Effects of mixed cropping and barrier crops on the population density and parasitism of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), were evaluated in field plots of cabbage grown in Bali, Indonesia. The densities of P. xylostella at larval and pupal stages, as well as the overall density at larval plus pupal stages, were significantly lower in cabbage/coriander mixed cropping subplots than in cabbage monoculture subplots. Parasitism of P. xylostella by the larval parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum (Hellen) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) was not significantly different between the mixed and monocultural cropping systems. These results do not support the so-called enemies hypothesis, but suggest that disruption of the host searching behavior of female moths by neighboring non-host plants is the mechanism behind the associational resistance observed in the coriander mixed cropping system. The inclusion of a Napier grass barrier between mixed crop and monoculture subplots did not affect the influence of mixed cropping on larval and pupal densities. Therefore, Napier grass, which is used locally as a fence for preventing livestock invasion of fields, would not obstruct the pest-reducing effect of coriander/cabbage mixed cropping.

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. However, dynamic relationships among different peoples, religions, cultures, plant use, and the environment as a field of ethnobiology are still not well-studied.In the ancient Near-East, Arabia, Greece, Egypt, and China, palm trees are considered "the tree of life," symbolizing regeneration and return to perfection (Cooper 1978) Research AbstractIn Hindu Bali, coconut trees near human settlements exhibit a particular silhouette. To understand the relationship between human activity and the landscape created by plant usage, we analyzed the extent of the cut-leaved coconut canopies and consumption pattern of coconut leaflets for religious purposes on Bali Island. Cut-leaved coconut canopies were identified in 78% of the 18 sites investigated, and 22% of coconut trees had cut leaves. Coconut leaflets, young and old, were gathered from live trees and frequently used for many offerings such as canang, penjor, and sanggah cucuk for Dewi Sri as part of plant decorations made with various colorful flowers and ornamental tree leaves. Balinese people still make traditional offerings with intact plant materials, although recently coconut leaflets are increasingly sold in markets in urban areas. We conclude that this particular coconut silhouette is a result of human ritual activities stemming from the Balinese culture.

Bactrocera carambolae, commonly known as the fruit fly, has been reported as a prominent pest for fruits and vegetables around the world. It has been recorded to infect hosts from a wide range of families and was shown to spread worldwide including Indonesia. The identification of species is needed such that clear information on distribution of the species can be obtained. The combination of analysis through morphology and molecular approaches provide an accurate method of identification. The identification of DNA-based barcode for fruit flies using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCOI) was conducted. The result of DNA extraction was amplified using PCR with general primers mtCOI Fruit Fly MT-CO1-F as forward primer and HCO as the reverse primer. A 690bp amplicon of the fruit flies mtCOI gene was obtained. Bactrocera carambolae is the species identified from 9 regencies in Bali Island based on morphology diagnosis and sequence analysis of fruit flies.