Jurnal Mangifera Edu

Research on ethnoscience-based student worksheets to strengthen 21st-Century skills: A systematic literature review

2026-07-30T23:30:36+00:00

21^st-century science learning requires the development of critical thinking skills; however, students' mastery of these skills remains relatively low, making innovations such as Electronic Student Worksheet necessary. The integration of ethnoscience into Student Worksheet makes learning more relevant to local wisdom while supporting the development of 21st-century skills. This study analyzed articles discussing the role of ethnoscience-based Student Worksheet in strengthening 21^st-century skills in science learning through five research questions. The study employed the PRISMA method using data from Google Scholar and Scopus, resulting in 32 articles published between 2020 and 2025. The articles were reviewed based on research trends, topic distribution, measurable outcomes, and implementation. The findings showed a marked increase in publications, peaking at 11 publications in 2025, accompanied by international collaboration that expanded citations and research impact. Research and Development was the dominant research design. Critical thinking skills were the most frequently studied outcome in 17 studies, followed by scientific literacy in 8 studies, while motivation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills were still rarely explored. Ethnoscience frequently incorporated local wisdom, such as traditional games, cultural practices, and food processing, which enhanced conceptual understanding, learning engagement, and 21st-century skills. Overall, ethnoscience-based Student Worksheet makes science learning more contextual and meaningful.

The life cycle transformation of Pacific Cod fish mechanism

2026-07-30T23:30:36+00:00

Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) is a key commercial and ecological species in the North Pacific, supporting valuable fisheries and marine ecosystems. However, its distribution, population dynamics, and responses to climate change and fishing pressure remain incompletely understood. This study integrates 20 years of bottom trawl survey data from the Southwestern Bering Sea (2000–2020) with ecological modelling, stock assessment records, satellite-tagging data, socioeconomic indicators, and international fisheries datasets to evaluate Pacific cod biology and fisheries management. Long-term trawl surveys revealed seasonal and depth-related shifts in abundance, size composition, and spatial distribution, indicating dynamic habitat use across life stages. Environmental modelling showed that increasing bottom-water temperatures may reduce suitable spawning habitat because of the species’ narrow thermal tolerance. Satellite-tag data confirmed seasonal migrations between feeding and spawning grounds, highlighting the importance of habitat connectivity. Stock assessments indicated that biomass and recruitment were influenced by both environmental variability and fishing intensity, emphasizing the need for adaptive management. Socioeconomic analyses demonstrated the importance of Pacific cod fisheries to regional livelihoods and the potential impacts of declining stock productivity. Overall, this integrated assessment provides scientific evidence to support ecosystem-based fisheries management, sustainable harvest strategies, and long-term conservation of Pacific cod populations in the North Pacific.

Species composition of male Bactrocera spp. captured by methyl eugenol traps in Karawang Mango Orchards, Indonesia

2026-07-30T23:30:36+00:00

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are major pests reducing mango (Mangifera indica L.) productivity in Indonesia. Information on fruit fly community structure in Karawang Regency remains limited, and the ecological implications of male-biased sampling using methyl eugenol have not been previously evaluated. This study aimed to analyze the species composition, diversity, and dominance structure of fruit flies in a mango orchard in Ciampel District using methyl eugenol traps, providing the first ecological baseline for Bactrocera communities in Karawang. Sampling was conducted from August to December 2025 using five traps during four sampling periods at two-week intervals. Captured specimens were identified morphologically using standard taxonomic keys. A total of 1,469 individuals representing six species were recorded: Bactrocera dorsalis, B. occipitalis, B. zonata, B. kandiensis, B. correcta, and B. umbrosa. Bactrocera dorsalis was the dominant species (57.99%). The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′ = 1.28) indicated moderate diversity, whereas the Simpson dominance index (C = 0.38) indicated low dominance. The fruit fly community was relatively stable but strongly dominated by B. dorsalis, reflecting host availability within the semi-polyculture orchard. Nevertheless, because methyl eugenol selectively attracts male individuals, the observed community structure should be interpreted as a male-biased representation of the fruit fly assemblage. This study provides the first ecological baseline of male-attracted Bactrocera communities in Karawang and highlights the importance of considering attractant-induced sampling bias in ecological assessments. The findings support the development of location-specific integrated pest management strategies, including optimizing the Male Annihilation Technique (MAT) and conserving natural enemies.

Secondary school students’ perceptions of outdoor Biology learning and gender dynamics in Egor LGA, Edo State, Nigeria

2026-07-30T23:30:36+00:00

Outdoor learning has gained increasing attention as an approach to enrich Biology learning by providing authentic learning experiences beyond the classroom. This study aimed to examine secondary school students' perceptions of outdoor Biology learning, with particular emphasis on conceptual clarity and gender dynamics in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed involving 100 senior secondary school students selected through a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using an expert-validated four-point Likert questionnaire (reliability coefficient = 0.75) and analyzed using frequency counts and percentage distributions. The findings indicate that most students expressed positive perceptions of outdoor learning, reporting that outdoor activities supported their understanding of Biology concepts and enhanced their engagement during learning. The results also revealed that many students perceived gender-related differences in outdoor learning experiences, although female students were likewise perceived as demonstrating strong conceptual understanding of Biology. Because the study examined students' perceptions rather than objective learning outcomes, the findings should be interpreted as subjective evaluations of learning experiences rather than evidence of differences in academic achievement or the effectiveness of outdoor learning. The study suggests that Biology teachers and school administrators should design structured and inclusive outdoor learning activities that encourage meaningful participation for all students while supporting contextual learning experiences in Biology education

Osmoregulatory cost of Nile tilapia across salinity gradients on growth and oxygen consumption rates

2026-07-30T23:30:36+00:00

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exhibits remarkable phenotypic plasticity, particularly regarding its adaptability to varying environmental salinities. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the bioenergetic costs and rearing performance of Nile tilapia subjected to a micro-salinity gradient. A 30-day in vivo experiment was conducted at the Aquaculture Laboratory and Experimental Ponds of Universitas Sriwijaya. The study used a completely randomized design comprising five salinity treatments: P0 (0 ppt; freshwater control), P1 (1 ppt), P2 (2 ppt), P3 (3 ppt), and P4 (4 ppt). The result showed that an optimal survival rate was recorded at 1 ppt (P1; 85%), contrasting sharply with the lowest survival observed in the freshwater control (P0; 35%). Conversely, somatic growth peaked at 2 ppt (P2), yielding the highest absolute weight gain (13 g), while the maximum length extension (3 cm) was co-dominantly observed in the 2 ppt and 3 ppt treatments. Interestingly, despite recording the lowest survival, the highest feed efficiency was maintained in the control group (P0; 48.43%). Furthermore, the metabolic cost of osmoregulation peaked at 3 ppt (P3), as evidenced by the maximum oxygen consumption rate (0.26 mg O₂ g⁻¹ h⁻¹). Overall, the data suggest that low-to-moderate salinity levels (1–2 ppt) provide a substantially more optimal rearing environment compared to strictly freshwater or higher salinity conditions. Operating within this micro-salinity range effectively balances osmoregulatory energy expenditure with maximized growth and survival rates, offering strategic bioenergetic insights for sustainable tilapia aquaculture operations.

The effect of using PBL-STEM-based worksheets on students’ critical thinking skills in Biotechnology

2026-07-30T23:30:36+00:00

Critical thinking is an essential competency in science education that must be systematically developed. However, biology instruction remains predominantly teacher-centered and lacks learning resources that actively engage students in higher-order thinking. One promising approach is the use of Problem-Based Learning (PBL)-STEM-based worksheets, which integrate authentic problem-solving with interdisciplinary STEM concepts to promote meaningful and contextual learning. This research focused on assessing the effectiveness of PBL-STEM-based worksheets in enhancing students' critical thinking skills during biotechnology instruction at MAS Al-Washliyah Kedaisianam. A quasi-experimental method with a pretest-posttest control group design was employed. The sample consisted of 58 students selected through purposive sampling, with 29 students in the experimental class (X IPA-1) and 29 students in the control class (X IPA-2). Data were collected using five essay questions developed based on Ennis's critical thinking indicators. Statistical analyses included the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, Levene's test for homogeneity of variances, and the independent samples t-test using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. The findings revealed that the experimental group's mean score increased from 50.69 on the pre-test to 72.07 on the post-test, whereas the control group's mean score improved from 50.00 to 63.28. The independent samples t-test produced a significance value of 0.008 (p < 0.05), indicating a statistically significant difference between the two groups. These results demonstrate that PBL-STEM-based worksheets significantly improve students' critical thinking skills in biotechnology. Therefore, integrating PBL and STEM through structured worksheets provides an effective instructional strategy for fostering active, inquiry-based, and critical learning in biology classrooms.

Potential of methanol extract of Tetracera indica leaves in controlling Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren

2026-07-31T22:08:46+00:00

Subterranean termites (Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren) are pests that damage building components and cause economic losses. The use of synthetic termiticides such as pyrethroids and organophosphates has the potential to cause residues, pest resistance, and environmental pollution. The development of plant-based biotermiticides is needed as alternative. One plant that has the potential to be developed as a termiticide source is Tetracera indica. This study aims to determine the potential of methanol extract of mempelas leaves (T. indica) as a biotermiticide against C. curvignathus termites through a no-choice test and to identify its chemical compounds using GC-MS analysis. The results of the termiticide activity test showed that the percentage of termite mortality increased with increasing concentration. The concentration of 25% extract can cause termite death to reach 100% on the 8th day. The results of chemical component analysis using GC-MS revealed 26 peaks, 19 of which could be detected as tentative compounds, based on the similarity of MS data with the NIST database. The main chemical compounds, namely methyl 9-octadecenoate (58.68%), methyl palmitate (16.13%), and methyl stearate (7.56%) as well as other bioactive constituents such as linoleic acid (4.39%), oleic acid (2.68%), and erythrodiol (0.09%), may contribute to the observed termiticidal activity through their reported biological activities.

The Influence of different growing media on growth performance and essential mineral accumulation in Brassica juncea L.

2026-07-31T12:33:25+00:00

Microgreens are nutrient-dense vegetables widely cultivated in urban agriculture because of their short production cycle and high nutritional value. Although previous studies have demonstrated that growing media influence microgreen growth and nutritional quality, limited information is available on whether a single growing medium can simultaneously optimize biomass production and the accumulation of specific essential minerals. Therefore, this study compared five commonly used growing media to determine their effects on growth performance and the accumulation of manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), and chloride (Cl) in green mustard microgreens (Brassica juncea L.). The study used a single-factor Randomized Block Design with five treatments and five replications: M0 (soil), M1 (cocopeat), M2 (vermiculite), M3 (rockwool), and M4 (perlite). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by a 5% Least Significant Difference test. Growing media significantly affected all measured growth parameters and mineral concentrations. Soil produced the greatest plant height (6.602 cm), leaf area (1.013 cm²), net assimilation rate (0.818 g cm⁻² day⁻¹), and crop growth rate (2.398 g m⁻² day⁻¹). Perlite formed the highest statistical group for phosphorus accumulation (756.0 mg/100g), vermiculite produced the highest manganese concentration (65.8 mg/100g), whereas cocopeat accumulated the greatest chloride concentration (4617.8 mg/100g). The findings demonstrate that no single growing medium simultaneously optimized both biomass production and mineral accumulation. Soil is recommended when biomass production is prioritized, whereas vermiculite, cocopeat, and perlite may be selected according to specific mineral enrichment objectives. These findings provide practical guidance for urban agriculture and functional-food production by supporting goal-oriented growing-medium selection.

Community knowledge of family medicinal plants by age and education in Pusu Village Residents

2026-07-31T22:31:03+00:00

Family Medicinal Plants (Tanaman Obat Keluarga, TOGA) constitute an important component of local knowledge that supports family health. However, evidence regarding the relationship between demographic characteristics and community knowledge of TOGA utilization and cultivation among indigenous communities in peri-urban transitional areas remains limited. This study aimed to analyze community knowledge of TOGA utilization and cultivation and to examine its relationship with age and educational level among the Dawan (Amanuban) sub-ethnic community in Pusu Village, South Central Timor Regency, Indonesia. A quantitative study employing a descriptive-analytical design was conducted. A total of 53 respondents were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's rank correlation test at a 5% significance level. The results showed that most respondents had a low level of knowledge regarding the utilization (73.6%) and cultivation (71.7%) of TOGA. Correlation analysis revealed that age was not significantly associated with knowledge of TOGA utilization (ρ = 0.172, p = 0.219) or cultivation (ρ = 0.031, p = 0.823). Similarly, educational level was not significantly associated with knowledge of TOGA utilization (ρ = 0.268, p = 0.052) or cultivation (ρ = −0.003, p = 0.984). These findings indicate that the distribution of TOGA-related knowledge among the Dawan (Amanuban) community is not significantly influenced by age or formal educational attainment. Therefore, community-based educational programs that engage all demographic groups are needed to promote the preservation and sustainable utilization of TOGA.

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated characterization of Kcs6 in wax biosynthesis and drought tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana

2026-07-31T22:34:15+00:00

Drought is a major abiotic stress that reduces crop productivity due to global climate change. The plant cuticular wax layer plays a crucial role in reducing non-stomatal water loss and enhancing drought tolerance. KCS6, encoding 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase 6, is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), the main components of cuticular wax. However, its specific function in wax accumulation and drought resistance remains incompletely elucidated. This study aimed to characterize the role of KCS6 in wax biosynthesis and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knock-out. kcs6 mutants were generated by targeting the first exon of KCS6 to create a loss-of-function allele. Phenotypic analysis, cuticular wax composition, and drought tolerance assays were performed in the mutants compared to wild-type plants. The results showed that kcs6 mutants exhibited a significant reduction in VLCFA content and cuticular wax load. The mutants also displayed a higher rate of water loss and increased sensitivity to drought stress compared to the wild type. These findings provide direct genetic evidence that KCS6 is essential for cuticular wax biosynthesis and for maintaining plant water status under drought conditions. This study is the first to demonstrate, using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis, that disruption of KCS6 directly links altered VLCFA-derived cuticular wax biosynthesis to impaired plant water retention and drought adaptation, providing mechanistic evidence for KCS6 as a promising genetic target for improving crop drought resilience.