IDENTIFICATION OF ENTOPATHOGENIC FUNGI IN SOIL FROM COCOA PLANTATIONS
Alam Anshary(1*), Muhammad Yunus(1), Nur Edy(1), Yuliana(2)

(1) Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tadulako University
(2) Alumni Agrotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Tadulako University
(*) Corresponding author: ansharyalam[at]gmail.com

Abstract

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is a plantation crop with high economic value. However, its cultivation techniques are inseparable from pest attacks, one of which is the cocoa pod borer (Conopomorpha cramerella). Entomopathogenic fungi of soil origin can be used in several soil layers in cocoa plantations. This study aimed to determine the type of entomopathogenic fungi and their effect on bait insects (C. cramerella pupae). Sampling was carried out at the cocoa plantation and then further tested at the Plant Pests and Diseases Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tadulako. This study used a completely randomized design method which consisted of 3 treatments, namely: humus layer (L1), topsoil (L2), and subsoil (L3). Isolation of the fungus by using insect bait (C. cramerella pupae) obtained from the field. Fungus identification was carried out macroscopically and microscopically. The results showed that the percentage of deaths of test insects infected with the fungus in the humus layer was 20 individuals (100%), in the topsoil, it was 20 individuals (100%), and in the subsoil, it was 15 individuals (60%). Four genera of entomopathogenic fungi can be identified: Aspergillus sp, Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium lecanii and Fusarium. Sp.

Keywords: Theobroma cacao, Entomopathogenic fungi, humus, topsoil, subsoil.

Topic: Agriculture Productivity