The hairy caterpillars of mango trees in Probolinggo: identification, distribution, incidence, precursor, and control strategy.
Baliadi Y., Bedjo, Suharsono
Author Affiliation: Balai Penelitian Tanaman Kacang-kacangan dan Umbi-umbian, Jalan Raya Kendal Payak, Kotak Pos 66 Malang 65101, Indonesia.
Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pertanian 31 : 77-83
Abstract : The hairy caterpillars have been emerging as potential pest of mango in Probolinggo, East Java since their outbreak in March-April 2011. Field observation and laboratory assay were applied to study the mango hairy caterpillar outbreak at Probolinggo. Results revealed that four species of Lymantriidae were identified and associated with the mango trees, i.e. Arctornis submarginata, Lymantria marginalis, Lymantria atemeles, and Dasychira inclusa. These caterpillars distributed in nine villages of Probolinggo and the highest leaves damage occurred at Leces, Tegal Siwalan, and Sumberasih. The pest incidence was 0-20% of the total mango trees observed and the damage severity reached 100% leaves defoliated. Among the pests identified, A. submarginata dominated at all of observation sites and caused serious damage on mango trees. The life cycle of A. submarginata from egg to adult was 4-5 weeks. Long wet season, volcanic dust, the change in mango cultivar to the only manalagi, production forest program, and use of agrochemical input act as the main precursor of the reduction of mango agroecosystem biodiversities. These changes induced the population outbreak of A. submarginata. The population confuse due to the migration of A. submarginata from tea plantation and its well adaptability to the mango tree was also other possibilities of the increasing A. submarginata population. The later phenomenon is more suitable to the situation because the natural enemies of hairy caterpillar was high and about 60-75% of pupae were infected by baculovirus and entomopathogenic fungus, and the remaining 10-15% were killed by parasitoids. Integrated pest management for A. submarginata must be based on sampling and monitoring. The IPM technological component proposed are cultural practices, biocontrol measures, and need-based application of botanical and safer pesticides in short and longterm control approaches.