Identifikasi dan Teknis Pengendalian Hama pada Tanaman Kakao di Kabupaten Gunungkidul

Abstract

 Gunungkidul Regency is one of the locations for the national agricultural area, a priority commodity for the development of the national cocoa crop. However, there are problems from the upstream and downstream sectors along with the development of cocoa plantations, such as pests and diseases. Pest disturbances can cause a decrease in fruit quality and production and material losses estimated at 30-40%. This study aims to determine the types of pests on cocoa plants in each cocoa planting area in Gunungkidul Regency and to know the technical pest control on cocoa plants in Gunungkidul Regency. This research was conducted in July-December 2022. This research method uses a quantitative descriptive method. The research area was determined based on the central areas of smallholder cocoa plantations, namely Ponjong, Karangmojo, Patuk, and Nglipar Districts. The results showed that the types of cocoa pests in Gunungkidul Regency were Helopeltis, stem borer, CPB, squirrels, fruit flies, mealybugs, caterpillars, and rats. The types of pests scattered throughout the sub-district are Helopeltis, CPB, and squirrels. Control techniques carried out consisted of spraying pesticides, pruning the affected parts, fruit screening, the wooden/bamboo peg method, and hunting (trapping). Pest control activities are carried out with a frequency of 7-8 times a year. This study concluded that helopeltis is the main pest of cocoa in Gunungkidul Regency because it attacks all areas of cocoa cultivation