Intercropping insect repellent plants (irps): a promising strategy for sustainable pest management

N. Gunaeni, W. Setiawati*, A. Muharam, A.K. Karjadi, R. Murtiningsih, T.K. Moekasan, E. Korlina, A. Hasyim, I.R. Saadah, I. Sulastrini, E. Diningsih and B.K. Udiarto

National Research and Innovation Agency, Research Center for Horticulture, Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor, Cibinong, ID16915 Bogor, Indonesia
*Correspondence: wiwi024@brin.go.id

Abstract:

In current intensive crop production, the utilization of natural biological control in pest management is not fully maximized, resulting in a significant dependency on the application of insecticides. Insect-repellent plants (IRPs) have become a prominent subject of research and a widely implemented strategy for reducing both pest damage and reliance on chemical insecticides. In this study, intercropping three IRP species, coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.; Apiaceae), celery (Apium graveolens L.; Apiaceae), and bunching onion (Allium fistulosum l.; Amaryllidaceae), in two intercropping systems were assessed for controlling insect pests in chilli pepper. The research was carried out in the experimental field of the Indonesian Vegetable Research Institute (IVegRI) in 2022. The results revealed that intercropping systems of chilli pepper with coriander, celery, and bunching onion significantly reduced plant damage over sole crops. Among the various intercrop combinations, chili pepper intercropped with coriander resulted in the lowest damage of three major pest species on chili pepper, Thrips parvispinus (51.77%), Helicoverpa armigera (47.67%), and Bactrocera dorsalis (40.35%). Furthermore, this effect enhanced the productivity of chili pepper yield (43.27%).

Key words:

Plant resources in the control of the key food pests Andean potato weevils (Premnotrypes spp.) and coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei): a systematic review

R.D.D.G. de Albuquerque¹*, F.R. León-Vargas²³, R. Ruiz-Paredes⁴, J.Y. Villacrés-Vallejo⁵⁶, G.R. Malca-García⁷ and M.L. Ganoza-Yupanqui⁸⁹

¹Fluminense Federal University, Laboratory of Technology in Natural Products, Niterói (RJ), 24210-340, Brazil
²Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Iquitos, 16007, Perú
³Universidad Científica del Perú, Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Programa Académico de Ingeniería Ambiental, Iquitos, 16007, Perú
⁴Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Facultad de Industrias Alimentarias, Departamento de Ingeniería de Alimentos, Iquitos, 16007, Perú
⁵Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Facultad de Agronomía, Departamento de suelos y cultivos, Iquitos, 16007, Perú
⁶Instituto de Medicina Tradicional, Seguro Social de Salud (EsSalud). Iquitos, 16007, Perú
⁷UIC/NIH Center for Botanical Dietary Supplements Research, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (IL), 60612, USA
⁸Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Laboratorio Multifuncional, Trujillo, 13011, Perú
⁹Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Grupo de Control de Calidad de Plantas Medicinales, Trujillo, 13011, Peru
*Correspondence: richardcabofrio@gmail.com

Abstract:

Potato and coffee crops grapple with pronounced challenges posed by pests, notably the Andean potato weevils (Premnotrypes spp.) and the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei). These pests inflict significant economic repercussions on both smallholder and commercial farmers by disrupting essential food supply chains. This review delves into the insecticidal potentials of botanical resources against these pests. Notably, extracts and essential oils (EOs) from native flora or commercially available in each affected country have compelled efficacy against Premnotrypes vorax, P. latithorax and Hypothenemus hampei, such as Schinus molle L. and Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi, respectively. Through rigorous laboratory tests, on-site evaluations, and cost-effectiveness assessments, there emerges a strong advocacy for these botanical solutions. They present not only a sustainable countermeasure to these pests but also a greener alternative to conventional pesticides, thereby potentially reducing the environmental degradation and health concerns synonymous with chemical pesticides. The shift towards natural pesticides, especially those derived from plants like S. molle and S. terebinthifolia, is not only environmentally strategic but also economically prudent, aligning with both market trends and long-term sustainability goals.

Key words:

essential oils, insecticidal activity, pest management, plant extracts, sustainability