On February 11, 2026, students from the Plant Protection Study Program conducted a field practicum in Agricultural Nematology at the UGM Center for Agro-Technology Innovation (PIAT) in Berbah. The activity involved 50 students from the 2024 cohort enrolled in Agricultural Nematology Practicum groups A3.1 and A3.2. The practicum was supervised by lecturers Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Maulana, S.Hut., M.Sc. and Dr. Adyatma Irawan Santosa, S.P., M.Sc., with additional support from teaching assistants who facilitated both technical and academic aspects of the session.
During the practicum, students carried out essential fieldwork procedures, including sampling roots and soil to identify plant-parasitic nematodes affecting coffee, banana, and citrus crops. They also conducted sampling for entomopathogenic nematodes in the same plantation areas. In addition, students documented visible symptoms of nematode infestation on plants, strengthening their diagnostic and observational skills. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights, enabling students to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world agricultural challenges.
This field practicum aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 15 (Life on Land). By promoting experiential learning, the activity enhances students’ competencies in sustainable pest management while contributing to the preservation of agricultural ecosystems and biodiversity.