Hybrids that are stable or adaptable in a specific location for the western region of Indonesia are required to increase production of maize in Indonesia. The objectives of the study were (i) to select maize hybrids which are stable or adaptable in the western region of Indonesia and (ii) to determine the discriminant location for evaluating superior hybrids in the western region. Therefore, twelve maize hybrids were planted in different locations and seasons in the western region. Hybrids were selected based on GGE biplot analysis. The results showed that G9 and G10 were stable maize hybrids. G6 was the selected hybrid for the first megaenvironment; whereas, G3 was selected as the hybrid for the second megaenvironment. The L8 and L17 were the discriminant environment for evaluating hybrids in the western region of Indonesia. The high-yielding hybrids selected in this study should be broadly evaluated on-farm in order to disseminate for small holder farmers in Sumatera and Java islands.

Selection of high yielding and stable maize hybrid requires effective method of evaluation. Multienvironment evaluation is a critical step in plant breeding programs that is aimed at selecting the ideal genotype in a wide range of environments. A method of evaluation that combines a variety parameter of stability could provide more accurate information to select the ideal genotype. The aims of the study were (i) to identify the effect of genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interactions (GEIs) on maize hybrid yields and (ii) to select and to compare maize hybrids that have high and stable yields in diverse environments in Sumatra Island based on combined analysis, selection index, and GGE biplot. The study was conducted in five different environments in Sumatra Island, Indonesia, using a randomized complete block design repeated three times. Data were estimated using combined variance analysis, parametric and nonparametric stability, sustainability index, and GGE biplot. The results showed that the genotype had a significant effect on maize hybrid yields with a contribution of 41.797%. The environment contributed to 24.314%, and GEIs contributed 33.889% of the total variation. E1 (Karo, South Sumatra; dry season) and E3 (Tanjung Bintang, Lampung; dry season) were identified as the most ideal environments (representative) for testing the hybrids for wider adaptability. The maize hybrid with high and stable yields can be selected based on combined stability analysis and sustainability index as well as GGE biplot. These three methods are effectively selected high yielding and stable genotypes when they are used together. The three maize hybrids, namely, MH2, MH8, and MH9, are recommended as high yielding and stable genotype candidates.

Field grass was a source of ruminant forage, especially for rural farmers in  the West Java in different altitude. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of grass during  the dry season which included the botanical composition analysis and chemical analysis of nutritional value. The study was conducted from September to November 2015. The method used was a survey method, sampling was multistage sampling. The parameters measured in the study included a botanical composition of the forage, biomass production of feed materials on fresh and dry matter, dry material content, an inorganic material included ash, calcium and phosphorus, protein, crude fiber, extract materials without nitrogen, and crude fat. The results showed that the areas in  the West Java were drought in September and October, thus resulting in very limited supply of forage and the productivity of the forages was very low. A botanical composition in the highland area was more complete included grass, legumes and weeds than lowland areas and medium altitude. Forage production in highland areas was higher than in lowland areas and medium altitude. Feed plants in the lowlands had a greater fiber content which was forming energy for plants, and lower crude protein when compared to highland

Sword Beans (Canavalia gladiata) have high biomass, resistant to drought, pests and diseases, high fertility and seed productivity. The research purpose was to know rock phosphate dose effect on production and nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium uptake of sword bean leaf with VAM application. The design used was completely randomized design (CRD) with 2x5 factorial and repeated three times. The first factor was VAM; M0: without VAM and M1: with VAM of 10 g/bag. The second factor was rock phosphate; P0: without rock phosphate, P1: rock phosphate fertilization; 100 kg / ha, P2: 200 kg / ha, P3: 300 kg / ha and P4: 400 kg / ha. The results; dry matter and calcium absorption of sword bean leaves showed similar results for VAM and without VAM application. The nitrogen uptake of VAM inoculated plants differed significantly higher than non VAM application. In phosphorus uptake there was VAM and rock phosphate interaction.

Legumes as a source of protein is one of the most important nutrients for the ruminants. The experiment was carried out in the field of Forage Crop Laboratory of Padjadjaran University from october 2016 until January 2017, to study the effect of molybdenum fertilization on quality and in vitro digestibility on legumes. The design used was randomized block design with six treatment combinations consisting two levels of molybdenum (0 and 1.5 kg Mo ha-1) with foliar spray methods and three species of legumes (Pueraria phaseoloides, Calopogonium mucunoides and Centrosema pubescens) replicated four times. The results showed that the type of legume and molybdenum fertilizer had significant effect on crude protein content, ash content and in vitro digestibility but no significant effect on crude fiber content of forage legume.