Effect of forest betel leaf extract (Piper aduncum L.) from various altitudes on the mortality of fall armyworm (S. frugiperda J.E. Smith) in the laboratory

Abstract

S. frugiperda pests can attack corn plants in the vegetative and generative phases, resulting in yield losses ranging from 15% to 73%. Forest betel plant (P. aduncum L.) is one type of plant that can be used effectively as a botanical pesticide to control these pests. The effectiveness of a plant as a source of botanical insecticide is influenced by the ecology, geography, and climate where the plant grows. This study aimed to obtain the best and most effective forest betel leaf extract from various growing heights against S. frugiperda mortality. The research was conducted at the Plant Pest Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Riau University, from April to June 2023, using a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of three treatments and six replicates. Application of forest betel leaf extract at different altitudes above sea level, namely 200 meters, 500 meters, and 800 meters. The results showed that the difference in altitude significantly affected the mortality of S. frugiperda. Forest betel leaf extract from 200 meters above sea level was the best treatment for controlling armyworm pests, with a total mortality of 96.67%.