commodity, Unud Researchers Develop Innovation of Tejakula Tangerine Intercropping System and Turi Plant

East Buleleng had prosperity age in the 1980s for the growth and development of Tejakula tangerines. Cultivation of this type of orange continually done, but due to CVPD (citrus vein phloem degeneration), the growth of Tejakula tangerines is almost extinct.            

The Institute of Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Udayana University through the Biopesticide Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture is also working to develop the cultivation of this superior type of Buleleng orange. The team consisting of Prof. Dr. Ir. Dewa Ngurah Suprapta, M.Sc; Prof. Dr. Ir. I Gede Rai Maya Temaja, MP; and Dr. Khamdan Khalima, SP., M.Sc conducts research into the development of biological agents that function as bio-stimulants and bio-protectants.   

"We want to restore the glory of Tejakula tangerines by offering seed technology as a biustomulan and bioprotectant to increase the resistance of citrus plants and increase their growth," said Prof. Dr. Ir. I Gede Rai Maya Temaja, MP, Chair of the LPPM Unud as well as a research team.

Research conducted through Udayana Innovation Research Grant in 2019 found a biostimulant formula containing Stenotrophomonas maltophilia which is able to help balance and induce plant resistance to pathogens. Tejakula tangerines that were given the formula showed better growth compared to seeds that were not given the formula. 

Prof. Rai Maya Temaja added, through this research the first time the intercropping system was introduced between the Tejakula tangerine and turi plants named Sijuri (Orange and Turi Integration System). "Among the oranges is planted with turi to provide fertility and increase the number of insects," added Prof. Rai Maya Temaja. Previously, this intercropping system had never been studied and developed.

Turi plant is a type of legume that serves to help fertilize and maintain soil moisture, thereby reducing stress levels in citrus plants due to drought. Turi plants are also able to increase the number of insects to help suppress the spread of CVPD vector insects, while flowers, young fruits, and leaves can be consumed as vegetables.

The trial of planting Tejakula tangerines with biostimulant and Sijuri formulas was conducted in Tejakula Village, Buleleng, Saturday (11/1/2020) by Unud research team and a number of village farmers. Sustainable development of Sijuri will be developed in villages around the Tejakula sub-district, such as Sembiran Village, Bon Dalem Village, and Les Village.          

"Today's activity was planted with 100 Tejakula tangerines and 20 turi plants," continued Prof. Rai Maya Temaja. It targets in 2020 to plant 1,000 Tejakula tangerines and 200 turi plants.           

The sluggish development of Tejakula tangerines due to CVPD disease had reduced the enthusiasm of farming the village farmers. Gede Diarsa Tejakula Village Head hopes that this trial will increase the enthusiasm of farmers and restore the glory of Tejakula tangerines. "Thank you to LPPM of Udayana University for providing this trial opportunity, We hope that Tejakula tangerines will return to victory, so that the welfare of the community will also increase," he hoped. (Media Udayana)