The role of Hymenoptera parasitoids as mortality factors of Silba adipata McAlpine on cayenne pepper plants: parasitism and distribution patterns

Abstract

Silba adipata (Diptera: Loncaeidae) is a new species that attacks white cayenne pepper in Bali. The research aimed to explore the role of these three types of parasitoids. New variables that have never been used before include spatial and altitudinal distribution patterns, the relationship between the level of parasitism and the level of population density of A. adipata according to plant phenology, and the level of parasitization of parasitoids on hosts at various altitudes in Bali, Indonesia. This research was carried out from April to July 2021 using a survey method in which samples were taken purposively from sample plants. The three parasitoids were distributed in all districts, except F. arisanus and A. japonica which were not found in Denpasar and Jembrana. Three parasitoid species play a role in controlling S. adipata in Bali Indonesia, namely A. japonica, F. arisanus, and D. longicaudata. Among the three parasitoids, A. japonica was most dominant at altitudes >750-1000 MASL, while F. arisanus at altitudes >500 - >1000 MASL and D. longicaudata at altitudes >250-500 MASL. The population densities of the three parasitoids were densely associated with S. adipata populations. The parasitoid that most effectively controls S. adipata in the field is F. arisanus.