Pengaruh Frekuensi dan Jenis Insektisida Nabati Untuk Mengendalikan Hama Utama Tanaman Cabai Merah (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

The red chili plant (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important horticultural commodity in Indonesia whose productivity often decreases due to armyworm pest attacks (Spodoptera litura). Control, which is still dominated by chemical insecticides, has the potential to cause pest resistance, harmful residues, and environmental pollution. Therefore, plant-based insecticides are a more environmentally friendly alternative because they contain secondary metabolite compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids that are toxic to insects. This study aims to determine the influence of the frequency of application and the most effective type of vegetable insecticide in controlling the main pests in red chili plants. The research was carried out at the Plant Protection Technology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jember using a factorial Complete Random Design (RAL) with two factors, namely the type of vegetable insecticide (control, papaya leaf extract 3%, kirinyuh weed 8%, and kenikir leaves 10%) and the frequency of application (1, 2, and 3 times) with three replications. The observed parameters included larval mortality, feeding activity, and percentage of larval change into pupa and imago. The data was analyzed using ANOVA and followed by a 5% DMRT test. The results showed that the type and frequency of vegetable insecticides had a very significant effect on mortality, feeding activity, and the success of S. litura metamorphosis. The treatment of 10% kenikir leaf extract with a frequency of three applications is the most effective treatment with larval mortality reaching 80% and suppressing the formation of pupae and imago.