IMPACT OF CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE ON INSECT PEST INCIDENCE IN FOUR CAYENNE PEPPER HYBRID CULTIVARS

Abstract

The yield of cayenne pepper can be enhanced using hybrid cultivars combined with suitable cultivation technology packages. However, differences in cultivar traits, fertilizer dosage, and fertilizer application methods may affect pest incidence and damage intensity, affecting resistance among hybrid cultivars. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four cultivation technology packages (TP-I, TP-II, TP-III, TP-IV) on pest incidence in four cayenne pepper hybrid cultivars. A Split Plot Design arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design was used, with four cultivation technology packages (TP-I, TP-II, TP-III, and TP-IV) as the main plots and four hybrid cultivars (‘UNIB CHR17’, ‘Lado F1’, ‘Rimbun F1a’, and ‘Krisna F1’) as subplots. Results showed that the lowest population density of Spodoptera exigua occurred under TP-IV combined with the cultivar ‘Lado F1’. No significant differences were observed in the populations of Bemisia tabaci, Thrips parvispinus, Bactrocera dorsalis, or Helicoverpa armigera across technology packages or cultivars. Technology packages did not affect the intensity of indirect pest attacks, but did influence direct pest damage. TP-IV and TP-II reduced B. dorsalis attack intensity, while TP-II, TP-III, and TP-IV resulted in comparably lower H. armigera attack intensity. Among cultivars, ‘Lado F1’ and ‘Krisna F1’ showed lower indirect pest attack intensities (40.77% and 41.01%), while no cultivar differences were observed for direct pest attacks. TP-IV in combination with the cultivar ‘Lado F1’ is recommended to minimize pest incidence in cayenne pepper cultivation.