Pests and diseases on forest plant in burned peatlands in South Sumatra

Abstract

At present most of the peatland in the OKI district, South Sumatra was damaged by forest fires. One way to restore the condition and function of peatlands as before is to rehabilitate by replanting suitable species on peatlands. One of the obstacles to the planting success on peatlands is the presence of pests and diseases. This study aims to determine pests and diseases of forest plants in several locations of burned peatlands in South Sumatra. The method used in this study was a survey method by direct observation of sample plants. Parameters observed were species of insect pests and pathogen, incidence and intensity of the attack. The results showed that several insect pests and diseases were found on burned peatland in Ogan Komering Ilir district, South Sumatra and identified as Cycnotrachelus sp., Valanga nigricornis, bagworm, Daphnis hypothous, Macrophoma sp., Pestalotiopsis sp., and Cephaleuros sp. The highest incidence of bagworm attacks was on Shorea balangeran and categorized as very heavy damage. The highest intensity was occurred on Dyera lowii that were attacked by Cephaleuros sp. and was categorized as moderately heavy damage. Even though the pest and disease attacks brought no economic losses, they must be watched closely by continuous monitoring.