Abundance and diversity of predatory insects in chili plant ecosystems cultivated by IPM

Abstract

Cayenne pepper is a strategic commodity. The use of chemical insecticides to control pests has a negative impact on the agroecosystem. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally solution to overcome pest problems. The objectives of this study were to determine the abundance and diversity of predatory insects. Sampling was carried out in August-October 2020 in west Lombok, Indonesia, on chili fields using the IPM technique. Observations were conducted on the generative phase of chili planting and carried out using the Yellow Pan and Pitfall Trap. The population of predatory insects in chili with IPM was 1,707 individuals representing 24 species from 8 families and 5 orders. The order Hymenoptera was the most abundant (63.27%) of the total predatory insects collected, followed by Coleoptera (30.93%), and Diptera (4.63%). The diversity index of predatory species is 1.79 in land planted with chili using IPM techniques. Chili plant using IPM techniques has more abundance and divers of predatory insect species than conventional chili land. This study provides some insight into the community of predatory insects in the generative phase of the chili ecosystem and suggests that an ecological approach is needed for pest management to maintain the balance of the agroecosystem and promote biodiversity.