The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held an international guest lecture on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Venture Room, 6th Floor of the AGLC Building. The event featured three distinguished scholars from leading universities in Japan: Dr. Sota Yamamoto from Kagoshima University, Dr. Nabeshima Tomoyuki from Yamagata University, and Dr. Sota Koeda from Kindai University. During the session, the speakers presented several research topics related to recent developments in horticultural science and plant diseases in the Asia–Pacific region. The topics included Dispersal Routes of Chili Peppers in the Asia–Pacific Region, which discussed the historical and geographical pathways of chili pepper distribution in the Asia–Pacific; Studies on Cuticle Cracking in Cherry Tomato Fruit, which examined the phenomenon of cuticle cracking in cherry tomatoes; and Genetic Diversity of Begomoviruses and Resistance-based Disease Management in Vegetables, which highlighted the genetic diversity of Begomoviruses and strategies for disease management based on plant resistance. The scientific discussion was moderated by Dr. Adyatma Irawan Santosa and Enik Nurlaili Afifah from the Faculty of Agriculture UGM.
The guest lecture was attended by undergraduate students from the Plant Protection Study Program, who participated as part of the learning activities in the course Prokaryotic Plant Pathogens. In addition, all students from the Master’s Program in Plant Pathology also took part in this academic forum to broaden their academic perspectives and gain insights into the latest research developments in plant pathology and horticultural science. Through this event, participants not only learned about recent research findings presented by international scholars but also had the opportunity to engage in direct discussions with the speakers on various scientific issues related to plant dispersal dynamics, fruit physiology, and plant disease management based on genetic and biotechnological approaches. This activity is expected to strengthen international academic networks and contribute to improving the quality of education and research within the Faculty of Agriculture UGM.
The international guest lecture organized by the Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada also aligns with several targets within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The delivery of scientific materials and discussions on horticulture, plant dispersal, fruit physiology, and disease management based on genetics and biotechnology supports SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting inclusive, high-quality learning and expanding students’ exposure to international research. Furthermore, the direct interaction between students and international scholars strengthens global academic networks, supports cross-border research collaboration, and encourages the exchange of scientific knowledge. These efforts are also aligned with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as they promote international academic cooperation that enhances research capacity, innovation, and human resource development in horticulture and plant pathology, while reinforcing the position of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM as a center of excellence in education and research in the Asia–Pacific region.