Vol. 23 No. 1 (2026): Jurnal Ilmiah Pertanian

The March 2026 issue of Jurnal Ilmiah Pertanian (Vol. 23 No. 1) presents a collection of research articles addressing current challenges and innovations in tropical agricultural systems. The contributions in this issue highlight advances in crop protection, plant biotechnology, soil management, and controlled-environment agriculture, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary agricultural science. One article examines predator communities associated with Spodoptera exigua in tropical shallot agroecosystems, emphasizing the ecological role of natural enemies in supporting sustainable pest management. Another study explores an integrated in planta infection and in vitro selection strategy for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Tagetes erecta, offering methodological insights relevant to plant genetic improvement. The issue also includes research on pest infestation patterns in smallholder cocoa agroecosystems, demonstrating how land type influences pest dynamics and management considerations in tropical farming systems. In the area of soil science, a study on Inceptisols under different land uses reveals the importance of soil physical properties and organic matter in determining available water for plant growth. In addition, research on hydroponic cultivation investigates genotype-dependent growth and fruit quality responses of melon (Cucumis melo L.) to potassium nitrate application under dynamic root floating systems, highlighting the potential of nutrient management in controlled agricultural environments. Complementing this, a physiological study evaluates the responses of pakcoy (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) to chitosan application under short-term drought stress, contributing to strategies for improving crop tolerance to water limitation. Through these diverse contributions, this issue underscores the importance of integrating ecological approaches, technological innovations, and soil–plant interactions to support resilient and sustainable agricultural production systems in tropical regions.