Pest Attack Research Articles

Characterization of endophytic bacteria of Mindi (Melia azedarach) and Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) plants and potential inhibition in plant diseases

Plant diseases attack all parts of the plant, such as leaves, stems, and roots. The cause of pest attacks is due to several factors, namely environmental conditions that support pathogens, selected plant conditions that are susceptible to disease, and poor maintenance. Disease attacks on the roots include attacks that are harmful to plants, so it is necessary to have effective control carried out by considering the ecology and economy. One of the techniques for controlling plant-disturbing organisms (OPT) can be carried out by utilizing endophytic microbes. This study aimed to explore the types of endophytic bacteria found in balsa and mindi, which have the potential as biological control agents, as well as the effect of using endophytic bacteria in suppressing the growth of root diseases in vitro. The study found that as many as 20 endophytic bacteria were purified from balsa, and 25 individuals were purified from mindi. The hemolysis test and plant hypersensitivity test results showed seven pure isolates with endophytic potential, namely three isolates from balsa and four from mindi.

Comparison of Blast, Bacterial Leaf Blight and Brown Plant Hopper Introgressed Lines for Yield and Morphological Traits Over Original Line

Rice as a staple food for very large population suffers from various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses, Blast, Bacterial leaf blight and Brown plant hopper (BPH) are considered to most potential threats that significantly affect the rice productivity. The use of chemical usage for controlling these diseases and pest attacks is not environmentally friendly and is expensive. Using Molecular Marker assisted backcross breeding program we have improved one of our hybrid parental line with 5 genes (xa13, Xa21, Pi54, Bph20 and Bph21). We have developed 15 near isogenic lines having similar agronomical characters as of recipient parent, they are promising for their direct induction in breeding program. Our results indicated that out of fifteen lines, Six lines i.e. GK 101-12, GK 101-15, GK 101-9, GK 101-5 and GK 101-2 out-performed in all the three locations tested, they had not only have very high level of resistance to BLB, Blast and BPH but also showed significantly higher yield compared to susceptible check as well as recipient parent. These lines may be used for improvement of our existing hybrid and also for developing of new hybrids with other CMS lines. These lines are also useful for developing new set of restorer lines through (R x R) and also useful for introgression of wide spectrum of resistance to the varieties/hybrid.

Sustainable rice farming in Indonesia

Rice is the main food in Indonesia, so increase in rice production must be achieved in a sustainable manner to maintain food security. The research case study is rice farming in Pancur Batu sub-district. The research method uses mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) with quantitative dominance. The Objective of this study was to determine the implementation of sustainable rice farming in the Pancur Batu sub-district. The research tools used to evaluate the Sustainability Model in rice farming are Multi-Dimensional Scaling Analysis (MDS) with Rapid Appraisal Technique for Fisheries (RAPFISH) program analysis. indicators and criteria for the sustainability of rice farming are divided into ecological, economic and social dimensions, then input into the Rapid Appraisal Technique for Fisheries (RAPFISH) program. The results of the research showed that the social dimension had the highest sustainability index, namely 75.13 which indicates that the social dimension in the research location is quite sustainable, the ecological dimension with a sustainability index of 54.44 indicates that the ecological dimension is quite sustainable, and the lowest dimension value was the economic dimension with a sustainability index value of 43.58. This sustainability index value indicates that economic dimension of rice farming in the research location is not sustainable. The sustainability status of rice farming in the study area is multidimensional with an index value of 72. This index value indicates that the sustainability of rice farming in the study area is quite sustainable. The conclusion from this study was that the most sensitive and influential attributes for rice farming in the study area were: first, the ecological dimensions: (a) water availability, (b) pest attack rate, (c) land conversion rate; the economic dimension: (a) The price level of production inputs (fertilizers and pesticides), (b) The level of labor wages, (c) The level of availability of production inputs and social dimension which is counseling. Key words: Sustainability, Rice Farming, Social Dimension, Economic Dimension, Ecological Dimensions, RAPFISHS

Vicia sativa subsp. sativa native to the Middle East comprises Pea Albumin1 b-like homologs: A promising natural biopesticide

The extensive and indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides in agriculture has led to adverse effects on human health, environmental pollution, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant pests. To mitigate these challenges, the development of environmentally friendly alternatives is crucial, with biopesticides emerging as promising solutions such as peptides. Legume seeds naturally contain diverse insecticidal peptides or proteins to combat pest attacks. One such peptide is PA1b (Pea Albumin 1, subunit b), a 37 amino acid extracted from pea seeds (Pisum sativum). PA1b has shown significant potential in controlling cereal weevils (Sitophilus spp.), a major pest of stored cereals. Here, we screened PA1b-like peptides in five wild seeds of vetches (Vicia sativa subsp. sativa) from the Middle East. Using a comprehensive set of biochemical, biological, and molecular techniques, we characterized different PA1b homologs and assessed their toxicity and expression profiles. Our results reveal that PA1b homolog from Vicia sativa subsp. sativa originating from turkey displays outstanding insecticidal activity against Sitophilus oryzae through binding to the receptor site found in the midgut of the insect. Moreover, it exhibits a strong cytotoxic effect against Sf9 cells. This cysteine-rich peptide shows sequence identity and the same hydrophobic pole as AG41, a tenfold more toxic isoform of PA1b from Medicago truncatula. Such observations pave the way for the development of bioinsecticides, with PA1b-like peptides as lead compounds.

Peran Pest Control Dalam Meningkatkan Kebersihan di Khas Hotel Makassar

Hotels must always be kept clean to avoid pest attacks that can interfere with guest comfort during their stay. This study aims to determine the handling of pest control at Hotel Khas Makassar. The method used in this research is a qualitative approach using qualitative descriptive analysis through observations and interviews with pest control officers who carry out pest control. The results showed that pest control handling at Hotel Khas Makassar has been running well, this is because the hotel involving an effective monitoring system and cooperation with pest control providers.

Temporal variation of chemical profiles and insecticidal properties of Cinnamomum glanduliferum (Wall.) Nees leaf essential oil

Chinese traditional medicine has been faced with pest attacks in storage units for decades thus causing grave waste of resource and misfortunes. Essential oils are rich in different organs of Cinnamomum glanduliferum (Wall.) Nees which often exploited for insecticidal purpose. Contact toxicity and repellency rate of essential oils, derived from C. glanduliferum leaves monthly from 2021 to 2022, were investigated targeting storage pests Tribolium castaneum and Liposcelis bostrychophila for the first time. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed L-camphor, cineole, nerolidol, linalool and caryophyllene were the main components. Dominant ingredients showed seasonal difference, as L-camphor was presented in majority of oils from September to November 2021 (72.60%−84.01%) but cineole was abundant in 2202–2208 specimens (66.58%−78.75%). It was confirmed by partial correlation analysis that the content of L-camphor positively related to average temperature but showed inverse relationship with month precipitation. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation (p <0.01) between cineole percentage and month precipitation. The most powerful contact effect against T. castaneum and L. bostrychophila, was both found in L2109, indicating a low LD50/LC50 value (12.13 μg/adult and 104.67 μg/cm2 respectively). Winter time (December and January) had best repellent performance against two insect species with relative correlations higher than 0.5. The work intends to optimize ideal collection period of C. glanduliferum leaves by insecticidal properties, and also explore the relationship between climate and oil feature compounds, relieving the stress of pesticide dilemma and promoting further exploitation of bio-pesticides.

Contradictions between commercializing seeds, empowering smallholders farmers, and promoting biodiversity in Ghana: Seed policy within a historical framework

This article critically examines the agricultural development agenda of promoting commercialization and sustainable intensification and contrasts this with farmers’ own priorities, with case studies drawn from the maize and cocoa sectors in Ghana. The study investigates the relationship between agricultural development paradigms, seed breeding strategies, and the commercialization of agriculture from the 1950s to present. It returns to the debates of farming systems research, the appropriation of the agricultural varieties of farmers within the South by Northern agribusiness, and Paul Richards’ framework of an Indigenous African agricultural revolution rooted in the experimental traditions of farmers to establish a critical framework for examining the commodification of seeds. It focuses on the contradictions between maintaining biodiversity, fashioning high-yielding proprietary seeds, and promoting farmer participation that became manifest in the framework of farming systems research. It argues that commercial pressures have prioritized yields and the protection of proprietary varieties over biodiversity in policy frameworks. This contrast with farmers’ own concerns with adapting varieties to the conditions on their farms through their own experimentation, and maintaining a diversity of changing genetic materials including those drawn from certified varieties. This enables farmers to hedge against risk, disease, and pest attacks, while selecting varietal materials that optimize yields in the particular agroecological conditions of their farms. Although social participation is still upheld as an important value in liberal market agrarian policies, there has been a significant transformation in its usage. It no longer denotes farmer participation in the design of and experimentation with technology, but participation in the consumption of the agricultural products of agribusiness or in the agricultural technology treadmill. This contribution examines the implication of smallholder agricultural commercialization for biodiversity and for the dynamism and vitality of local farming systems.

IOT Rancang Bangun Alat Pengusir Hama Burung pada Padi Sawah Petani Berbasis Internet of Things (IoT)

This research aims to develop an effective and efficient bird pest repellent tool in farmers' rice fields by utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Bird pests often pose a serious threat to agricultural products, especially in rice fields. Through the application of IoT, this tool can monitor real-time bird activity around agricultural areas and take appropriate preventive measures. This tool is designed to utilize motion sensors or pir sensors, surveillance cameras, and a sound or visual signal delivery system to chase away birds. approaching agricultural areas. PIR sensors are widely used in a variety of applications, including home security systems, motion sensor lighting, and building automation. The main advantages of PIR sensors are their low power consumption and ability to provide fast response to movement, making them an efficient and effective choice for many detection applications. motion, data collected from sensors and cameras will be sent to the IoT platform with the Telegram application and which is connected via an internet connection, allowing farmers to monitor and control tools remotely via smart devices such as smartphones or computers. The main advantage of this tool is its ability to provide a quick response to the presence of bird pests, reduce agricultural yield losses and increase crop productivity. Additionally, integration with IoT provides high flexibility and connectivity, enabling continuous system optimization. designing this tool involves the hardware and software design stages. The hardware consists of a pir sensor, an esp 32 cam microcontroller, and a speaker and servo. While the software consists of Arduino Ide, Blynk and Telegram. After design, the tool is field tested for performance. Test results show that this tool is able to detect the presence of birds with good accuracy, provides a fast response in chasing them away, Telegram is able to communicate by giving commands and receiving images, Blynk can provide information on the condition of the tool when it is online and give commands to activate the servo, sound or both of them. With a significant removal success rate, this tool is successful in reducing losses caused by bird strikes in agriculture. Additionally, it has low power consumption and can be integrated with existing IoT platforms for remote monitoring and data analysis. It is hoped that this research can make a positive contribution to efforts to develop sustainable agricultural technology and improve farmers' welfare by protecting agricultural products from bird pest attacks. Thus, it is hoped that the implementation of this tool in the field can provide an innovative and efficient solution in controlling bird pests in farmers' rice fields.

Synergistic interplay between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and fern manure compost tea suppresses common tomato phytopathogens and pest attacks on-farm

Actually, there are intensive efforts towards eco-friendly integrated agricultural management measures to control plant diseases and pests. One of the most promising approaches is the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in combination with organic biopesticides such as eagle fern manure (FM) compost tea. However, their effects have been mainly studied independently from each other. The potential interactions between belowground plant-associated microorganisms such as AMF and aboveground foliar application of biopesticide to mitigate common tomato phytopathogens and pests remain untapped, particularly under on-farm conditions. In a randomized complete block design, the impact of inoculating tomato seedlings with a selected AMF consortium and beyond that the impact of mycorrhized plants receiving three different doses of FM compost tea (0%, 5%, and 10%) on the control of tomato-specific plant diseases and pests and subsequently on the crop yield were examined. The present study demonstrated a sevenfold increase in the rate of mycorrhizal root colonization (from 10% to 70%) in tomato plants that received the combined application of AMF and 10% FM compost tea compared to the control plants that did not receive AMF inoculum and FM compost tea. The combination of AMF and FM compost tea application led to positive synergistic effects that promoted beneficial effects in suppressing the incidence and severity of common tomato diseases and pests. The magnitude of these synergistic effects increased with AMF inoculation and FM compost tea dosage, culminating in greater suppression of tomato plant diseases and pests and, moreover, in an increase in fruit yield compared to control plants. The combination of AMF and 10% FM compost tea revealed a higher suppressive ability against most pathogens and insect attacks. This was evidenced by a 71.3% and 94.7% total reduction in incidence and severity, respectively, compared to control plants. This is the first time that pre-inoculation of AM, combined with FM compost tea application, has been reported as a potential biocontrol alternative to suppress common tomato pathogens and pests while increasing cherry tomato yields sustainably.

Ecofriendly Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles via Camellia sinensis Leaves and their Insecticidal Effects towards the Storage Pest, Sitophilus oryzae. (L.)

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Existing agricultural practices are not enough to satisfy the growing demand for food. Therefore, high-yielding varieties, fertilizers, and pesticides must be used to increase productivity with limited arable land. As the crop yield increases, the incidence of pest attack within field and storage ecosystems rise which leads to increased demand for insecticides. Plant-mediated biosynthesis of nanomaterials has attracted much researcher interest in recent years due to many advantages over chemically synthesized conventional insecticides. This study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using the leaf extract of Sri Lankan tea from Camellia sinensis to control a major stored-grain insect pest, the Sitophilus oryzae adults (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The bio-transformed AgNPs were applied at the rates of 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.0625 g/kg on pesticide-free rice grains, wherein the mortality percentage was assessed after every 24 hours for seven days continuously. The appearance of the signature brown color of the solution indicated the formation of silver nanoparticles. UV-Vis spectroscopy results showed a peak of absorbance in the range of 400-460 nm, which is in good agreement with previous records for silver nanoparticles synthesized by green techniques. The average crystallite size determined by subjecting XRD results into Debye-Scherrer equation was found to be 61.9 nm, which was further characterized by the electronmicrography results obtained by SEM, whereby particles were confirmed to be within the nano-range. Results of the toxicity bioassay showed that mortality of S. oryzae adults increased with increasing dosages and time exposed to each dosage, producing 100% mortality at 1.5 g/kg dosage. Hence, it can be concluded that the green synthesized silver nanoparticles can be applied effectively and successfully in a stored grain integrated pest management programs.&#x0D; Keywords: Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles, Camellia sinensis, Insecticidal, Sitophilus oryzae&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Silicon Mitigates the Attack of Pests and Diseases on Ipê-Roxo (Handroanthus impetiginosus) Seedlings

Abstract Background Silicon in plants is a structuring element that promotes water and saline stress tolerance and decreases transpiration. The silica accumulated in the cuticle establishes a physical barrier and helps fight against pests and diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the development of ipê-roxo (Handroanthus impetiginosus) seedlings in different environments, and the application of potassium silicate and its efficiency in mitigating the attack of pests and diseases. Methods The experiment was carried out in an agricultural greenhouse and under full sun with silicic doses of 0 and 7.15 mg per plant in a completely randomized design arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, with 6 replications of 4 seedlings per plot. Plant height, chlorophyll, stem diameter, number of leaves, shoot dry matter, root dry matter, total dry matter, height-diameter ratio, root-shoot ratio, root-plant ratio, Dickson quality index, disease severity, and pest intensity were evaluated. Results Silicon application did not confer biometric qualities to the seedlings. The application of silicon conferred 24.6% higher protection against disease severity at a 90% probability level. The protected environment promoted 48.8% more protection against the attack of pests on the seedlings. The silicon application decreases the intensity of pests in the protected environment by 36.3%. Seedlings in a protected environment increase the production of chlorophyll but are 29.6% more susceptible to the severity of diseases. The full sun promoted greater diameters, phytomass, and Dickson quality index by 18%, 73%, and 195%, respectively. Conclusions The bestHandroanthus impetiginosusseedlings were obtained under full sun. Silicon mitigated the attack of pests and diseases onHandroanthus impetiginosusseedlings.

Tyto alba Cultivation in Balinese Cultural Perspective

Rat infestation (Rattus argentiventer) in Subak Pagi and Subak Bengkel, Tabanan regency, Bali has resulted in rice crop failure in both areas. Rice production decreased drastically to only about 10 - 20% of normal conditions. The utilization of Tyto alba as a biological control of rat pests, turns out to be able to play a very effective role in controlling pest attacks. In nature, Tyto alba population continues to decline due to hunting and agricultural land clearing. This research aims to study the cultivation of Tyto alba, especially from a cross-generational cultural perspective. Generations are grouped by year of birth with a range of 20 years, from 1960 - now, into generations X, Y and Z, respectively. The research used descriptive qualitative method, through depth interview approach and forced field analysis. The results showed that there are four supporting factors for the cultivation of Tyto alba as a rat pest control, namely first Tyto alba is very effective in controlling rat pests. Another supporting factor is that Tyto alba has actually been known for a long time by the people in the two subak and has a belief value system in the life of the subak community, as well as environmentally friendly and able to maintain the food chain. There are four inhibiting factors in Tyto alba conservation efforts, namely, the lack of committed breeding officers, availability and management of food, land for preservation and development and very limited financial support. Analysis forced field concludes that, cross-generational public perception in the acceptance of Tyto alba as a biological control of rat pests is very positive. However, preservation efforts with a breeding system cannot be done in both subak at this time. Efforts to preserve and develop Tyto alba are carried out by releasing it in nature with conservation protection through village regulations.

The Effectiveness of Beneficial Plants in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Area in Reducing the Attack Rate of Oil Palm Leaf-Eating Caterpillar (oplec) at PT. Socfindo Mata Pao Gardens.

The Effectiveness of Beneficial Plants in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Areas in Reducing the Attack Rate of Oil Palm Leaf-Eating Caterpillars (OPLEC) At PT. Socfindo Pao Eye Gardens. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of beneficial plants in the oil palm plantation area (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in reducing the level of attack of the oil palm leaf-eating caterpillar (OPLEC) in PT Socfindo Kebun Mata Pao and to examine the factors that affect the level of Attack of the Palm Leaf Feeding Caterpillar (OPLEC) at PT Socfindo Kebun Mata Pao. This assessment was carried out from November to June 2022. The data collection method was carried out using primary and secondary data. The results showed that beneficial plants were more effective in reducing the attack rate of caterpillars that eat oil palm leaves in accordance with the SOP of PT. Socfindo Pao Eye Gardens. The factors that influence the increase in OPLEC pest attacks are climatic conditions (and physiological conditions.

Strategi Pengembangan Teknologi Pertanian Padi Sawah di Langkat Sumatera Utara

Langkat Regency is one of the five largest rice fields in North Sumatra. This is an excellent opportunity to become a rice barn in North Sumatra. So, agricultural technology is needed to support increasing rice productivity. The research aims to form a strategy for developing agricultural technology in Langkat. The development strategy produces SO (strengths-opportunities) strategies, WO (weaknesses-opportunities) strategies, ST (strengths-challenges) strategies, and WT (weaknesses-threats) strategies (North Sumatra. This research was conducted in 2023 with one respondent as a Langkat Regency Agriculture Service field instructor. This resource person was chosen because he was considered capable of describing internal and external problems in lowland rice farming in Langkat. This research used the SWOT tool to identify the IFAS and EFAS factors of lowland rice farming. The study results are accelerating agricultural technology to increase productivity, monitoring the performance of extension workers in reducing pest attacks, and increasing productivity, training, and providing insurance for farmers. The agricultural service collaborates with BMKG for information on extreme weather.

HUBUNGAN ANTARA TINGKAT DAN INTENSITAS SERANGAN HAMA PENGGEREK BUAH KAKAO (conopomorpha cramerella) TERHADAP PRODUKSI KAKAO DI KECAMATAN MANYAK PAYED

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cocoa pod borer (CPB) pest attack intensity on cocoa production in Manyak Payed District. This study used a survey method, sampling was carried out using a "purposive" method which was carried out in 3 villages, namely Lhueng Manyoe village, Krueng Sikajang village, Pahlawan village starting from August to September 2022. In each of the observed garden criteria, percentage and The intensity of CPB pest attacks shows different levels because of the way cocoa farmers tend their farms so that there are plantations that have the highest CPB pest attack rates and there are gardens that have the lowest CPB pest attack rates. The gardens with the highest attack rate were found in the village of Lhueng Manyoe with the category of unkempt gardens and the lowest attack was found in the village of Krueng Sikajang with the category of conventionally treated gardens. The average attack intensity on all observed plantations was 24%. Meanwhile, the loss of cocoa yield reached 275.96 kg/ha/year.

System Mapping of the Production and Value Chain to Explore Beekeeping Potential in Southwest Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has a high potential for the production of honey and other apiary products due to its ideal agroecology. This potential is, however, not yet well utilized due to weak production and valorization systems. The study analyzed beekeeping systems and their honey value chain to detect the barriers and to explore ways to better exploit the existing potential. Descriptive statistics, a SWOT and PESTEL matrix, and system mapping were utilized for analysis. Ethiopian beekeeping is still dominated by traditional production systems, followed by modern and transitional systems, differing in types of beehives and the average amount of honey yield. The combined SWOT-PESTEL analysis revealed challenges like a limited supply and high cost of modern beehives, shortage of credit, absence of a honey marketing legal framework, pest and predator attacks, absconding, and uncontrolled application of agrochemicals. Opportunities include the globally increasing demand for honey, availability of good investment policy, conducive agroecology, and support from NGOs. The less productive techniques of smallholder beekeepers' crude honey production for local beverage making affected the good use of the potential and minimized its contribution to the local and national economy. On the contrary, strengthening private investors and cooperatives towards the production of fully and semi-processed honey impacted the utilization of the potential positively.

Post-harvest Problems of Cowpeas Faced by Farmers in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Post-harvest losses in cowpea have been a problem for cowpea farmers in Madagali Local Government Area. These losses are mainly due to insect pest attacks and spillage during post-harvest handling operations. To determine the post-harvest problems of cowpea. Five farming communities were selected, and twenty cowpea farmers from each community represented the entire population, resulting in a total of one hundred farmers. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. The questionnaires were scored using a 4-point Likert scale. The collected data were subjected to descriptive statistics using Microsoft Excel. According to the study, the majority of farmers asserted that steel drums were the best storage technique, with the highest mean score of 3.39, while rhomboidal storage techniques had the lowest mean score of 2.15 in the study area. Pests had the highest mean score of 3.12, which was considered the major problem in cowpea storage, while lack of knowledge about the storage facility had the lowest mean score of 1.94 and was considered a minor storage problem in the study area. However, the use of proper insecticides had the highest mean score of 3.32 and was considered the best method of pest control for cowpea in the study area, while the use of silos with a mean score of 2.16 was considered a less effective method for controlling pests in cowpea in the study area. Most farmers store their cowpea for five to six months to prevent pest damage.

Determining Rice Farming Risk Priorities in North Aceh Regency.

North Aceh is the main rice-producing district in the Indonesian province of Aceh. This research aims to determine the level of risk, the impact of risk, and the risks that must be prioritized in rice farming businesses in North Aceh Regency. The type of data used in this research is primary and secondary data. Data was collected using a survey method involving 180 respondents using a snowball sampling technique. The data analysis method used in this research is the Risk Calculator method. Risk Calculator is a method for determining priority risks. We found that the risks that need to be a top priority are bird pest attacks, rat pest attacks, Kresek disease attacks, blast disease attacks, and the risk of expensive farm labor wages and high harvest costs.

Prospects of crop insurance for sustenance of farmers' livelihood during GM cotton crop failure in Indian Punjab

Purpose Despite the susceptibility of cotton crops to pest attacks in the Malwa Region of Indian Punjab, no crop insurance policy has been implemented there– not even the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which is a central scheme. Therefore, this paper attempts to gauge the likely impact of the PMFBY on Punjab cotton farmers and assess the changes needed for greater uptake and effectiveness of PMFBY.Design/methodology/approach The authors have conducted a primary survey to conduct this study. Initially, the authors compared the costs of cotton production with the returns in two scenarios (with and without insurance). Additionally, the authors have applied a logistic regression framework to examine the determinants of the willingness of farmers to participate in the crop insurance market.Findings The study finds that net returns of cotton crops are conventionally small and insufficient to cope with damages from crop failure. Yet, PMFBY will require some modifications in the premium rate and the level of indemnity for its greater uptake among Punjab cotton farmers. Additionally, using the logistic regression framework, the authors find that an increase in awareness about crop insurance and farmers' perceptions about their crop failure in the near future reduces the willingness of the farmers to participate in the crop insurance markets.Research limitations/implications The present study looks for the viability of PMFBY in Indian Punjab for the cotton crop, which can also be extended to other crops.Social implications Punjab could also use crop insurance to encourage diversification in agriculture. There is a need for special packages for diversified crops under any crop insurance policy. Crops susceptible to volatility due to climate-related factors should be identified and provided with a special insurance package.Originality/value There exist very scant studies that have discussed the viability of a central crop insurance scheme in the agricultural-rich state of India, i.e. Punjab. Moreover, they do not also focus on crop losses accruing due to pest and insect attacks.

Population and attack of bagworm pests in smallholder oil palm plantations in Tenggulun Sub District, Aceh Tamiang District, Aceh

Bagworms are leaf-eating insects that are quite greedy and difficult to control because these pests hide in their bags. This pest control needs to be done especially on immature plants. This research aims to determine the dynamics of bagworm populations in immature oil palm plants and the percentage of bagworm attacks in smallholder oil palm plantations with different management. This research was carried out by direct observation of bagworms on Smallholder Oil Palm Plantations in Selamat Village and Tenggulun Village. In each village, 2 observation locations were determined and 25 plant samples were selected from each observation location. Dead bagworms are collected to determine the cause of death. The results of the research found 3 species of bagworms at the research location (Mahasena corbetti, Metisa plana and Cremastopsyche pendula). The most commonly found bagworm species is Mahesa plana. Mahasena corbetti is a priority to control because its attack level is in the medium category. Furthermore, the percentage of bagworm attacks ranges from 38-76%. The bagworm population in Selamat Village is lower than in Tenggulun Village, this is because oil palm farmers in Selamat Village have implemented integrated pest control methods in managing their oil palm plants, (utilizing natural enemies/predators, manual eradication of bagworm pests and trunk injection.