The Effectiveness of Weed Extracts as Biopesticides and the Frequency of Application Against Chrysanthemum Pests

Abstract

The continued use of synthetic pesticides can negatively affect the environment, human health, and the sustainability of crop cultivation. Therefore, weed extracts as plant-based biopesticides offer an environmentally friendly alternative for controlling pests on chrysanthemum plants. This study aims to analyze the effects of the type of weed solution and application frequency on the growth, flower yield, and pest infestation levels of chrysanthemum plants. The study employed a nested randomized block design consisting of two factors: the type of weed solution, which included Chromolaena odorata L (A), Ageratum conyzoides L. (B), Euphorbia hirta L. (C), Isotoma longiflora (D), and Echinochloa crus-galli (E), and application frequency of 1 time (K1), 2 times (K2), and 3 times (K3). The observed variables included flower stalk length, flower stalk weight, flower diameter, fresh weight of marketable flowers, and the percentage of infected leaves. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by a BNT test at the 5% significance level. The results showed that the type of weed solution significantly affected flower stalk length, flower stalk weight, flower diameter, and fresh weight of marketable flowers, but not the number of infected leaves. The Isotoma longiflora extract treatment produced the best flower growth and quality, with a flower stalk length of 81.16 cm, a flower stalk weight of 50.44 g, a flower diameter of 4.63 cm, and an economic fresh flower weight of 44.73 g. The application frequency at 9 weeks after planting (K3) yielded the best results for nearly all observed parameters. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionSDG 13: Climate ActionSDG 15: Life on Land