PLANTA TROPIKA

Back Matter Planta Tropika Vol. 13 No. 1

2025-05-19T11:17:04+07:00

Front Matter Planta Tropika Vol.13 No.1

2025-05-19T11:05:55+07:00

Potential of Hermetia illucens Larvae as an Alternative Prey in Enhancing Predatory Efficiency and Reproductive Success of Sycanus annulicornis

2025-07-29T10:08:45+07:00

This study investigates the potential of alternative prey to enhance the predatory efficiency and reproductive success of Sycanus annulicornis, a generalist predator used in pest management. The research assessed predation behavior, longevity, and reproductive capacity of S. annulicornis when fed Hermetia illucens, Tenebrio molitor, and Alphitobius diaperinus. Choice and no-choice tests revealed a significantly higher predation rate for H. illucens (98.0 ± 50.25 for females and 89.0 ± 14.0 for males; P < 0.05) compared to T. molitor (67.0 ± 15.4 for females, 54.2 ± 11.2 for males) and A. diaperinus (67.0 ± 12.1 for females, 65.5 ± 17.0 for males). Longevity analysis showed that females fed H. illucens lived significantly longer (49.7 ± 1.00 days, P < 0.05) than those consuming T. molitor (41.2 ± 6.46 days) or A. diaperinus (41.3 ± 8.45 days). Reproductive performance was highest for H. illucens, with fecundity (33.1 ± 22.0 eggs) and fertility (27.5 ± 18.7%) exceeding that of T. molitor (24.5 ± 13.1 eggs, 10.0 ± 4.4%) and A. diaperinus (30.3 ± 22.3 eggs, 19.0 ± 12.7%). This study supports the use of H. illucens as a nutritionally adequate prey for mass rearing S. annulicornis, improving its application in biological pest control.

Keywords: Biological Control; Insect Nutrition; Longevity; Predation; Reproduction

The Effect of Terra Preta Application and Rice Straw Mulch Thickness on The Growth and Yield of Hybrid Corn (Zea mays L.) Cultivar Pertiwi 5

2025-05-29T10:51:02+07:00

Climate change challenges agriculture with altered rainfall and extreme temperatures. Terra preta and rice straw mulch can mitigate effects like drought and soil degradation. Terra preta, a carbon-rich black soil, improves soil structure, retains nutrients, and reduces atmospheric CO2. It can be made from organic waste. This study examines the impact of terra preta and rice straw mulch thickness on the growth and yield of hybrid maize cultivar Pertiwi 5. A factorial randomized block design (RBD) with two factors was applied: terra preta dose (0, 10, 15, and 20 tons/the ha) and mulch thickness (0,3,6, and 9 cm). Data were analyzed using ANOVA for a linear model, with F-test at 5% significance level and followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) for post hoc comparisons. Results showed the optimal treatment was 20 tons/ha of terra preta with 9 cm mulch, leading to a plant height of 181,544 cm, stem diameter of 36,4 mm, two cobs per plant, and the lowest dry weed weight of 26,33 g. The highest harvest index was with 15 tons/ha of terra preta and 6 cm mulch, at 79,33%. These findings suggest that terra preta and rice straw mulch enhance maize growth and yield, providing a sustainable agriculture approach under climate change.