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

Abstract

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.