Potential of Gigantic Swallow Wort Leaf Extract (Calotropis gigantea L.) as a Plant-based Insecticide on Chili Aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover.)

Abstract

Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a polyphagous insect that can attack various types of plants. Its presence on chili plants can cause significant yield losses. In addition, this aphid also acts as a vector for viruses that can attack chili plants. Control of aphids is generally done using synthetic pesticides, but the use of these pesticides can have a negative impact on the environment and human health. As an alternative, plant-based insecticides can be used to control these insects. One plant that has potential as a plant-based insecticide is gigantic swallow wort (Calotropis gigantea Linn.). Gigantic swallow wort leaf extract contains secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and others that have toxic effects on aphids. This study aims to analyze the effect of gigantic swallow wort leaf extract on the mortality of chili aphids. The research method used a completely randomized design with five treatments of gigantic swallow wort extract concentration, namely 0%; 0.5%; 1%; 1.5%; and 2%. The test was conducted by spray method, and the mortality of aphids was observed for three days. The highest mortality was found in the 2% gigantic swallow wort extract concentration treatment with a mortality percentage of 76.67%. Based on literature studies, the presence of secondary metabolite compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, and others. These compounds are thought to have an insecticidal effect and can interfere with the metabolism of aphids. The use of plant-based insecticides can be an alternative that is more environmentally friendly and safe for non-target organisms. In addition, this study also provides information on the content of secondary metabolites in biduri extract that play a role in controlling pests.