This paper reports on three experiments evaluating Japanese tomato varieties for use in Indonesia. The experiments evaluate these varieties based on yield comparisons with the standard Indonesian variety, fruit characteristics for fresh and processing and seedling growth using three low cost, locally sourced seedling raising media. Results of each experiment are reported and discussed separately. The paper details the yield differences and summarises fruit characteristics including discussion of suitability for fresh or processing sectors.

Traditional Indonesian shallot production is based on seed bulbs but True Seed Shallots (TSS) could improve competitiveness of the industry. This study assesses numerous factors such as, seed raising mixtures, sowing depth and furrow fill, productivity comparison of TSS cultivars and seed bulb cultivars, plant density and nitrogen fertilisation, for their impact on shallot growth and production. Each experiment is reported on and discussed separately.

This paper explores the allocation of inputs in small-scale shallot production with a view to increasing efficiency and raising farmers' profits. The research uses primary data gathered through a survey of 43 farmers in one village in East Java. It applies double-log production function and polynomial cost function to measure the profit gap. Three simulations are used for input allocation based on low, medium and high input costs. The findings show that land, labour and seed are the most important group of inputs for production, followed by the fertilizer phosphate.

This paper examines collective action as an option for addressing obstacles for smallholders linking to markets, specifically for marketing of underutilised tropical fruits. These are of importance for nutrition, cultural value and contribution to income and improved market chains will increase income and incentives for production to maintain diversity. The report includes a description of the conceptual framework for collective action. The report comprises three cases studies as examples of good marketing practices for biodiversity.

Development of mango hybrids is one strategy to improve mango quality to a level suitable for export markets, however, the duration of the juvenile phase is currently an obstacle. This paper outlines the use of the plant growth regulator, Paclobutrazol, to induce flowering and also assesses the impact on yield. The research involved a randomised block design with two levels of Paclobutrazol treatment and 20 accessions of mango hybrid. Results are presented and discussed based on the impact on induction of flowering and yield.

This article presents the findings of a study that introduces community-based seed production of new open-pollenated maize varieties that are suited to the local environment, as well as the sociological conditions and farmer's preferences, in East Nusa Tenggara. It aims to accelerate distribution of these high quality seeds in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices in order to increase maize productivity for farmers.

Maize yields in West Timor average around 2 t/ha, but have the potential to reach more than 4 t/ha with improved varieties, agronomy and nutrition. This paper explores the agronomic and physical characteristics of West Timor's landrace maize and production systems to determine the best approach for improving maize production and yield in West Timor. The research trials five maize varieties—three West Timor landrace populations and two open pollinated varieties—and grows them in the villages of Benlutu and Mnelalete in East Nusa Tenggara.

Maize is an important commodity in Nusa Tenggara Barat province as it has a strategic role in meeting the food needs of the people and the demand of feed industries in the region. However, raising productivity to meet the growing demand for maize requires the use of hybrids with high yield potential. This paper examines the potential yield of hybrids of harapan grown in dryland agro-ecosystems. Research was carried out in Perigi village—the centre of dryland maize production—in Suela subdistrict of Lombok Timur during the 2005/2006 rainy season.

This paper explores maize productivity and the yield gap in maize production in five provinces of Sulawesi. The research is based on secondary data collected for the period of 2001 to 2007 on harvested area, production, seed distribution and productivity. The findings revealed that average maize production and productivity varied significantly across the five provinces, from 64,664 tons in Central Sulawesi to 698,198 tons in South Sulawesi and from 2.21 t/ha in Southeast Sulawesi to 3.39 t/ha in Gorontalo. The paper documents the main constraints to production, including biophysical (e.g.

Cropping intensity of rice in lowlands in Indonesia is decreasing, presenting an opportunity to increase cropping intensity by planting maize. In this paper, Fadhly et al. suggest that in order to increase maize production, which does not meet the current demand for feed in Indonesia, maize cropping systems could be shifted to lowlands by promoting increased cropping intensity using rice-rice-maize, rice-maize-maize or rice-maize-fallow cropping patterns.