Shallot armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) significantly impacts crops, especially shallots and onions, by causing extensive damage and yield losses. PRIMA Agro Tech addresses this pest with biocontrol agents like Bacillus thuringiensis and Serratia marcescens. This approach provides a sustainable solution to protect crops from the devastating effects of shallot armyworm infestations.
The shallot armyworm, a larva from the mottled willow moth, poses a serious threat to shallot and onion crops. Female moths lay clusters of eggs on leaves, which hatch into larvae that feed on the plant’s foliage. Young larvae scrape the leaf surface, while larger ones create irregular holes or consume entire leaves. This feeding behaviour leads to significant plant damage, stunted growth, and, in severe cases, plant death.
Infestations can be particularly damaging in regions like Indonesia, where yield losses due to this pest have exceeded 50% in shallot and onion crops. The shallot armyworm completes its life cycle in approximately 25 days. During this period, the adult female moth lays between 300 and 600 eggs.
PRIMA Agro Tech employs specific biocontrol microorganisms to effectively manage shallot armyworm infestations, focusing on their unique mechanisms of action:
Bacillus thuringiensis strain 4042: This bacterium is known for its insecticidal properties. It produces crystalline proteins (Cry toxins) that, when ingested by the larvae of the shallot armyworm, bind to specific receptors in the gut lining, causing cell lysis and eventual death of the larvae. This strain is particularly effective against various lepidopteran pests, including the armyworm. It is a preferred solution due to its specificity, meaning it targets harmful pests while being safe for beneficial insects, animals, and humans.
Serratia marcescens strain NPKC3_2_21: This bacterium plays a dual role. In addition to its insecticidal properties, it promotes plant growth. Serratia marcescens combats armyworms by producing chitinase enzymes and other metabolites that degrade the chitin in the larvae’s exoskeleton, weakening and eventually killing it. Furthermore, this strain enhances plant resilience, making it harder for armyworms to inflict damage.
Metarhizium anisopliale isolate D1: This entomopathogenic fungus combats the shallot armyworm by adhering to its exoskeleton. Once attached, it germinates and penetrates the larvae’s body, spreading internally. It disrupts the armyworm’s vital functions by producing toxins and enzymes that deteriorate its internal organs, ultimately leading to the pest’s death. This fungus is particularly effective due to its ability to target a broad range of insect pests and its persistence in the soil, providing long-term protection.
Beauveria bassiana isolate B33: Acting as a natural insecticide, Beauveria bassiana works by attaching to the armyworm’s cuticle. The fungus then breaches the exoskeleton and grows inside the insect’s body. As it proliferates, Beauveria bassiana consumes the armyworm’s nutrients and releases toxins, causing the insect to weaken and die. This isolate is especially useful for its virulent properties and capability to control various stages of the armyworm, from larvae to adults.
PRIMA Agro Tech’s approach offers a comprehensive and sustainable method to reduce shallot armyworm populations through the combined use of these biocontrol agents. These agents target and eliminate existing pests and create an environment less conducive to their reproduction, ensuring long-term protection for crops against this pest.
PT. PRIMA AGROTECH
Komplek Ruko Pluit Junction No. SH-03
Jl. Pluit Raya No. 1
Jakarta Utara 14440
Indonesia
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