The leaf beetle (Aulacophora similis) represents a notable pest in agriculture, particularly affecting crops like cucumbers. PRIMA Agro Tech addresses the challenge posed by this pest through a biocontrol strategy employing Cordyceps fumosorosea and Metarhizium robertsii. This approach is designed to effectively manage leaf beetle infestations in an environmentally sustainable way, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and ensuring the health and productivity of the affected crops.
The leaf beetle is a small leaf-eating beetle measuring approximately one centimetre long, especially prevalent in cucumber cultivation, where it prefers plants with broad leaves. The damage caused by the pest is visually apparent, as the plant’s young leaves often exhibit holes.
In severe infestations, leaf beetles can consume so much of the leaf tissue that only the skeletal structure of the leaves, or ‘bone leaves’, are left. This level of damage impacts the plant’s ability to photosynthesize effectively and can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields.
PRIMA Agro Tech employs a combination of biocontrol microorganisms to manage leaf beetle infestations effectively:
Cordyceps fumosorosea isolate B3: This entomopathogenic fungus targets leaf beetles by adhering to their exoskeleton. Once attached, it penetrates the beetle’s body, proliferating within. Cordyceps fumosorosea disrupts the beetle’s internal functions by producing toxins, leading to the pest’s death. This isolate is particularly effective due to its specific pathogenicity towards leaf beetles and its ability to persist in various environmental conditions.
Metarhizium robertsii strain 6EIKEN: This fungus is a natural insecticide against leaf beetles. When beetles come into contact with Metarhizium robertsii, the fungus attaches to their exoskeleton and breaches it, growing inside the beetle’s body. As it multiplies, it consumes the beetle’s internal nutrients and releases toxins, weakening and eventually killing the host. This strain effectively controls various life stages of the leaf beetle, from larvae to adults.
PRIMA Agro Tech provides a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the leaf beetle problem using these biocontrol agents. This method addresses the current infestations and creates an environment less conducive to future beetle reproduction, thus ensuring the long-term health and productivity of cucumber and other affected crops.
PT. PRIMA AGROTECH
Komplek Ruko Pluit Junction No. SH-03
Jl. Pluit Raya No. 1
Jakarta Utara 14440
Indonesia
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