Use Of Several Plant Powder To Control Keon Mas Pomacea Canaliculata Lamarck (mollusca: Amplariidae) In Rice Plants In The Greenhouse
Introduction
The growth of rice plants is threatened by various pests, including the golden snail, also known as Pomacea Canaliculata Lamarck. This pest has been a challenge for farmers, mainly due to the use of chemical molluschicides that can leave harmful residues in the environment. In an effort to find a more environmentally friendly solution, research has been conducted to explore the potential of several plant powders as vegetable molluskicides to control the golden snails in the greenhouse.
The Importance of Sustainable Pest Control
The use of chemical molluschicides has been a common practice in pest control, but it has several drawbacks. These chemicals can have a negative impact on human health and ecosystems, and can also lead to the development of pesticide-resistant pests. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative methods of pest control that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Research Methods
This research was conducted in the Greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra in Medan, from April to June 2016. A complete non-factorial randomized design was used, with six treatments: golden snails (control), betel nut, tobacco powder, powder soursop, neem powder, and fentin acetate molluschicide 60%. Each treatment was carried out in four replications to ensure the accuracy of the results.
Research Results
The results showed that areca nut and tobacco powder proved to be very effective in controlling the golden snail population. Within 3 to 4 days after the application, both types of powder were able to reach a 100% mortality rate, which certainly had a positive impact on damage to rice plant clumps. This indicates that the two plants have great potential as vegetable molluschicides for the control of golden snail pests.
Active Compounds in Plant Powders
The use of vegetable molluschicides, such as areca nut and tobacco powder, not only offers effectiveness in controlling golden snails, but also creates a more minimal impact on the environment. In contrast to chemical molluschicides, which can have a negative impact on human health and ecosystems, the use of plant powder allows farmers to manage pests in a more sustainable way.
Pinang powder is known to contain active compounds that can affect the animal nervous system, while tobacco powder contains nicotine which functions as a poison for many types of insects and mollusks. The use of these two materials in agriculture can not only help farmers effectively control pests, but also support the practice of organic and sustainable agriculture that is being promoted.
Conclusion
From this study, it appears that there are promising alternatives to control the golden snails using plant powder as vegetable molluschicides. Pinang powder and tobacco powder can be an effective and environmentally friendly solution in maintaining the health of rice plants. Efforts to replace the use of chemical molluschicides with natural ingredients are not only beneficial for farmers, but also for the sustainability of the environment and the overall agricultural ecosystem. The involvement of researchers in finding natural solutions is an important step towards a more sustainable agriculture.
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Further research is needed to explore the potential of other plant powders as vegetable molluschicides.
- The use of areca nut and tobacco powder should be promoted as a sustainable alternative to chemical molluschicides.
- Farmers should be educated on the use of plant powders as a pest control method.
- The government should provide support for the development of organic and sustainable agriculture practices.
Future Directions
This study has opened up new avenues for research in the field of sustainable pest control. Future studies should focus on the following areas:
- The development of new plant powders as vegetable molluschicides.
- The optimization of the application method of plant powders.
- The evaluation of the long-term effects of plant powders on the environment and human health.
Q: What is the purpose of using plant powder to control golden snails in rice plants?
A: The purpose of using plant powder to control golden snails in rice plants is to find a more environmentally friendly and sustainable solution to pest control. Chemical molluschicides can have a negative impact on human health and ecosystems, while plant powders can provide a natural and effective way to control pests.
Q: What are the benefits of using plant powder to control golden snails?
A: The benefits of using plant powder to control golden snails include:
- Reduced environmental impact
- Improved human health
- Increased crop yields
- Reduced pesticide resistance
- Support for organic and sustainable agriculture practices
Q: What types of plant powders were used in this study?
A: The plant powders used in this study were:
- Areca nut
- Tobacco powder
- Pinang powder
- Soursop powder
- Neem powder
- Fentin acetate molluschicide 60%
Q: How effective were the plant powders in controlling golden snails?
A: The results of this study showed that areca nut and tobacco powder were very effective in controlling golden snail populations, with a 100% mortality rate within 3 to 4 days after application.
Q: What are the active compounds in plant powders that affect golden snails?
A: The active compounds in plant powders that affect golden snails include:
- Pinang powder: contains active compounds that can affect the animal nervous system
- Tobacco powder: contains nicotine which functions as a poison for many types of insects and mollusks
Q: Can plant powders be used to control other types of pests?
A: Yes, plant powders can be used to control other types of pests, including insects and other mollusks. However, further research is needed to explore the potential of plant powders as a pest control method.
Q: How can farmers obtain plant powders for use in pest control?
A: Farmers can obtain plant powders from various sources, including:
- Local markets
- Online retailers
- Agricultural supply stores
- Research institutions
Q: What are the potential challenges and limitations of using plant powders for pest control?
A: The potential challenges and limitations of using plant powders for pest control include:
- Limited availability of plant powders
- Variable quality of plant powders
- Potential for pesticide resistance
- Need for further research and development
Q: What is the future direction of research on using plant powders for pest control?
A: The future direction of research on using plant powders for pest control includes:
- Development of new plant powders as vegetable molluschicides
- Optimization of the application method of plant powders
- Evaluation of the long-term effects of plant powders on the environment and human health