Application Of Biopesticides Research Articles

Education and Training on Making Organic Fertilizers and Biopesticides for Cocoa Farmers in Pulukan Village, Jembrana, as an effort to increase organic cocoa production

Pulukan Village, Jembrana Regency, Bali, is one of the village center of organic cocoa production. The high demand for organic cocoa beans cannot be met because the production per hectare is still low. One of the reasons is that cocoa farmers in the village have difficulty obtaining organic fertilizers and biopesticides in sufficient quantities as recommended. This community service was carried out to improve the knowledge and skills of farmers in making organic fertilizers and biopesticides using local materials as an effort to increase the productivity of organically cultivated cocoa. The method of implementing the activities was through counseling and training on the manufacture of organic fertilizers and biopesticides, then followed by mentoring in the application of organic fertilizers and biopesticides resulting from training in Demonstration Plots. In training and mentoring participants were invited to work together and learning by doing. The implementation of counseling on the manufacture of organic fertilizers and biopesticides was very successful, indicated by 93.33% of participants stating that they understood very well the material being taught and 100% stating that the material presented was very interesting and very useful for them. Training activities for making organic fertilizers and biopesticides through hands-on practice resulted in participants being able to make organic fertilizers and biopesticides very well. The application of organic fertilizers and biopesticides as a result of training in demonstration plots can improve farmers' skills in direct application of fertilization methods and pest and disease control in organic cocoa cultivation. The results of the application of organic fertilizers and biopesticides in the demonstration plot showed that cocoa trees given organic fertilizers and sprayed with biopesticides had better growth and lower pest and disease attacks than controls. This encourages the participants to apply the best practices from the demonstration plots to be applied in their respective organic cocoa gardens.

Effects of Biopesticides and Undersown Cover Crops on Soil Properties in the Organic Farming System

The inclusion of undersown cover crops in crop rotations and the use of biopesticides are essential for the long-term sustainability of the agroecosystem in organic farming. We hypothesized that biopesticides and undersown cover crops (crimson (incarnate) clover (Trifolium incarnatum Broth.), hairy (winter) vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and winter rye (Secale cereale L.)) are likely to have a positive impact on soil agrophysical and biological properties. Soil shear strength, soil aggregate–size distribution, plant root dry biomass and number and biomass of earthworms were determined at the end of the plant growing season. We concluded that the application of biopesticides and growing of undersown cover crops decreased soil shear strength and increased the percentage of macro-aggregates (0.25–10 mm) in the plough layer. In the plots with cover crops, plant root biomass was found to be significantly higher by a factor of 1.9 to 3.5, compared to the plots without cover crops. The application of biopesticides and undersown cover crops did not significantly affect the number and biomass of earthworms in the soil. The abundance of earthworms was more influenced by meteorological conditions.

Sequential application of bio-pesticides suppresses eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee infestation

Different bio-pesticides were evaluated against eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis G. in combination. All combination of bio-pesticides were effective against eggplant shoot and fruit borer but Lycomax + Biotin M + Antario and Lycomax + Biotin M + Fytomax 3% found most potent and control 88.43 and 84.06 percent shoot infestation; 69.67 and 66.44 percent fruit infestation by count; 72.70 and 70.49 percent fruit infestation by weight, respectively. Lycomax + Biotin M + Antario and Lycomax + Fytomax 0.1% + Biomax increased 32.90 and 28.66 percent gross yield; 120.19 and 87.5 percent marketable yield, respectively over control. Individual fruit weight found maximum from Lycomax + Fytomax 0.1% + Biomax and Biotin M + Antario where it was 51.74 g and 48.13 g for marketable fruit while 44.05 g and 44.61 g for infested fruit. The present study revealed that Lycomax + Biotin M + Antario and Lycomax + Biotin M + Fytomax 3% effectively control ESFB while Lycomax + Biotin M + Antario and Lycomax + Fytomax 0.1% + Biomax increases the yield. Therefore, application of Lycomax + Biotin M + Antario might be recommended for successful production of eggplant to get maximum yield with minimum infestation.

A Study on the Impact of Low-Carbon Technology Application in Agriculture on the Returns of Large-Scale Farmers.

The relationship and mechanism between agricultural low-carbon technology application and farm household returns are not yet clear, especially the lack of evidence from developing countries. This paper takes large-scale farming households in Jiangxi Province, China, from 2019 to 2020 as the research object, and obtains relevant data from field research to explore the intrinsic impact of agricultural low-carbon technology application on the returns of large-scale farming households. Based on the relevant theoretical analysis, the division dimensions of agricultural low-carbon technologies were proposed, and agricultural low-carbon technologies were subdivided into ten specific low-carbon technologies according to six dimensions: tillage system, breeding, fertilization, irrigation, medicine application, and waste treatment. Relevant questions were designed and researched to obtain data on the application status of low-carbon technologies in agriculture and the income cost status of large-scale farmers. Based on the theoretical analysis, the research hypotheses were proposed, and an empirical analysis was conducted based on the obtained data from large-scale farmers. The application of seven low-carbon technologies in agriculture: conservation tillage system, direct sowing technology, selection of compound fertilizer/organic fertilizer/controlled-release fertilizer, soil formula fertilization technology, deep fertilization/irrigation fertilization, sprinkler/drip irrigation/wet irrigation/intermittent irrigation, and straw resourceization significantly improved the income level of large-scale farmers. Furthermore, the application of biodegradable agricultural membranes, biopesticides, and new pesticide-controlled release technologies did not have significant effects on the income level of large-scale farmers, due to their low application and penetration rate. Based on the findings of the paper, the government should strengthen the promotion and subsidies of agricultural low-carbon technologies, especially those technologies that have no significant impact on large-scale farmers’ income, such as biodegradable agricultural membranes, biopesticides, and new pesticide controlled-release technologies, so as to achieve a win-win situation of reducing carbon emissions and increasing farmers’ income.

Penurunan Residu Pestisida Tebukonazol dan Trifloksistrobin pada Umbi Bawang Merah dengan Budidaya Organik Berbasis Biopestisida di Desa Bulugunung Kecamatan Plaosan Kabupaten Magetan

[REDUCTION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES Tebukunazol AND Trifloksistrobin ON ORGANIC BULB SHALLOT CROPS WITH BIOPESTICIDE BASED IN BULUGUNUNG VILLAGE, PLAOSAN, MAGETAN REGENCY]. Shallot plants are agricultural commodities that have a high and economic value. The continuous use of pesticides to increase Shallot production will harm the environment. The active pesticides of Tebukonazol and Triflooxystrobin are one of the fungicides to overcome moler disease. Maximum Residue Limit (BMR) on shallot bulbs for active substance Tebukonazol of 0.1 mg/kg while for active substances Trifloksistrobin of 0.01 mg/kg. To reduce the pesticide residues, efforts are needed through the application of biopesticides. This research was conducted in March-May 2021 in Bulugunung Village of Plaosan District of Magetan Regency. Analysis of pesticide residues Tebukonazol and Trifloksistrobin was carried out at the Laboratory of The Industrial Research and Consulting Center (BPKI) Surabaya. The research was one factor, conducted in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments with 6 replications, namely: Treatment (A): Conventional cultivation, Treatment (B): Fobio (seeds and plants), Phonska Fertilizer, P-Phosfat, SP-36, KCl, and ZA, Treatment (C): Manure to the soil and Soil sterilization with Fobio, as well as pesticide application, Treatment (D): Giving soil manure and soil sterilization with Fobio, and the application of Fobio (seeds and plants). Data analysis was conducted in analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the the Honesty Significant Difference (HSD) at a level of 5% if the F test shows a significant effect. The results showed that the treatments (B) and (D) of Fobio applications in seeds and plants have the lowest pesticide residue values of Tebukonazol and Trifloksystrobin compared to treatments (A) and (C) that use chemical pesticides.

Biopesticides in Organic Agriculture

Summary The central issuses in organic agricultural production are related to the plant protection sector. As the use of synthetic pesticides is not allowed in the organic system of agricultural production, biopesticides are considerd a natural, safe and environmentally friendly alternative. The purpose of this study is to identify the most important biological agents used as biopesticides in organic agriculture through a review of the relevant literature. Biopesticides are compounds made from microorganisms and various natural materials of plant and animal origin. Biological protection also includes the use of extracts of different plant species (such as essential oils) that have toxic effects on plant pathogens. This paper accounts for the most important types of biopesticides based on bacteria, fungi and viruses, which are licensed for use in the Republic of Serbia according to the Law on Organic Agriculture. Their mechanisms of action, possibilities of application and efficiency are described in the present study. The bacterium Bacillus subtilis is the most studied bacterial species used in biological protection, whereas the species Bacillus thuringiensis is predominantly used for the control of harmful insects. There is no doubt about the need for alternative protection systems in the future, which necessitates further scientific research. A sound application of biopesticides in combination with preventive protection measures would meet the requirements of safe agricultural production.

Application of Biopesticide from Eucalyptus grandis on Mortality of Fruit Flies (Bactrocera sp.) on Sweet Citrus (Citrus X Sinensis) Plants

The application of biopesticides is one of the safest alternatives to realize organic agriculture that does not cause harmful impacts to both consumers and the environment. This activity aims to apply biopesticides in eradicating fruit flies (Bactrocera sp.) on Sweet Orange (Citrus X Sinensis) plants. The partner location is the Bukit Rumah Sendi Farmers Group in Karo Regency. Eucalyptus grandis leaves were extracted using steam distillation then the concentration of 1,8 Sineol was determined using GCMS and the concentration was 52%. Eucalyptus oil was mixed with kerosene and detergent then determined the LC50 value in fruit flies and observed for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours and produced an LC50 value of 35%. This shows that biopesticides are quite effective in eradicating fruit flies.

Biosafety evaluation of two Beauveria bassiana products on female albino rats using acute oral test

Application of bio-pesticides in agriculture has been developed as alternative agents to conventional pesticides due to residues accumulating which causing detrimental effects to human and environment. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate biosafety of a bio-insecticide Beauveria bassiana using two products in female rats by single oral dose through hepato- and renal toxicity, hematotoxicity and lipid profile. The two products from B. bassiana (AUMC 9896) were metabolic crude (MC), and wettable powder formulation (WP) of the local isolate. Results showed a significant increase in values of erythrocytes (RBCs), leucocytes (WBCs), platelet count (Plt) and the absolute differential WBC counts. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) and globulin (Glb) content were reduced in the exposed female rats with both types of B. bassiana in comparison to controls. While ratio of AST/ALT and A/G, total protein level (TP) and albumin (Alb) were raised in Beauveria bassiana -treated rats (Bb - treated rats). Urea and creatinine concentrations decreased or increased significantly in treated rats. Moreover, there was a decline in the serum of lipid profiles in WP - treated rats, but LDL levels increased in all treated animal. Additionally, no mortality or toxicity in all treated. All animals treated showed non-significant modifications in body weight gain and a slight change in relative liver weights when compared to controls. These results suggest that both treatments effect markedly on function and somatic index of the liver and slight effects on CBC and lipid profile aspects of treated female rats.

Integrated management of French bean rust (Uromyces appendiculatus)

French bean rust (Uromyces appendiculatus) has been observed as one of the most destructive disease causing economic losses to the growers. In the present study, the effect of plant spacing, foliar application of bio-pesticides, recommended fungicide Amistar (azoxystrobin) alone and in integrated manner were evaluated to see their effect on disease severity and green pod yield. Plant spacing i.e 45 x 15 cm was found better with moderate disease severity (64.03%), AUDPC value (1255.37),minimum infection rate (0.135 units day−1) and highest pod yield (53.7 q/acre) followed by 30 x 7.5 cm and were statistically at par with each other and superior to other plant spacings.. Out of eight botanicals evaluated under in vitro conditions, Neemazal caused 100 - per cent germination inhibition and was found significantly superior to others followed by water extracts of Allium sativum, Lantana camara, Roylea elegans and Urtica dioca with 74.75, 71.65, 70.02 and 69.98 per cent inhibition in urediniospore germination, respectively, and also inhibited germtube elongation. Combined treatment of plant spacing (45×15 cm) (Tj) + azoxystrobin (Amistar 23%EC) spray (0.1%) (T2) was found most effective in reducing disease severity (4.39%), AUDPC (97.56) and infection rate (0.046 units day−1) and provided maximum green pod yield (94.6 q/acre) as well.

Essential oils of Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens for the development of a new biopesticides in postharvest control

Fruit and vegetable crops that are not consumed immediately, unlike other agricultural products, require economic and time investments until they reach the final consumers. Synthetic agrochemicals are used to maintain and prolong the storage life of crops and avoid losses caused by phytopathogenic microorganisms. However, the excessive use of synthetic agrochemicals creates health problems and contributes to environmental pollution. To avoid these problems, less toxic and environment-friendly alternatives are sought. One of these alternatives is the application of biopesticides. However, few biopesticides are currently used. In this study, the biopesticide activity of Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens essential oils was evaluated. Their antifungal activity has been verified in an in vitro model, and chemical composition has been determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Their antifungal activity was corroborated in vitro, and their activity as biopesticides was subsequently evaluated in a plant model. In addition, the persistence of these essential oils on the surface of the plant model was determined. Results suggest that both essential oils are promising candidates for producing biopesticides. This is the first study showing that B. morelensis and L. graveolens essential oils work by inhibiting mycelial growth and spore germination and are environment-friendly biopesticides.

​Bio-efficacy of Chemical Insecticides and Biopesticides against Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and Spotted Pod Borer, Maruca testulalis (Geyer) on Greengram, [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Background: Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and spotted pod borer, Maruca testulalis (Geyer) are important pod boring insects infesting the greengram, [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] throughout the India. A number of synthetic insecticides are known to be effective against these borers but most of them have been phased out as a result of high toxicity to the pollinators and other biotic fauna, therefore, a group of new chemical insecticides with biopesticides have been tested for bioefficacy against these insect pests. Method: A field experiment was conducted at S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner, Rajasthan during kharif, 2018 in randomized block design (RBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The observations were recorded of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) and spotted pod borer, Maruca testulalis (Geyer) borers one day before and 1, 3, 7 and 15 days after application of insecticides and biopesticides in each the spray from ten randomly selected and tagged plants/ plot. From the data recorded per cent reduction in population over control was calculated. The per cent pod damage was calculated by counting damaged pods out of healthy pods of greengram. Result: The spinosad 45 SC (0.01%) proved to be most effective, indoxacarb 14.5 SC (0.01%) followed by fipronil 5 SC (0.01%), whereas, treatments of neem leaf extract (10.00%), Beauveria bassiana 1.15 WP 1X108 spore/ l proved to be least effective. The maximum seed yield of 9.13 q ha–1 was obtained in the plots treated with spinosad 45 SC (0.01%) followed by indoxacarb 14.5 SC (0.01%) (8.89 q ha-1), fipronil 5 SC (0.01%) (8.60 q ha-1).

Effectiveness of Clove Nano Biopesticides Against Mosaic Virus in Patchouli

Clove oil has the potential to suppress the development of the mosaic virus in patchouli plants, but its effectiveness in the field has not been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of clove nano biopesticide on controlling patchouli mosaic disease. The research was conducted at the Manoko Experimental Garden, Bandung, West Java from March to November 2018. The patchouli used was Patchoulina-2 variety, which originated from the Seed Breeder Garden in Lembang, Bandung. This study was arranged in a Randomized Block Design (RBD), consisting of five treatments and ten replications within each treatment, with one hundred plants in each replication. The results obtained showed that nano biopesticides of citronella, clove, and commercial citronella (Asimbo) were able to reduce the incidence and intensity of mosaic diseases in patchouli plants, showing the efficacy levels of 14.68%, 9.06%, and 5.83%, respectively. The application of citronella and clove biopesticides on Patchoulina-2 every month could increase plant fresh weight, when compared to the plants without treatment. Patchoulina-2 plants treated with nano biopesticides of clove and commercial citronella (Asimbo) showed higher value of fresh weight compared to those treated with citronella nano biopesticide. The clove nano biopesticide can also be developed to control mosaic diseases in patchouli plants.

Review on Control Methods against Plant Parasitic Nematodes Applied in Southern Member States (C Zone) of the European Union

The European legislative on the use of different control strategies against plant-parasitic nematodes, with particular reference to pesticides, is constantly evolving, sometimes causing confusion in the sector operators. This article highlights the nematode control management allowed in the C Zone of the European Union, which includes the use of chemical nematicides (both fumigant and non-fumigant), agronomic control strategies (crop rotations, biofumigation, cover crops, soil amendments), the physical method of soil solarization, the application of biopesticides (fungi, bacteria and their derivatives) and plant-derived formulations. The authors analyze the use of these strategies and substances in organic agriculture as well as in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

The Deviation of the Behaviors of Rice Farmers from Their Stated Willingness to Apply Biopesticides-A Study Carried Out in Jilin Province of China.

The substitution of chemical pesticides by biopesticides is crucial to ensure the quality of agricultural products and to foster environmental sustainability. This study takes the willingness and the behaviors of rice farmers on the application of biopesticides as the research object. The survey questionnaire was designed based on the theory of rational small-scale farmers from three aspects: “individual and family characteristics of farmers”, “cognition of farmers” and “external factors”. The survey was then conducted on 163 rice farmers in seven prefecture-level cities in Jilin Province of China. The logistic model was used to analyze the influencing factors resulting in the deviation of the behaviors of the rice farmers from their initial willingness on the application of biopesticides. The explanatory structure model (ISM) was used to analyze the logical hierarchical relationship among various influencing factors. The results show that: (1) For 45% of the farmers surveyed, there’s a deviation between their willingness and behaviors regarding the application of biopesticides; (2) Among the significant factors leading to the deviation between farmers’ willingness and behaviors concerning the application of biopesticides, the surface-level direct factor is biopesticide awareness. The mid-level indirect factors are agricultural product quality and safety awareness and the deep-level root cause is farmers’ education level. (3) The primary reason for the deviation of the farmers’ behaviors from their willingness is their lack of knowledge about biopesticides and the biopesticides’ incomplete market structure. Based on the comprehensive analysis, it is recommended to improve the professionalization of the farmers, to strengthen the publicity of green production and to accelerate the formulation of the biopesticides market to further promote the usage of biopesticides.

Impact of biopesticide inundation on the diversity of soybean pests and diseases

Soybean pests and diseases are quite abundant and have shown the resistance to chemical pesticides. Biopesticides are biological agents derived from plant metabolites and microorganisms. They are effective for controlling pests and diseases as well as suppress the resistance and resurgence. This research aimed to study the impact of biopesticide inundation on soybean pests and diseases. The study was conducted in Banyuwangi, East Java. Biopesticides applied were Trichoderma harzianum (Trichol 8), neem seed powder, entomopathogenic virus SlNPV (Virgra), entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana, and eugenol from clove oil. The results showed that biopesticide applied by inundation can suppress Sclerotium rolfsii, Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Xanthomonas axonopodis, and Spodoptera litura. The application of biopesticides by inundation is safer and can maintain the survival of natural enemies and can reduce yield losses. However, the application of chemical can kill natural enemies. Oxyopes sp., Coccinella sp., Sycanus sp., Andrallus sp., Rhynocoris sp., Paederus sp., Entomobrya sp., Aphidius sp., Binodoxys sp., Encarsia sp., Trichogramma sp., and Telenomus sp. which survived on field applied with biopesticides is quite abundant. Therefore, natural enemies have a great opportunity as biological agents for controlling soybean pests and diseases and as an alternative to replace the use of chemical.

Soil bacteria abundance in application of biopesticides (Bacillus aryabhattai) in swampland, South Kalimantan

In rice cultivation, farmers tend to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The prolonged intensive use of agrochemicals can decrease soil quality. Chemical pesticides can be replaced with biopesticides to maintain and improve soil fertility, also to prevent the attack of plant-disturbing organisms on crops. The aim of this study was to determine the total population abundance of soil bacteria and soil quality after the application of biopesticides in the swampland in Jejangkit District. This research was accomplished in Jejangkit District, Barito Kuala Regency, South Kalimantan, which started from June to December 2019. The study used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments and six replications. The treatments are Super Intensive and Actual Swamp (RAISA), Indonesian Agricultural Environment Research Institute’s (IAERI) Biopesticide, Galam Biopesticide. The variety of rice used is Inpara 2. The plot size is 900 m2 by applying the Jarwo Planting system. The results revealed that the application of biopesticides could increase the total population of soil bacteria from 104 to 106 cfu mL−1. Moreover, N and P nutrient content increase from low to moderate (0.19 to 0.4) % and (13.25 to 38.87) mg P2O5 100g−1, respectively.

Comparative Advantage of Using Bio-pesticides in Indian Agro-ecosystems

The use of unsustainable levels of plant protection chemicals and fertilizershas resulted in a steady decline in soil quality and crop productivity the world over. To combat this decline, agricultural practices must evolve to meet the growing global demand for food without irreversibly damaging the world’s natural resources.Biopesticides have tremendous potential to bring sustainability to agriculture and environmental safety.This article is part of a larger study conducted in India by the authors at theUniversité de Montréal with the support of Mitacs and Earth Alive Clean Technologies. In this research, farmers, manufacturers or suppliers of biopesticides, and R&D scientistswere interviewed, and their responses demonstratethe advantages of applyingmicrobial biopesticidesto field crops. Participants reported a15-30% increase in yields and crop production after the application ofbiopesticides, with better quality and quantity of fruits, grains, and tubers with a longer shelf life. Moreover, while the risk of croploss is high (60-70%) with chemicallygrown crops, this risk is reduced to 33% on average when crops are grown using biopesticides. The risk of crop loss is thus considerably reducedby the use ofbiopesticides.Yet, despite their positive impact on the health of humans, soil,ecosystems, andfriendly invertebrates,biopesticides face significant challenges and competition vis-à-vis synthetic pesticides for a variety of reasons. The development of biopesticides must overcome the problems of improper formulations, short shelf life, delayed action, and high market costs, as well as a variety oflegal/registration issues.

Green Technology Kills Nasty Fleas: Scientists are Getting Closer to Manufacturing New Forms of Highly Contagious Microbial Biopesticides to Exterminate Nasty Pests

The biology and genetic engineering experts are getting closer to the technological advancements for creating a safe and clean planet for our family. Biopesticides are extremely safer than chemical pesticides. Yearly, hundreds types of different humankind diseases getting transmitted to the other people through insect bites. A new form of biopesticide engineering shall be different from the other well known methods since this particular method mainly focuses on the mass widespread of the killer virus. Fleas are biological carriers of bacteria and viruses. And they attack the planet's population, the nature, and plants. These pests get seek, transmit the disease to a lot of other pests, and then die. Application of biopesticides at garbage sites, jungles, around populous and potential areas, and around the fleas living environment shall help the humanity to get rid of fleas bites and therefore a variety of dangerous diseases.

Comparative Advantage of Using Biopesticides in Ukrainian Agroecosystems

The use of unsustainable levels of chemical fertilizers and plant protection chemicals has resulted in a steady decline in soil and crop productivity the world over. Soil biology has undergone irreversible damage, coupled with a high concentration of toxic chemical residues in plant tissues and human bodies. Agricultural practices must evolve to sustainably meet the growing global demand for food without irreversibly damaging soil. Microbial biocontrol agents have tremendous potential to bring sustainability to agriculture in a way that is safe for the environment. Biopesticides do not kill non-target insects, and biosafety is ensured because biopesticides act as antidotes and do not lead to chemical contamination in the soil. This article is part of a larger study conducted in Ukraine by researchers at the Université de Montréal with the support of Mitacs and Earth Alive Clean Technologies. The responses of farmers who use biofertilizers (“user farmers”) and those who do not (“non-user farmers”), along with the responses of manufacturers or suppliers of biofertilizers, and research and development (R&D) scientists are captured to demonstrate the advantages of applying microbial biopesticides to field crops. Participants reported a 15-30% increase in yields and crop production after the application of biopesticides. With the use of biopesticides, farmers cultivated better quality fruits, grains, and tubers with a longer shelf life. Moreover, while the risk of crop loss remains high (60-70%) with chemically grown crops, this risk is reduced to 33% on average if crops are grown using biopesticides. The findings indicate that a large proportion of farmers would prefer to use biopesticides if they are effective and high quality products. In this context, the quality and effectiveness of products is therefore very important. Despite their benefits to soil, human health, and ecosystems, biopesticides face significant challenges and competition vis-à-vis synthetic pesticides for a variety of reasons. Therefore, the development of biopesticides must overcome the problems of poor quality products, short shelf life, delayed action, high market costs, and legal/registration issues.

Pengembangan teknologi pengendalian hama utama kacang hijau menggunakan biopestisida

Hama merupakan salah satu kendala utama dalam upaya peningkatan produksi kacang hijau di Indonesia. Saat ini, pengendalian konvensional menggunakan pestisida sintetik kurang berhasil karena populasi dan kerusakan akibat hama masih tinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan biopestisida sebagai teknologi pengendalian hama utama kacang hijau yang dibandingkan dengan efikasi pestisida sintetik. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok, lima perlakuan diulang lima kali. Perlakuan yang diuji, yaitu P1: aplikasi serbuk biji mimba (SBM), virus ulat grayak (Virgra) dari Spodoptera litura nuclear polyhedrosis virus, dan konidia cendawan entomopatogen Beauveria bassiana (BeBas) secara preventif; P2: aplikasi SBM, Virgra, dan BeBas berdasarkan ambang ekonomi (AE); P3: aplikasi pestisida sintetik sesuai jadwal; P4: aplikasi pestisida sintetik berdasarkan AE; dan P5: tanpa pengendalian (kontrol). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa hama yang berkembang adalah ulat grayak (Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)), kutukebul (Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)), Empoasca sp., Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall), kepik coklat (Riptortus linearis (Fabricius)), kepik hijau (Nezara viridula (Linnaeus)), dan hama penggerek polong (Maruca testulalis (Geyer)). Aplikasi biopestisida SBM, Virgra, dan BeBas secara preventif dan aplikasi pestisida sintetik sesuai jadwal efektif menekan populasi hama utama kacang hijau, sedangkan aplikasi biopestisida dan pestisida sintetik berdasarkan AE tidak mampu menekan perkembangan populasi hama utama. Aplikasi biopestisida secara preventif maupun berdasarkan AE lebih aman terhadap kelangsungan hidup musuh alami, sedangkan aplikasi pestisida sintetik dapat membunuh musuh alami yang ada. Biopestisida SBM, Virgra, dan BeBas yang diaplikasikan secara preventif dan terintegrasi berpotensi sebagai inovasi teknologi pengendalian hama utama kacang hijau untuk menggantikan pestisida sintetik.