Control of Conopomorpha cramerella, Helopeltis sp., and Phytophthora palmivora using botanical and biological pesticides

Abstract

Control of main pests and diseases of cocoa using biopesticides has been carried out on a 10 ha farmer land in the village of Liliariawang, South Sulawesi. The aim is to determine the effectiveness of α-elaeostearic acid and Citronellal formulas of botanical pesticides, and Beauveria bassiana of biological pesticide on pod borer (Conopomorpha cramerella), fruit suckers (Helopeltis spp.), and fruit rot (Phytophthora palmivora) of cocoa. The treatments were arranged in a randomized group. Sampling was carried out systematically as much as 120 healthy cocoa fruits <8 cm long from about 40 sample plants in each treatment to observe the extent of damage. The sample fruits are sprayed treatments every 2 weeks until harvest. Observations were made on the degree of damage to the fruits and their effects on non-target organisms such as natural enemies of pests. The results shows that both of botanical pesticides and biological pesticide can reduce the intensity attacks of the cocoa pests and diseases. Yield loss in all treatments were below 10%, lower and significantly different compared to control which reach 36,5%. In addition to reducing damage caused by pests, the quality and weight of the cocoa beans produced was better than the control.

Antifungal effect from Zingiber officinale, Aloe vera and Trichoderma sp. for control of Moniliophthora roreri in Theobroma cacao in Huánuco, Peru

“…on Fusarium guttiforme. Likewise, Siswanto et al (2020) revealed better quality and weight of cacao beans after fruit be sprayed by biological and botanical pesticides.…”

A sustainable and ecological approach to integrated cocoa pest management in Indonesia

“…Manipulation of the environment by applying various friendly technologies is an opportunity to reduce pest attacks, including making holes between plants for conservation and sanitation, pruning cocoa trees and covering them to keep moisture (micro-climate) under the plant canopy, harvesting frequently thereby reducing the chances of fruit-borers to lay eggs in fruit grooves, balanced fertilization to utilize crop and livestock waste and reduce the spread of pests and diseases. Reducing the use of chemical pesticides and increasing the use of botanical pesticides [28,29] that exist in nature and natural enemies (B. bassiana, weaver ants, red etc.) will balance the ecosystem in nature [30,31].…”