Uji Ketahanan Galur Jambu Mete Terhadap Hama Helopeltis sp. (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Abstract

One of the causes of low cashew productivity in production centers is the attacks by pest, especially the mosquito bug Helopeltis sp. (Hemiptera: Miridae). Control efforts can be done by using the resistant varieties. The study was conducted at Cikampek Experimental Farm, from January–December 2018. This study aims to determine the level of resistance of crossbred cashew (F1) against Helopeltis sp. using the free-choice test method. The study was arranged in a Randomized Group Design and repeated 2 times. Total of 50 crossbred cashew strains propagated by grafting were placed in cages in a circular position. The number of plants in each cage was 23 strains. A total of 5 pairs adult of Helopeltis sp. that had been fed for 2 hours were introduced and placed in the center of the cage. The observation began 2 days after Helopeltis sp. infested which repeated every 3 days for 1 month or stopped if the insects died. Parameters observed included the number of eggs laid, number of eggs hatched, number of Helopeltis sp. perched, attack intensity, number of shoots, number of leaves grown and length of recovery period. The results showed that 23 strains were tolerant to Helopeltis sp., namely numbers: 2.1, 5.3, 6.4, 7.1, 7.3, 8.1, 9.1, 10.3, 11.4, 13.3, 13.4, 14.1, 15.1, 17.1, 18.1, 19.1, 19.3, 21.1, 21.3, 22.3, 22.4, 24.1, and 25.4. The attack intensity was 10-87.5 %. At the time of recovery, shoot growth reached 1-4 shoots and leave growth reached 2-11 leaves. The recovery period occurred for 10-14 days. The yield of the tolerant strains obtained required for further testing in the field.