Publisher

OPENGLOBALSCIOPENGLOBALSCI

Journal Open Global Scientific JournalOpen Global Scientific Journal Abstract

Organic farming has become crucial amid various environmental issues, the decline of beneficial insects, and reliance on synthetic chemicals. The use of biopesticides is one environmentally friendly solution. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of biopesticides in controlling major pests in chili plants cultivated in Matoa Village, Prafi District, Manokwari Regency. This experiment used three treatments: control, conventional chemical pesticides, and biopesticides, repeated 5 times. Experiment was conducted from February to June 2024. The results showed that biopesticides significantly reduced pest attacks, especially thrips and fruit borers, but there was no significant difference for aphids and whiteflies compared to chemical pesticide treatments. Although the initial knockdown effect of biopesticides is slower, their long-term stability in pest suppression proved beneficial. Yield analysis showed that biopesticide-treated fields produced higher fruit quality and marketable yields comparable to those from chemical treatments. Farmer perception surveys highlighted positive views regarding safety and sustainability. The findings suggest that biopesticides are a viable, environmentally friendly alternative for integrated pest management in tropical farming systems. Overall, this study provides empirical evidence on the potential role of biopesticides in supporting sustainable agriculture and food security in eastern Indonesia, offering both local relevance and broader applicability to similar agroecological contexts.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that biopesticides are a viable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides for pest management in locally cultivated crops.Biopesticides effectively reduced pest populations, particularly aphids, fruit borers, and leaf miners, with comparable results to chemical pesticides.Furthermore, biopesticide-treated fields demonstrated higher marketable yields and superior fruit quality, aligning with the growing demand for residue-free products.

Future Research

Further research should investigate the long-term effects of biopesticide application on soil health and the diversity of beneficial insect populations within chili farming ecosystems, as understanding these broader ecological impacts is crucial for truly sustainable pest management. Additionally, studies are needed to optimize biopesticide formulations and application methods specifically for the unique climatic conditions and pest pressures prevalent in eastern Indonesia, potentially exploring the use of locally sourced materials to reduce costs and enhance accessibility for farmers. Finally, research should focus on developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine biopesticides with cultural practices, resistant varieties, and targeted chemical interventions to maximize efficacy, minimize environmental risks, and promote long-term sustainability in chili production, ultimately contributing to food security and economic resilience for local farming communities.

References

1. Micro- and Nanocarriers for Encapsulation of Biological Plant Protection Agents: A Systematic Literature... pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsagscitech.2c00113Micro and Nanocarriers for Encapsulation of Biological Plant Protection Agents A Systematic Literature pubs acs doi 10 1021 acsagscitech 2c00113
2. Frontiers | Opportunities for optimizing fungal biological control agents for long-term and effective... doi.org/10.3389/ffunb.2024.1443343Frontiers Opportunities for optimizing fungal biological control agents for long term and effective doi 10 3389 ffunb 2024 1443343

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