Balikpapan, June 2025 – Students from the Institute of Technology Kalimantan (ITK) successfully completed their Community Service Program (KKN) in RT. 45, North Balikpapan. Led by Retno Wahyu Dewanti, a lecturer from the Mathematics program, the team—comprised of students from Chemical and Industrial Engineering—created sustainable agricultural solutions for a 9-hectare crystal guava farm managed by the local community.

Serious Challenges on the Crystal Guava Farm

Crystal guava farmers in North Balikpapan face significant issues threatening their productivity and income. Pest and fungal attacks damage plants from the leaves and stems to the fruit itself. The most fearsome pest is the fruit fly (Bactrocera spp.), which lays eggs inside young fruit. When the eggs hatch, the larvae eat the inside of the fruit, causing it to rot before it ripens and eventually fall off the tree. This not only diminishes the physical quality of the fruit but also leads to substantial economic losses. If left untreated, the problem could spread to other plants in the area.

ITK's Innovative and Eco-Friendly Solutions

In response to these challenges, the ITK KKN team introduced two main innovations that are not only effective but also environmentally friendly and economical for the farmers.

1. Herbal Pesticides and Fungicides

The KKN team trained farmers on how to make herbal pesticides from easily accessible natural ingredients like garlic, onion, chili, and lemongrass. These ingredients were proven to be effective as natural insecticides and fungicides. Through a series of trials, the team found that a mixture of garlic, onion, chili, and a small amount of detergent was the most potent formula for reducing pests and preventing fungal growth, without leaving harmful residues for humans or the environment.

2. Attractant Traps for Fruit Flies

To combat fruit flies, the KKN team developed simple attractant traps using used bottles, cotton, and a methyl eugenol solution. This compound acts as a synthetic pheromone that is highly attractive to male fruit flies. When the male flies are caught in the trap, the overall fruit fly population decreases, disrupting their breeding cycle. The traps are highly efficient, with a scent radius of up to 100 meters and a durability of up to 36 days, making them an effective, low-cost, and sustainable solution.

Impact and Outlook

This community service program not only provided practical solutions but also transferred new knowledge and skills to the farmers. By adopting these healthier cultivation methods, it is hoped that the quality and quantity of the crystal guava harvest will increase. Furthermore, the use of these eco-friendly innovations also helps preserve the agricultural ecosystem in North Balikpapan.