Comparison of Insects Biodiversity in Green Spinach Ecosystem Using Farmer and Commercial Seeds

Abstract

Background and Objective: Green spinach (Amaranthus sp.) grow well in many areas around the worldwide. The present work had the purpose of observing insects biodiversity on green spinach used farmer and commercial seeds in south Sulawesi, Indonesia. Materials and Method: Research as a survey was conducted to observe insects biodiversity in green spinach ecosystem during February-June, 2017. The region lies 3E43'-4E09' south latitude and 119E41'-120E10 E longitudes with an elevation about 30 m from the sea level. The counting of individuals was performed by using visual searching method. To study the insects diversity in different green spinach source seeds, Simpsonʼs diversity index was used. Both pest and insects predator population were observed in the green spinach ecosystem. Results: The result was showed grasshopper (Valanga sp.) was ranked first in respect to the frequency followed by taro caterpillar (Spodoptera litura), leaf miners (Liriomyza sp.), Coccidae (Planococcus sp.), Riptortus sp. and Phyllotreta sp. Green spinach used commercial seeds was showed grasshopper (Valanga sp.) as dominant pests followed leaf miners (Liriomyza sp.) and S. litura, respectively. Coleoptera was the most important predator order divided into two species Coccinella sp. dan Menochilus sp. find in both field. Only Formicidae in green spinach from farmer seeds. In the other hand, green spinach harvest from commercial seeds more higher than harvest from farmer seeds. Conclusion: The study showed various insects pest attacking two field experiment. Both pest and insects predator population were observed in the green spinach ecosystem. Among the insects pest species, three species were found as major pest such as: S. litura, Valanga sp. and Liriomyza sp. In another finding, Coccinellidae, Formicidae and Staphylinidae were the most common predaceous insects in the green spinach ecosystem. Impact of research is useful information for farmers reduce synthetic pesticides in management of agricultural crop