Damage Intensity of Pepper Stem-Borer (Lophobaris piperis) on Different Weed Control in Bangka Belitung Archipelago Province

Abstract

˗˗˗Pepper Stem Borer (Lophobaris piperis) is one of main pest in pepper plant that can reduce the yield near to 72%. Ecologically, the development of L. Piperis can be influenced by the presence of weeds surrounding plants as temporary dwellings for both pests and natural enemies. This study aims to determine the damage intensity of L. piperis on pepper in various weed control techniques. This study used observation method with sampling techniques applying a combination of purposive random sampling. Pepper plant samples were chosen deliberately with weed control provisions based on the desired technique of mechanical control, control using legume cover crops and without weed control. The results showed that the lowest damage intensity of pepper stem borer attack was identified on pepper plantations with weed control techniques using Arachis pintoi as cover crops. The highest level of L. piperis attack was found in pepper plantations with mechanical weed control techniques. Keyword˗˗˗Pepper, Pepper Stem Borer, Weed Control, Arachis Pintoi