Effect of chemical insecticides on the arthropod diversity in the agroecosystem of red onion crops

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The diversity and abundance of arthropods in the local red onion agroecosystem of Central Sulawesi are important aspects in ecosystem resources and preservation. This study aims to analyze the effect of insecticide application on arthropod diversity in the agroecosystem of red onion crops. Materials and Methods: It is an experimental study which used 500 m2 of plot divided into two separated plots. Each plot is 250 m2 and has 300 m space between the plots. The first plot was intended for abamectin insecticide application and the second plot was intended for no application of insecticides. The observation of diversity and abundance of Arthropods was performed by conducting 5 sampling times. Results: There were 7 orders of Arthropods found in the ecosystem of red onion crops without insecticides, which included 29 families and 42 species with a total of 4,412 individuals. In red onion crops with insecticides, there were 8 orders found, which included 22 families and 31 species with a total of 12,078 individuals. The individuals found were Hemiptera, Diptera, coleoptera, hymenoptera, lepidoptera, Arachnida, Orthoptera and heteroptera. The diversity index of red onion croppings area with insecticides was 2.06 and of which without insecticides was 1.28. Conclusion: The application of insecticides has an effect on the diversity and abundance of arthropods on red onion crops. The values of diversity index, number of family and species were higher in the red onion ecosystem without the application of insecticide.