Predator communities associated with Spodoptera exigua in tropical shallot agroecosystems

I Wayan  Dirgayana; Dewa Ayu Ari  Febriyanti; Dicky  Marsadi

doi:10.31849/29660

Authors

I Wayan Dirgayana Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture & Business, Dwijendra University, Denpasar 80233, Indonesia
Dewa Ayu Ari Febriyanti Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture & Business, Dwijendra University, Denpasar 80233, Indonesia
Dicky Marsadi Department of Agroecotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University, Badung 80361, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31849/29660

Keywords:

biological control, arthropod diversity, ecological indices, natural enemy conservation, pest population dynamics

Abstract

Spodoptera exigua Hübner is a major pest of shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) that can significantly reduce productivity in tropical agroecosystems. Pest control in shallot cultivation still relies heavily on synthetic insecticides, which may lead to pest resistance and negatively affect natural enemy populations. This study identified predator communities associated with S. exigua in tropical shallot agroecosystems in Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia. Field observations were conducted in four shallot-producing villages (Trunyan, Buahan, Kedisan, and Songan) from June to September 2025. Predator abundance, pest population, and infestation levels were analyzed using ecological indices including Shannon diversity (H′), evenness (E), species richness (R), and dominance (D). Seven predator groups were identified, with moderate to high diversity (H′ = 1.51–1.77) and high evenness (E > 0.78). Predator abundance showed a strong negative correlation with S. exigua population (r = −0.76; R² = 0.58). These results highlight the importance of predator conservation in sustainable integrated pest management for tropical shallot production.

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