Taman Konservasi Sycanus sp. di Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit

Abstract

Oil palm plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia still have to face the problem of oil palm leaf-eating caterpillars (UPDKS). The UPDKS found were nettle caterpillars (Limacodidae-Cochlidiidae) and bagworm (Psychidae). UPDKS control can be carried out using various strategies, including the use of biological agents. The use of biological agents can be done with conservation methods. The technique of conserving biological agents in oil palm plantations can be done by planting beneficial plants. One of the beneficial plants that can be used is spinach. Observations were made at the Sulung Research Station owned by PT Sawit Sumber Mas Tbk. in March to July 2022. Sycanus sp. made by planting spinach (Amaranthus spinosus) on an area of 50 m2. The number of Sycanus sp. captured to be released in the attack block is as much as 185 tails. The results of the release of Sycanus sp. evaluated by counting the number of caterpillars at the sample observation points contained in the attack block. At each observation point, caterpillars were counted on the lower, middle and upper fronds of different plants at the observation point. The population of caterpillars after the release of Sycanus sp. decreased by 98.71%. This shows that Sycanus sp. has high preying ability.