Video Series: Beneficial insects for FAW Control Research in Central Java, Indonesia

This year the ASEAN FAW Action Plan, and Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) launched a year-long study to better understand FAW population dynamics and the role of natural enemies, especially egg parasitoids, in FAW management. Led by Dr. Andi Trisyono, the UGM team combines field research, farmer engagement, and laboratory work to build a holistic understanding of FAW ecology. The project is supported under AFACI Regional FAW and Brown Planthopper Diagnostics, Monitoring and Surveillance Program.

The Video Series: Bringing Research to Life

To share insights from this work, we produced a three-part video series filmed in Grobogan, Central Java, showcasing how farmers, researchers, and field teams are tackling FAW through a mix of science, collaboration, and community participation.

🎥 Video 1 – Farmers’ Perceptions: Understanding FAW in the Field

This first video discusses what beneficial insects are before asking local farmers farmers about their perceptions of beneficial insects. Through interviews, we learn that farmers are not yet sure or understand about the benefits of these insects, and often see all insects as pests. Dr Andi Trisyono, then discusses the benefits of natural enemies and beneficial insects to control pest populations like FAW before giving two examples found in Indonesia at the study location.

🎥 Video 2 – The Project: Field Research on FAW and Its Natural Enemies

The second video explains the project — in which UGM researchers are studying FAW population dynamics and egg parasitism levels. Using pheromone traps and field observations, the team monitors FAW life stages and documents the role of beneficial parasitoids that help regulate pest populations. Farmer focus groups complement this work by exploring current practices and opportunities to strengthen ecologically based management.

🎥 Video 3 – In the Lab: Understanding Beneficial Insects

The final video takes viewers inside the UGM entomology laboratory, with Master's student, Devi Fitra Haliza. This behind-the-scenes look shows how laboratory research supports field research, revealing how parasitism is measured, and why protecting these natural enemies is vital for long-term pest control.

Looking Ahead

Together, these three videos illustrate the project’s full journey—from farmers’ experiences to field investigation and laboratory science. By linking research, practice, and farmer participation, the AFACI–RDA regional project aims to reduce FAW and Asian Corn Borer impacts while promoting sustainable maize production across Southeast Asia. Stay tuned for more updates as data analysis continues and results are shared with local partners and farmers to support region-wide adoption of ecologically based IPM strategies.

Regional Project on Brown Planthopper (BPH) and Fall Armyworm (FAW) Monitoring and Management.

This work is supported under the AFACI-funded Asia Regional FAW and Brown Planthopper Diagnostics, Monitoring and Surveillance Program. This Program brings together partner institutions from across the region (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam) with technical leadership provided by CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation of Australia) to work on FAW and BPH.

The Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI) is an inter-governmental and multilateral cooperation body funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea. It works to enhance food production and promote sustainable agriculture across Asia through technology exchange and capacity building. The AFACI Secretariat is hosted by the International Technology Cooperation Center (ITCC) of the Rural Development Administration (RDA) in Jeonju, Korea.