Yogyakarta, 14 November 2025 — Dr. Bayu Nugraha, a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (DTPB FTP UGM), participated in the VI Asia Symposium on Quality Management in Postharvest Systems (ASQP 2025) held on 11–13 November 2025 in Shizuoka, Japan. This international symposium serves as a key platform that brings together postharvest experts, researchers, early-career scientists, and students from various countries to share innovations, insights, and future perspectives on postharvest management systems.
During the event, Dr. Bayu Nugraha presented two of his latest research works. Through a poster presentation titled “Multiscale morphometric analysis of red chili pepper using X-ray CT”, he explored multiscale morphometry using X-ray CT to observe the internal structure of chili peppers in greater detail. Meanwhile, in his oral presentation, “Respiration of red chili pepper as a function of oxygen level,” Dr. Bayu discussed the dynamics of respiration in red chili peppers under different oxygen concentrations—an essential factor for designing effective storage and postharvest quality management strategies.
Both research topics received notable interest from conference participants, leading to extended discussions that may develop into future research collaborations. This opens wider opportunities for international cooperation between DTPB FTP UGM and global research institutions.
ASQP 2025 also featured a field trip on the third day, where participants visited a tea museum and mandarin orchard in the Shizuoka region. The visit provided additional insights into local agricultural culture, cultivation practices, and Japan’s horticultural postharvest management systems.
Beyond the symposium activities, Dr. Bayu conducted an academic visit to the Faculty of Agriculture at Yamagata University in Tsuruoka City. There, he met with Prof. Hideki Murayama, Vice President for International Relations, to discuss potential joint research, student exchange programs, and broader collaborative opportunities. Dr. Bayu also met several UGM alumni and students currently studying or participating in exchange programs in Japan.
Dr. Bayu’s participation in ASQP 2025 not only strengthens the academic contribution of DTPB FTP UGM in postharvest research but also supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
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SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): through research that enhances postharvest quality and supports food security.
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SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): through technological innovation in postharvest systems and international research collaborations.
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SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): by promoting efficient, loss-reducing, and sustainable food production systems.
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SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): by expanding global partnerships, including strengthened collaboration with Yamagata University.
DTPB FTP UGM’s involvement in this international forum reaffirms its commitment to advancing global research, expanding collaboration networks, and fostering technological innovations that support sustainable agriculture.
