Utilization of wood vinegar as plant based insecticide in mulberry (Morus sp)

Abstract

Successful maintenance of silkworms (Bombyx mori) depends on the supply of mulberry leaf feed (Morus sp). In practice, mulberry plants are not safe from pests and diseases. In the early rainy season, mulberry plants are easily attacked by whitefly (Trialeuroides vaporiorum and Bemissia tabaci). Mulberry leaves that are attacked by whitefly can no longer be given to silkworms because the nutrients are reduced. The use of plant-based insecticides in the resolvent of whitefly pests has not been widely practiced. Wood vinegar is an organic material derived from wood waste that can be used as a plant-based insecticide. The objectives of this study are to determine the percentage of whitefly attacks on mulberry plants and the application of plant-based insecticides on mulberry plants towards whitefly attacks reduction. The study was employed by field observation for 12 weeks. The results showed that the percentage of whitefly attack was 33.34%. Application of wood vinegar as insecticide with a dose of 2.5% (v/v) increased the pest resistance and induced the growth of mulberry plants.