Once Considered Weeds, Now Alang-Alang is Raised by IPB University Researchers as a Weapon against Pests
Once only considered a wild weed that disturbs rice fields, now alang-alang is actually raised as a ‘biological weapon’ by IPB University researchers to fight rice pests.
Professor of the Faculty of Agriculture of IPB University, Prof Purnama Hidayat, revealed that plants that often grow on rice fields have proven to be a natural home for parasitic insects, which are natural enemies that can reduce the population of pests that disturb rice plants.
One of his studies showed that the alang-alang ganjur fly (Orseolia javanica), which causes up to 20 percent damage to alang-alang plants – a resilient weed with 60 percent of its biomass hidden in the soil – has a very effective natural enemy.
“We managed to describe a new parasitoid species named Platygaster orseoliae,” he said in the Press Conference of Pre Scientific Oration of Professor of IPB University held through zoom, Thursday (5/22).
Interestingly, said Prof Purnama, this parasitoid not only attacks the ganjur fly on reeds, but also attacks the rice ganjur fly (Orseolia oryzae) when rice plants are available.
“This means that reeds, which have been considered as weeds, can actually function as natural refugia for natural enemies of rice pests,” he explained.
He said that this finding has great potential in biological and environmentally friendly pest control. By providing natural habitats for pest enemies around agricultural areas, farmers can reduce dependence on chemical pesticides that have had a negative impact on the environment.
On that occasion, Prof Purnama also explained the development of insect identification software based on digital technology called LUCID. According to him, insect identification cannot be done with the naked eye. Their small size and the large number of species make the identification process a challenge.
“With LUCID, the identification process can be 50 percent faster than conventional methods. In addition, this device makes it easy for anyone to learn to recognize insects without having to be a taxonomist,” he said.
In his presentation, Prof Purnama also said that insects have a tremendous role in human life. Although often underestimated, insects are the most dominant group of animals on earth, covering around 80 percent of all animal species.
He revealed, “In terms of biomass, the total weight of insects is two and a half times greater than the total biomass of humans. The economic value of the ecological services they provide is enormous.”
Based on estimates, the contribution of insects to the global ecosystem and economy is estimated to reach almost IDR3.760 trillion, a figure that is three times larger than Indonesia’s State Budget in 2025.
On the other hand, insects can also be detrimental. About 30 percent of agricultural output is damaged by pests, and the use of pesticides to control them often exacerbates environmental damage.
However, the potential of insects does not stop there. Some species such as the black soldier fly and sago caterpillar are even being developed as alternative protein sources. Not only that, but insect body structures have also inspired modern technology, such as the dragonfly’s eye, which has been used to develop 3D cameras for autonomous cars, and its flight maneuvers, which have inspired the design of drones and helicopters.
“Insects are small creatures with tremendous impact. If utilized and managed wisely, they can be the key to the sustainability of our ecosystems and agriculture,” he said. (IAAS/TNY)
