Efficacy of Biduri Leaf Extract (Calotropis gigantea L.) for Management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith.) on Corn

Aims: This research aims to assess the effectiveness of the Calotropis gigantea extract formulation as an environmentally friendly botanical pesticide for controlling the armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda on corn plants.

Study Design: The research was carried out in the Plant Pest and Disease Laboratory at Faculty of Agriculture, Tadulako University, and on corn plantations in Sigi Regency, from May 2023 to November 2023.

Methodology: Making formulated C. gigantea extract was done by adding emulsifier and adhesive to the extract. Material in the form of kaolin flour is used as a carrier. The formulated extract was evaluated. Application was carried out on 21 days old corn plants, with an application interval of 5 days for 5 applications. Observation variables included larval population density, percentage of S. frugiperda attacks, presence of natural enemies of the pest, and corn production. The toxicity test uses probit analysis and the significant difference test uses the T test.

Results: Toxicity of the formulated C. gigantea extract was LC50 of 0.522 µgl-1. Application of the formulated extract in the field showed that the formulated extract treatment had an effect on population density, the intensity of S. frugiperda larvae attacks and corn production had a significant effect and had no effect on the presence of natural enemies. Formulated C. gigantea leaf extract has the potential to be used as an environmentally friendly botanical insecticide compound against S. frugiperda larvae in corn plantations

Conclusion: Formulated leaf extract of C. gigantea has the potential as an environmentally friendly botanical insecticide in controlling the fall armyworm S. frugiperda.