IPB University Students Give Socialization Regarding Invasive Pest Emergency
IPB University students who participated in the Thematic Real Work Lecture (KKN-T) 2019 in Sukajadi Village, Tamansari Subdistrict, Bogor Regency provided socialization on the fall armyworm (UGJ) to the Bhakti Mandiri Jaya Farmers Group, (23/07). The socialization was led by Ade Gunawan, the Chair of Taman Sari Farmers Group.
With this socialization, students and the socialization officers hoped that farmers will understand the strategy and ways to control the fall armyworm pest. The expected control measures must be in accordance with the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), namely healthy plant cultivation, use of natural enemies, regular observation, and farmers as experts.
The grayak armyworm (UGJ) or Spodoptera frugiperda is a new type of pest from Central America and is thought to have begun entering Indonesia earlier this year. The pest do its damage by broaching and punching holes into the corn cobs. Based on the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Quick Response to the Corn Grayak Armyworm Invasion which was held by the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, the worm has attacked three regions, West Sumatra province in Pasaman Barat, Banten province, precisely in Gunung Kencana, and West Java province, precisely in Bogor.
Several farmers in Tamansari said that their fields have been attacked by the worm which is suspected to be the corn’s grayak armyworm. One of the farmers said that the worm is very resistant to furadan.
"Mr. Suryadi's cornfield has been attacked by a UGJ, but when sprayed with one type of insecticide, the caterpillar disappeared after three days. "We urge farmers not to use pesticides that cause resistance and do not spray drugs for pests and diseases along with growing stimulants," said Danty as Tamansari Sub-District Plant Disturbing Organist (POPT) and group member farmers.
During the KKN-T, students also conducted a follow-up survey of UGJ attacks in Kampung Ampera, which is an area of RW 07 Sukajadi Village. Field observations show the rediscovery of UGJ in a number of farmers' corn fields with the intensity of attacks ranging from mild, moderate, to severe.
"This season seems to be a crop failure and the corn cannot be sold in full anymore except in other forms," Alta said as a Specialist Extension Officer (PPS) who accompanied the observation.
