The intensity of major pests on pepper (Piper nigrum) in Tanggamus Regency - Lampung Province

Abstract

As one of the black pepper production centers in Indonesia, Lampung pepper productivity is quite low compared to other central areas. Lampung produces around 500 kg/ha, quite far from the national average production which is around 796 kg/ha, or even the productivity of other regions such as Bangka-Belitung which has reached 1.2 tons/ha. One of the main problems that cause this is a fairly high pest attack. For this reason, a study was conducted on the intensity of the main pest attack on pepper plants in one of the pepper-producing areas in Lampung, namely Tanggamus Regency. The study was conducted in April-May 2021 by taking 100 plant spots (samples) randomly in the location. The intensity of pest attack is calculated by a scoring system. The results showed that there were three main pests that attacked pepper plants in Tanggamus Regency - Lampung Province, namely the pepper stem borer (Lophobaris piperis) with the intensity of around 38%; Thrips sp. with intensity of about 23% and fruit suckers (Dasynus piperis) with intensity of about 9%.