Population Structure of Thrips parvispinus Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Population Abundance of Predatory Insect on Red Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) Treated with Imidacloprid Insecticide

Abstract

In Indonesia, the pest Thrips parvispinus Karny is a major problem for red chili plants. Most pest control techniques rely on synthetic pesticides, resulting in environmental degradation, the extinction of natural enemies, and the emergence and resilience of a variety of different pests. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of a 25% Imidacloprid insecticide on population density and the proportion of infestations and natural enemies in the field. A randomized block design with 5 treatments and 5 replications was utilized in this field investigation. Plant samples were collected in a “U-shaped” pattern. According to the findings, a 25% Imidacloprid pesticide had a significant influence on population density and T. parvispinus attack on red chili plants. Moderate damage was caused by T. parvispinus’ infestation on red chili plants using 50-200 L.ha-1 25 % Imidacloprid pesticide. Furthermore, a 25 % Imidacloprid insecticide applied at a rate of 100 L.ha-1 had a significant influence on the population variety and abundance of T. parvispinus natural enemies. A 25 % Imidacloprid insecticide dosage increase was shown to have a very strong relationship with a reduction in population density, the proportion of T. parvispinus assault, and the variety and quantity of natural enemies in red chili. Thus, a 25 % Imidacloprid insecticide at a rate of 100 L.ha-1 proved successful in reducing T. parvispinus while remaining safe for natural enemies. Future pest control techniques must still be based on improved field data collection, such as data on pesticide contamination or other anthropogenic chemicals, which may also be used to estimate natural enemy population levels in the field.