Umi Nur Chasanah, Supriyadi Supriyadi and Subagiya
Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36 A, Surakarta57126, Indonesia
*(e-mail : supriyadi58@staff.uns.ac.id; Contact : 62812 2603 232)
(Received : November 2, 2020; Accepted : January 4, 2021)
ABSTRACT
Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the leading horticultural plants in Indonesia, but its productivity fluctuates due to pests. One of the important pests in chilli is aphids. Pests can be controlled by manipulating the habitat to increase the presence of predators. This study aimed at examining the effect of the repellent plant, marigold, and eucalyptus waste on aphid populations in chilli fields. The field experiments consisted of chilli plots subjected to different treatments : application of eucalyptus waste only, intercropping with marigold plants only, intercropping with marigold and application of eucalyptus waste, and control without treatment. Application of eucalyptus waste and intercropping with marigold decreased aphid populations and the intensity of aphid damage. The average aphid population
in the control plot was higher than in the plots with eucalyptus waste only, marigold only, and eucalyptus waste and marigold, respectively. The damage intensity of aphid in the control plot was also higher than that in the plots with eucalyptus waste only, marigold only, and eucalyptus waste and marigold. Intercropping with marigold and treatment with eucalyptus waste also increased the abundance and diversity of aphid predators.
Key words : : Repulsive plants, marigold, eucalyptus waste, aphid, insect predators