Application of Various Concentrations of Mixed Extracts of Calotropis gigantea and Crescentia cujete Against Population and Attack Intensity of Leptocorisa acuta, Nephotettix virescens and Natural Enemy Populations of Rice Plants

Abstract

Changes in land and pesticide are the main drivers of changes in the biodiversity of agricultural land, particularly natural enemies of insect pests. Leptocorisa acuta and Nephotettix virescens are the main pests of rice plants in Indonesia which are mostly controlled with pesticides. The use of extracts of natural ingredients Calontropis gigantea leaves and Crescentia cujete fruit is an alternative for controlling rice pests. The purpose of the study was to determine the mixed extracts of C. gigantea and C. cujete with various concentrations on the population and the attack intensity of Leptocorisa acuta and Nephotettix virescens as well as natural enemies population. This study consisted of six treatments, namely a concentration of 1%; 2.5%; 4%; 5.5%; 7% and farmer treatment. Observations were made visually and sweep net by taking samples diagonally in one plot was taken five plant sample points were and in one point consisted of four clumps of rice. The results showed that, in comparison to the farmers treatment, the population and attack intensity were low for all extract concentration treatments, and statistical analysis did not reveal any statistically significant differences between concentrations. In comparison to farmer treatment, the population of natural enemies was high in all extract treatments. When mixed extracts of C. gigantea and C. cujete are used for pest management of rice plants, the number and severity of pest attacks can be reduced without affecting natural enemies.