Insect pests in smallholding coconut plantation in Marga Sungsang Village, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the plantation crop commodities from the Palmae family that is widely cultivated in almost all regions in Indonesia, especially in South Sumatra. Insect pest attack is the main problem faced by farmers. Coconut farmers face this problem in Marga Sungsang Village, Banyuasin II District, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra Province. Therefore, this study aims to determine the insect pests that attack coconut plants. The research was conducted in May 2023 with field observations and interviews with coconut farmers. Observations were made through direct observation of pests on coconut plants owned by farmers covering an area of 4 hectares. Observations were made on infested plants by observing the types of pests and symptoms of attack. Meanwhile, interviews were conducted to find out the cultivation techniques used by farmers. The results showed that insect pests found in coconut smallholding plantations (C. nucifera L.) in Marga Sungsang Village, Banyuasin Regency are six species with 2.114 individuals consisting of orders namely Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Coleoptera. There were six insect pests: Auloracanthus sp., Aleurodicus sp., Trilophidia sp, Phlaeoba infumata, Pteroma sp., and Oryctes rhinoceros.