Enhancing Certified Citrus Seedling Production with Disease-Free Technology

What is it about?

This study examines efforts to increase the capacity and adoption of certified disease-free citrus seedling production in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan, a key citrus production area in Indonesia. The research evaluates the impact of mentoring programs designed to enhance nursery management skills, technological adoption, and compliance with certification standards among citrus seedling producers. The focus is on implementing recommended practices for disease-free seedling production, including proper rootstock selection, grafting techniques, use of polybags, and pathogen-free bud-sticks from certified multiplication blocks. The study conducted surveys before and after the mentoring programs to assess changes in technology adoption levels. Results show increased compliance with recommended practices, particularly in nucellar selection, transplanting methods, and grafting techniques. However, some aspects, such as the use of polybags throughout the production process, still had low adoption rates. The findings highlight the need for continuous support, education, and stricter enforcement of certification guidelines to ensure that citrus nurseries produce high-quality, disease-free seedlings. Strengthening the adoption of certified production techniques is crucial for improving citrus productivity, preventing disease outbreaks, and supporting sustainable citrus agribusiness in Indonesia

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Photo by Hoyoung Choi on Unsplash

Photo by Hoyoung Choi on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research is important because it addresses the critical need for disease-free certified citrus seedlings in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan, one of Indonesia’s major citrus-producing regions. Citrus production in the area has been severely impacted by systemic diseases such as Citrus Vein Phloem Degeneration (CVPD), Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV), and other pathogens, largely due to the widespread use of uncertified seedlings. By promoting the adoption of certified, disease-free seedling production techniques, this study supports efforts to improve citrus productivity, ensure crop health, and protect the livelihoods of citrus farmers. Moreover, the research highlights the role of mentoring programs in increasing nursery management skills and compliance with recommended certification standards. By enhancing the knowledge and technical capacity of seedling producers, the study provides a scalable model for improving citrus agribusiness sustainability. The results emphasize the importance of strict certification regulations, continuous training, and government support to drive the adoption of proper seedling production practices. Ultimately, strengthening certified citrus seedling production can enhance Indonesia’s citrus industry, reduce reliance on imported seedlings, and promote long-term agricultural resilience.

Perspectives

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From my perspective, this research provides a critical framework for strengthening Indonesia’s citrus industry, particularly by addressing the root cause of disease outbreaks—low adoption of certified, disease-free seedlings. Sambas Regency, as a major citrus-producing area, has struggled with systemic citrus diseases due to the widespread use of uncertified planting material, which significantly reduces productivity and farmer income. This study effectively highlights the role of education, mentoring, and technological interventions in improving seedling production quality and ensuring long-term citrus farming sustainability. One of the most valuable aspects of this research is its emphasis on technology adoption challenges. While mentoring programs successfully increased compliance in areas like nucellar selection, transplanting, and grafting techniques, the low adoption rate of polybag use throughout the production process suggests that economic, technical, or logistical barriers may still hinder full implementation. Future research should explore the reasons behind these gaps and develop strategies for further incentivizing farmers to comply with best practices. Additionally, strengthening collaboration between research institutions, policymakers, and citrus farmers is crucial for ensuring that disease-free citrus seedling production becomes a national priority. The study underscores the need for continuous education, stricter certification enforcement, and financial support to enable farmers to fully transition to certified nursery practices. Moving forward, expanding this model to other citrus-producing regions in Indonesia could play a key role in safeguarding national citrus production, increasing yields, and reducing economic losses caused by citrus diseases​.

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