The journal of SERANGGA published by Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) for the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) https://www.ukm.my/penyelidikanfst/en/v2/ SERANGGA journal is managed and funded by FST, UKM and copyright to all published articles also belongs to UKM. Serangga is published thrice-yearly beginning 2020, with the aims of disseminating information on systematics and diversity of insect fauna, as well as result of research works related to insects. The new publication dates are on April, August and December. All accepted manuscripts are subjected to Article Processing Charges (APC) of RM500 for Malaysian corresponding authors and USD150 for International corresponding authors. Serangga accepts manuscripts on all aspects of the biosystematics of insects, especially articles dealing with their taxonomy, biology, behavior, ecology, molecular genetics, physiology, biochemistry, life history, and biogeography worldwide. SERANGGA is an open access journal that has been indexed and abstracted in SCOPUS, Goggle Scholar, SJR (Scimago Journal & Country Rank), Web of Science-WOS (Zoological Record), ASEAN Citation Index, MyCites and CABI abstract. All articles since January 1996 are freely available in the Archives. https://ejournal.ukm.my/serangga/issue/archive Published articles 1995-2011 are available here Articles 1995 - 2011 << Click Here All correspondence pertaining to articles and related matters should be addressed to: Chief Editor SERANGGA Centre for Insect Systematics Faculty of Science and Technology Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor MALAYSIA Tel:+603-89215954 Email: seranggaukm@gmail.com / serangga@ukm.edu.my ISSN: 1394-5130
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BIOEFFICACY OF BOTANICAL ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTS ON Sitophilus oryzae L. (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)
Sitophilus oryzae infestation in stored products causes significant economic losses, and the severity of these post-harvest impacts underscores the urgent need for sustainable, efficient, and affordable alternative insecticides for stored product protection. In response, the well documented disadvantages of commonly used synthetic pesticides have driven a growing shift towards botanical insecticides, particularly those formulated from essential oils, as promising eco-friendly alternatives. In this study, three plant extracts of essential oil, which were Allium sativum (garlic), Syzygium aromaticum (clove), and Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon), were tested for their repellency and mortality effect on S. oryzae. The repellency and mortality testing of S. oryzae against different essential oils was carried out in a petri dish where filter paper was treated with various concentrations of essential oil. Repellency results by the Sy. aromaticum showed the highest repellency, with the mean percentage of repellency between 56.57-74.33% as compared to C. verum and A. sativum. No significant differences (one-way ANOVA, P>0.05) between concentrations of 1-4µl/ml, indicating stability and no variation in repellency effect after exposure to Sy. aromaticum. Total mortality of S. oryzae was reached on day 4 for C. verum, which was faster than Sy. aromaticum and A. sativum that occurred on day 5 for all tested concentrations. Thus, these extracts were seen as a suitable alternative to replace chemical insecticides in controlling stored product insects due to their efficacy and safer options for food products.
RHAMNOLIPID BIOSURFACTANT AS A POTENTIAL BIOPESTICIDE TO CONTROL TERMITE, Coptotermes curvignathus HOLMGREN (BLATTODEA: RHINOTERMITIDAE)
This study was conducted to observe the efficacy of rhamnolipid biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa USM-AR2, towards a termite species, Coptotermes curvignathus. Coptotermes curvignathus was collected from UPM urban areas and reared in laboratory. Rhamnolipid biosurfactant was produced in P. aeruginosa USM-AR2 fermentation using mineral salts medium supplemented with waste cooking oil in a stirred tank bioreactor. Eight different concentrations of the compound were tested against C. curvignathus; 5% (T1), 10% (T2), 20% (T3), 30% (T4), 40% (T5), 50% (T6), 75% (T7), 100% (T8) and fipronil as positive control (T9). The wood-soak bioassay was used for all treatments, each with three replicates, and termite mortality was assessed based on immobility. In general, fipronil showed the highest efficacy towards C. curvignathus with 92.12% of mortality at DAT1, compared to rhamnolipid biosurfactant with 100% of the compound (T8) only resulted on 16.36% of mortality. However, the mortality rate of the species increased tremendously after treated by rhamnolipid at DAT2 with T8 and T7 recorded 67.27% and 66.06% of mortality rate, respectively. As of DAT 3, T8 has recorded 96% of the mortality, followed by T7 (95.15%), T6 (94.55%) and T5 (93.33%). At DAT4, all treatments except T1 caused on 100% of mortality. The LC50 for rhamnolipid biosurfactant was 17.68% at DAT 2, and reduced to 2.30% at DAT3 and 0.29% at DAT4. During the similar periods, the LC90 of rhamnolipid biosurfactant ranged between 2122.89% and 18.82% at DAT2 and DAT 4, respectively. In conclusion, the compound at different concentrations were lethal to the termite species and the period taken to control the termite was a good indicator that it had a high potential to be used as termiticide due it delays effect which is important in termite control and management.
LONG-TERM IMPACTS OF FOREST FRAGMENTATION AND LAND USE CHANGE ON ANT COMMUNITY IN TROPICAL FOREST IN SABAH, MALAYSIA
Tropical rainforests are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth, yet they are increasingly threatened by human activities such as deforestation, logging, and agricultural expansion. A major consequence of these disturbances is forest fragmentation, which disrupts habitat structure, reduces landscape connectivity, and alters species assemblages. Ants as ecological importance and sensitivity to environmental changes, are effective bioindicators for assessing biodiversity responses to such disturbances. This study investigates the long-term impacts of forest fragmentation and land-use change on ant communities in the Bornean tropical rainforest. Ant assemblages were sampled across three time points, pre fragmentation (2011), four years after (2015), and eight years after (2019) in forest fragments of varying sizes (1-ha, 10-ha, and 100-ha), matrix habitats, logged forest, oil palm plantations, and old-growth forest, representing a gradient of land-use intensity. Canopy ants were collected using insecticidal fogging, while leaf-litter ants were sampled via Winkler extraction. In total, 106,084 individual ants from 72 genera were recorded across all sampling years. Results revealed a significant decline in canopy ant abundance over time, particularly by 2019, indicating strong negative impacts of fragmentation on arboreal ant communities. In contrast, leaf-litter ant abundance increased in disturbed habitats suggesting a degree of resilience or adaptability among ground-dwelling taxa. Notably, the genus Plagiolepis was more prevalent in fragmented forests, whereas oil palm plantations harbored the most depauperate ant assemblages. These findings demonstrate contrasting responses between canopy and leaf-litter ants to habitat disturbance over time, importance of incorporating both vertical strata and long-term monitoring into biodiversity assessments.
ULTRASTRUCTURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF WAX SECRETION PORE, AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF MEALYBUG WAX, Planococcus minor (MASKELL) (HEMIPTERA: PSEUDOCOCCIDAE)
Planococcus minor (Maskell) is a species of mealybug that capable of attacking various types of plants from at least 76 plant families by feeding on plant sap, which causes stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and can even lead to plant death. Pest control using pesticides is often ineffective because the mealybug is covered with a wax layer secreted through wax-secreting pores that protect it. To date, no studies have been conducted on the wax-secreting pores and their composition for the species P. minor. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the morphology and distribution of the wax-secreting pores, as well as the chemical composition of the wax of this species. Samples of P. minor were obtained from the crop plots at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Serdang and reared in the laboratory at the Insect Systematics Centre (CIS). Three adult female P. minor mealybug samples were used to observe the morphology of the wax-secreting pores using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), while 10 samples were used to examine the distribution of the pores on the mealybug integument using a light microscope. The chemical composition of the wax secreted by P. minor was extracted from 90 adult mealybug samples and analyzed using GC-MS analysis. The results showed that the wax pores of P. minor consist of three morphological types: trilocular pores, multilocular disc pores, and tubular ducts. These wax pores were mainly distributed on the sides (125.7±35.3) and at the end of the dorsum (85.6±17.1). The GC-MS data showed that the main components of the wax of P. minor are hydrocarbons, esters, and acids. Knowledge about the morphology, distribution patterns and locations of the pores, as well as the chemical composition of the wax in this species, is expected to assist in efforts to develop specific pesticides for better control of this pest in the future.
EXPRESSION PATTERNS OF DETOXIFICATION ENZYMES UNDERLYING SUSCEPTIBILITY STATUS IN Culex quinquefasciatus SAY (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) FROM DENGUE HOTSPOT AREAS IN PENANG, MALAYSIA
Mosquito control remains a primary strategy for managing vector-borne diseases, relying heavily on various classes of insecticides including organophosphates, organochlorines, carbamates, and pyrethroids. However, widespread and prolonged usage has led to increasing insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. This study investigated resistance levels and detoxification enzyme activities in Culex quinquefasciatus larvae collected from two field sites (Minden and Bayan strains) in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, compared to a susceptible laboratory strain (VCRU strain). Insecticide susceptibility bioassays were carried out using technical-grade malathion (96.0%), temephos (92.6%), deltamethrin (99.7%), and pirimiphos-methyl. Biochemical assays were performed to quantify the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP450), glutathione S-transferases (GST), and esterases. The bioassay results showed varying resistance ratios (RR50) ranging from 3.0- to 10-fold in field strains, with the highest resistance in the Bayan strain exposed to deltamethrin (10-fold), and the lowest in the Minden strain treated with malathion (0.57-fold). These findings confirm resistance to malathion, pirimiphos-methyl, temephos, and deltamethrin in local Cx. quinquefasciatus populations, associated with increased detoxification enzyme activity. The study highlights the need for continuous resistance monitoring and supports alternative vector control strategies such as outdoor residual spraying (ORS) to manage insecticide-resistant mosquito populations in urban habitats.
VECTOR BREEDING SITE INFORMATION AS A TOOL FOR TRANSMISSION THRESHOLD ANALYSIS AND DENGUE RISK ASSESSMENT ON PENANG ISLAND, MALAYSIA
Dengue is endemic in Malaysia and occurred mainly in the urban and suburban areas. While vaccine is currently under development, without immediate prospects for success, vector control remains the only viable method to prevent dengue transmission. The present study was conducted to assess and use pupae per person index as a tool to estimate the amount of suppression required in dengue interventions. Yearlong entomological surveys were carried out in urban-residential, urban-industrial, suburban and rural residential areas of the Penang Island. Houses were examined for the presence of water-holding containers and Aedes breeding. Pupae per person was used as indicator for determining dengue transmission threshold, assessing risk and the targeted control needed for source reduction efforts in a community. Pupae per person ranged between 0.53 to 1.09 for the study areas which indicated that the degree of suppression required to essentially eliminate the possibility of dengue transmission was estimated to be 33.3% (7 container classes), 61.5% (15 container classes), 65.5% (18 container classes) and 66.7% (13 container classes) of vector breeding containers in urban, urban industrial, suburban and rural residential areas respectively. Source reduction efforts targeting those container categories may yield significant and sustainable reductions in Aedes population in Penang Island.
THE POTENTIAL OF Sycanus dichotomus (HEMIPTERA: REDUVIIDAE) AS A BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENT OF Metisa plana (LEPIDOPTERA: PSYCHIDAE) IN OIL PALM PLANTATIONS
Bagworm, Metisa plana (Lepidoptera: Psychidae), is a major pest of oil palm plantations in Malaysia, causing significant economic losses. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of Sycanus dichotomus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) as a biological control agent against M. plana. The assessment involved two approaches, closed and open field trials conducted on infested oil palm trees at Sime Darby Sdn. Bhd. plantation in Selangor. In the closed trial, two release rates of S. dichotomus (10 and 20 individuals) were applied to four-year-old oil palm trees enclosed in mesh cages, alongside a control group without predator release. Meanwhile, the open trial involved releasing 70 individuals of S. dichotomus into four oil palm plots, with four additional plots serving as controls. Results from the closed trial showed that the treatment group with 20 released individuals recorded the most significant reduction in M. plana larvae within three days of observation (P<0.05) compared to the control group, although no significant difference (P>0.05) was found between the 10- and 20-individual groups. In the open trial, plots with predator release exhibited the lowest average number of M. plana larvae, significantly different (P<0.05) from the control plots. Overall, the findings confirm the high potential of S. dichotomus as an effective biological control agent against M. plana, and further large-scale field studies are recommended to assess its practical efficacy in integrated pest management.
MANAGING THE HATCHING OF NON-MULBERRY ERI SILKWORM (Samia cynthia ricini) EGGS USING PHOTOPERIOD METHODS
One of the non-mulberry silkworm species that has been widely cultivated is the eri silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini). The eggs of the eri silkworm are non-diapause and polyvoltine, allowing the life cycle to continue uninterrupted 8 days after oviposition. This condition challenge eri silkworm farming, as the maintenance schedule cannot yet be regulated. Photoperiod is one method that influences the embryonic development of eggs. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different photoperiod treatments at a light intensity of 30–40 lux on the hatching regulation of eri silkworm eggs (S. c. ricini). The experiment consisted of five treatments with three replications: P0 (12L:12D), P1 (0L:24D), P2 (24L:0D), P3 (8L:16D), and P4 (16L:8D), where L represents light and D represents dark. The observed variables included the temperature and humidity of the treatment chamber, hatching percentage, hatching delay duration, embryonic development, and larval survival. In general, photoperiod treatments did not significantly affect the hatching delay duration across all treatments but successfully delayed hatching by 3.38±1.04 days. The 16 hour light and 8 hour dark photoperiod treatment (16L:8D) resulted in the lowest hatchability, at 84.00 ± 6.92%, which is suspected to be due to the treatment temperature (29.00 ± 0.50 °C) exceeding the optimal hatching temperature range (24–28 °C). The embryonic development pattern and larval viability did not differ significantly across treatments. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the optimal light intensity (within the range of 30 to 50 lux), so that photoperiod treatments can effectively influence hatching outcomes.
EFFECT OF REFUGIA PLANTS Tagetes erecta AND Zinnia sp. ON RICE STEM BORER INFESTATION AND EGG PARASITOID EMERGENCE
Rice stem borer is an important pest of rice. Damage intensity and yield loss can reach about 90% and 30%, respectively. The concept of sustainable agriculture needs to be applied in controlling this pest by agro-ecosystem engineering through planting refugia plants. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Tagetes erecta and Zinnia sp. as refugia plants in rice plants on the damage caused by rice stem borers and the emergence of egg parasitoids. This study used a Split Plots Design, the main plots were types of refugia plants i.e. T. erecta, Zinnia sp. and without refugia plants (control). The sub plots were rice varieties i.e., Ciherang and Inpari 32. Rice was planted in a plot size 4 m x 7 m and the refugia plants were planted along side of the rice plots. There were four replications in this study. The results showed that the percentage of rice clumps infested by rice stem borer was difference significantly caused by types of refugia plants at 6 weeks after planting (F=44.46; df=2,6; P<0.05) and 11 weeks after planting (F=27.38; df=2,6; P<0.05). Percentage of rice clumps infested by rice stem borers was higher in the control treatment (22.50 and 19.17% respectively) at 6 and 11 weeks after planting (WAP) compared to the refugia treatment of T. erecta was 4.17% at 6 and 11 WAP. There was 2.5% rice clump infested stem borer at 6 WAP and no clump rice infested at 11 WAP at rice plot with Zinnia sp. as refugia treatment. The number of emerging egg parasitoids was significantly higher from stem borer eggs obtained from rice plants surrounded by refugia plants compared to stem borer eggs obtained from rice plants without refugia plants (F = 6.938; df = 2.6; P<0.05). The number of parasitoids emerged from stem borer eggs obtained from rice with refugia T. erecta and Zinnia sp. was an average of 37.50 and 43.88 parasitoids, significantly more than the control treatment which was an average of 17.88 parasitoids. Meanwhile, Ciherang and Inpari 32 varieties generally showed responses that were not significantly different of parasitoids number (F=0.22; df=1,9; P>0.05). The parasitoid that emerged from stem borer eggs was Telenomus sp. The present study showed that the refugia plants T. erecta and Zinnia sp. are the promising candidate as refugia plants to control rice stem borer.
SPECIES COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FRUIT FLIES (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) IN KAMPUNG SUNGAI BUAH, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are pests of economic importance in the fruit and vegetable industry, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. This study was conducted to determine the diversity and relative abundance of fruit fly species in the village ecosystem. Sampling was conducted using traps baited with male attractants, namely methyl eugenol (ME) and cue lure (CL) in Kampung Sungai Buah, Dengkil, Selangor every fortnightly for 12-sampling in six months. A total of 3,970 male fruit flies from nine species were trapped. ME bait traps successfully captured 3,779 individuals (95.2%) of four fruit fly species, Bactrocera dorsalis, B. carambolae, B. occipitalis and B. umbrosa. Fruit flies with intermediate morphological characteristics between B. carambolae and B. dorsalis were also captured. Cue lure traps captured 191 individuals (4.8%) of five species from two genera, namely Bactrocera hochii and B. melastomatos, Zeugodacus caudatus, Z. cucurbitae and Z. tau. The highest abundance of fruit fly species was B. dorsalis (33.1%), followed by B. umbrosa (17.0%), B. carambolae (14.5%) and B. occipitalis (12.2%). The most abundant species attracted by CL was Z. tau (2.9%) while all other species were <1%. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index of 1.451 and Margalef Species Richness of 0.9654 indicate low species diversity and richness with the species accumulation curve reaching an asymptote. The relatively low Dominance Index of 0.2878, together with the moderate Evenness Index of 0.4744, indicate that species are fairly evenly distributed and no species dominates the population in this habitat. More than 85% of the total captures are fruit fly species of economic importance and indirectly pointed that the village ecosystem continues to be a ‘safe haven’ for pesty fruit flies as long as there is no joint effort and plans for fruit fly control and management by the villagers.
AGGRESSION AND PREDATORY BEHAVIOUR OF WEAVER ANTS (Oecophylla smaragdina) TOWARDS DIFFERENT PREY
Weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) are naturally aggressive and highly territorial insects, renowned for their ability to defend colonies and prey upon a wide range of pest species. Their predatory and defensive behaviours make them valuable agents for biological control in oil palm plantations, where pests such as Metisa plana (bagworms) pose a major threat to crop productivity. However, the extensive use of chemical pesticides and the harvesting of these ants for human consumption have significantly reduced their populations in plantation ecosystems, thereby limiting their effectiveness as natural pest regulators. This study investigates the aggressive and predatory behaviours of O. smaragdina against M. plana in oil palm plantations to assess their potential role in biological control. Three different sites in northern Peninsular Malaysia, designated as Site A, Site B, and Site C, were used for the experiments. Aggression and predation assays were performed using Metisa plana (bagworms), Tenebrio molitor (mealworms), and Acheta domesticus (crickets) as prey. Ant behavioural responses were systematically observed and recorded at five-minute intervals throughout the 72-hour experimental period. Colonies of O. smaragdina exhibited the highest levels of aggression and predation towards bagworms compared with mealworms and crickets. Observed aggressive behaviours included biting and coordinated group attacks, with colonies from Site C exhibiting the most intense responses. These findings demonstrate that both food type and habitat influence the aggression and predatory performance of O. smaragdina. The results highlight the potential of this species as an effective biological control agent within integrated pest management (IPM) programmes, particularly in oil palm ecosystems.
INSECT POLLINATORS OF COCOA (Theobroma cacao L.) IN JATIMULYO, YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is an important commercial crop species worldwide. Despite its global significance, the ecology and pollination services of cocoa flowers have received limited attention. Numerous studies have identified Ceratopogonidae flies as the primary pollinators of cocoa, yet the role of other insect species remains insufficiently explored. A comprehensive understanding of cocoa’s pollination system is essential to maximize pollination and optimize yield. This study aimed to determine potential insect pollinators associated with cocoa flowers and to investigate the role of stingless bees in cocoa flower pollination. Sampling was conducted at three locations in Jatimulyo, Kulon Progo District, Yogyakarta Province, situated 0 m, 250 m, and 500 m from a meliponary to capture potential variation in pollinator activity. Insects were collected using sweep nets and aspirators, and pollination effectiveness was evaluated based on flower-visiting behavior, pollen load, and pollination dependence. To assess pollination contribution, nine cocoa trees were subjected to two treatments: one group of flower buds was bagged (exclusion treatment) and another group remained open to allow insect visitation (open treatment). The results identified four insect species as potential pollinators, namely Forcipomyia parvula (43% cocoa pollen load), Tetragonula laeviceps (62%), Dasyhelea sylvatica (25%), and Dasyhelea pseudoincisurata (28%). Among them, Tetragonula laeviceps exhibited consistent flower visitation, with the highest rate occurring between 07:00–08:00 and the longest average duration observed between 09:00–10:30, reaching 31.2 seconds per flower. The open-pollination treatment showed a 36.7% increase in fruit formation, indicating a strong dependence of cocoa fruit set on insect visitation. This percentage exceeds values reported in earlier studies that did not include the stingless bee Tetragonula laeviceps. The findings reveal the significant yet previously underappreciated role of stingless bees in cocoa pollination and emphasize their importance for sustainable yield management.
IMPACT OF CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE ON INSECT PEST INCIDENCE IN FOUR CAYENNE PEPPER HYBRID CULTIVARS
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.
SPECIES COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF LEAF BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE) IN SUAQ BALIMBING, GUNUNG LEUSER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH ACEH, INDONESIA
Study on leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) abundance at Suaq Balimbing Research Station aimed to identify and analyze species abundance patterns. Specimens were collected through exploratory surveys with direct observation along trail transects measuring 1000-1500 meters in length and five meters in width. A total of 260 individuals belonging to 30 genera and 45 species within four subfamilies were identified. The community was strongly dominated by Galerucinae (77.3%), while Eumolpinae, Cassidinae, and Criocerinae were comparatively less represented, contributing 10.4%, 9.6%, and 2.7% of the overall abundance. We documented 260 individuals representing 30 genera and 45 species, classified into four subfamilies. Galerucinae was the most abundant subfamily with 201 individuals, accounting for 77.3% of total abundance in the study area, followed by Eumolpinae (10.4%), Cassidinae (9.6%), and finally Criocerinae (2.7%). The highest species abundance was represented by Acrocrypta aureipennis (16.54%) and Pseudosastra sulcicollis (15%). These leaf beetle abundance data provide baseline information for ecological monitoring and conservation in the area.
ENHANCING TOMATO FRUIT SET IN OPEN FIELDS THROUGH POLLINATION SERVICE BY BUZZING BEES Xylocopa spp.
Pollination is a vital process for the reproduction of flowering plants and significantly influences agricultural yields. Pollination efficiency directly affects fruit set and quality in tomato Solanum lycopersicum cultivation. This study explored the role of Xylocopa spp., or buzzing bees, in enhancing tomato pollination in open-field conditions, where traditional pollinators, such as honeybees, may be less effective. Using randomized block design experiments, the effects of Xylocopa pollination on fruit set, size, and seed development were compared to those of treatments involving other pollinators or their exclusion. The findings indicated that Xylocopa bees had significantly increased fruit set, with improved fruit size and higher seed counts. These results highlight the superiority of vibrational buzz pollination performed by Xylocopa spp., which efficiently releases pollen from the anthers. Additionally, Xylocopa-pollinated tomatoes demonstrated enhanced resilience to environmental stressors, underscoring their potential role in sustainable agriculture. The study concluded that integrating Xylocopa spp. into open-field tomato cultivation can optimize pollination services, leading to higher yields and better-quality fruit. These findings advocate for the conservation and promotion of Xylocopa populations to support eco-friendly and efficient agricultural practices. Further research on their ecological dynamics and interactions with other pollinators is recommended to fully harness their benefits in agroecosystems.
EFFECT OF LIQUID FORMULATION OF Metarhizium anisopliae (COMPOST, METANKOS) ON MORTALITY OF Oryctes rhinoceros L. LARVAE ON OIL PALM
Palm oil trees are widely cultivated in Riau Province producting large quantities of oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) that can be composted and enriched with the biological control agent Metarhizium anisopliae Metsch. to manage the pest Oryctes rhinoceros L. This study aims to obtain the best dosage of the liquid formulation of M. anisopliae in Metankos on the mortality of O. rhinoceros larvae in oil palm plants. This research was conducted experimentally using a complete randomized design (CRD). The data obtained were analyzed statistically using the SAS software, followed by DNMRT test at 5% significance level. The results showed that the best dose of M. anisopliae liquid formulation on compost media was 210 g/l per bucket with a total mortality of 90%. A dose of 120 g/L per the bucket also produced significant mortality (72.5%), meeting the criteria of a bioinsecticide for controlling O. rhinoceros larvae. These findings indicate that the Metankos liquid formulation has strong potential as an effective biological control agent in oil palm pest management.
ASSESSMENT OF SILKWORM, Bombyx mori (LINNAEUS, 1758) EGG AND COCOON QUALITY AT THE SULAWESI SOCIAL FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIP CENTER, INDONESIA
The silkworm broodstock at the production center, strongly influences the quality of silk thread. Therefore, this research aims to determine the productivity and quality of cocoons in five silkworm races (Bombyx mori L.) at the Sulawesi Social Forestry and Environmental Partnership Center. Five treatments, based on silkworm type, were arranged using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications per treatment. Data were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results showed that the best productivity was found in the BN6 type of silkworm for egg hatchability with a percentage of 90.91±2.53%, AJ12 for young silkworm resistance with a rate of 97.98±0.44%, and BN16 for mature silkworm resistance with percentage 38.86±7.12%. Meanwhile, the best cocoon quality is found in the BC117 silkworm type, with the lowest defective cocoon at 3.12±2.21% and the highest cocoon shell at 18.87±0.83%, which is included in the class C cocoon quality range based on SNI 7635:2011 cocoon quality requirements. This research can serve as a basis for management to select the best types of broodstock as superior seeds, which can be developed to enhance the production and quality of silk thread in Indonesia.
MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF Coptotermes curvignathus IN AN OIL PALM PEAT PLANTATION
Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren is a major subterranean termite pest in Southeast Asia oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations on peat soils, yet little is known about its morphological variation across different field populations. This study assessed 400 soldier termites from four sites in a peat-based oil palm plantation in Sarawak, Malaysia. Using detailed morphometric measurements including head width at mandible base, maximum head width, left mandible length, and head length, we explored inter-site differences using MANOVA, ANOVA, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Significant variation was found in head width, maximum head width, and head length, across sites (P<0.05), while mandible length remained consistent (P>0.05). PCA confirmed that most morphological variation was size-related and site-specific, with some sites showing broader internal variability and others forming compact clusters. Comparisons with data from previous studies revealed in agreement with reference values although some with reduced trait sizes, likely reflecting environmental constraints, colony age, or local adaptation. These findings highlight the role of phenotypic plasticity in termite morphology and suggest that local ecological factors shape soldier traits, with implications for termite management in plantation systems.
INFLUENCE OF SOIL TYPE, SEMI-CLONE, AND TREE AGE ON ESTRAGOLE PRODUCTION IN OIL PALM FLOWERS
Estragol adalah salah satu sebatian kimia organik meruap (SKOM) yang merupakan hidrokarbon yang terbentuk melalui tindakbalas hasil interaksi antara tumbuhan dengan persekitarannya. Sebatian SKOM memainkan peranan penting dalam aktiviti pendebungaan, tumbesaran pokok serta perlindungan kepada tumbuhan terhadap perubahan keadaan persekitaran. Bunga sawit menghasilkan sebatian estragol yang bertujuan untuk menarik kehadiran kumbang pendebunga, Elaeidobius kamerunicus bagi menjalankan aktiviti pendebungaan pada bunga. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan pengaruh faktor abiotik dan biotik seperti jenis tanah, semi-klon serta umur pokok berbeza terhadap jenis dan jumlah SKOM yang dihasilkan bunga sawit. Selain itu, kajian ini juga menganalisis pengaruh faktor-faktor ini terhadap bunga sawit dalam penghasilan sebatian estragol. Hasil analisis kromatografi gas-spektrometri jisim (GC-MS) menunjukkan jenis dan jumlah bilangan SKOM yang dihasilkan bunga jantan dan bunga betina sawit adalah berbeza antara jenis tanah, semi-klon dan umur pokok. Perbandingan kepekatan estragol menunjukkan bahawa bunga sawit yang ditanam di tanah gambut dan daripada semi-klon B mempunyai min kepekatan estragol tertinggi secara signifikan (P<0.05). Bunga sawit daripada pokok tertua, iaitu berumur lapan tahun, juga mencatatkan min kepekatan estragol tertinggi. Secara keseluruhan, faktor abiotik dan biotik memberi kesan yang signifikan terhadap sebatian kimia organik meruap (SKOM) dan penghasilan estragol oleh bunga sawit.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE TOXICITY OF Toona sureni LEAF HYDROSOL AND AQUEOUS EXTRACT AGAINST Aedes aegypti (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)
Dengue is a deadly disease transmitted by female Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. While insecticide-based control methods are widely used, they often lead to resistance and pose risks to human health and the environment. This has prompted interest in plant-based biopesticides, such as Toona sureni (Suren), which is traditionally placed around homes to repel mosquitoes. This preliminary study aims to evaluate the potential of Suren, not as a repellent as traditionally used, but as a larvicidal and pupicidal agent, particularly when formulated using simple and cost-effective methods. The study used a completely randomized design with 11 treatments and 3 replications, and data were analyzed using ANOVA and differences for each treatment were analyzed using DMRT at the 5% significance level. Treatment consists of hydrosol and aqueous extract of T. sureni leaves with concentration 10%; 5%; 2.5%; 1.25%; 0.625% and water as control. Each treatment was conducted on ten 3rd instar larvae and pupae which were placed in transparent plastic cups containing 150 ml of liquid treatment. The result indicated that Suren leaf aqueous extract is toxic to Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae with an LC50 value of 13.6% and at concentrations of 10% and 5% causes larvae mortality of 36.7% and 26.7% respectively on 48 HAT (Hours After Treatment). These findings suggest that Suren leaf aqueous extract has the potential as a biopesticide for controlling Ae. aegypti larvae.
SHORT COMMUNICATION:CHALLENGES IN THE MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF SOIL MITES ASSOCIATED WITH MASS MORTALITY EVENTS
Forensic acarology is an emerging field of science which utilizes mites in death investigations, particularly in cases where entomological evidence is limited. Mites are found in various locations and can withstand many harsh conditions including mummification, burial, and low temperatures. However, acarological information is lacking in forensic cases, which is further exacerbated by the lack of acarology experts and difficult morphological keys. Our research initially aimed to evaluate the diversity and species composition of mites in soil at previous simulated mass mortality events. Unfortunately, we were never able to conclusively receive solid molecular results. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to discuss the technical difficulties and challenges associated with molecular mite analysis, specifically focusing on Oribatida. After testing numerous primers, only ITS1&4 resulted in oribatid identifications. However, query cover was low (<23%) and percent similarity was less than 90%. This outcome could be due to poor DNA yield, the lack of optimized or standardized molecular protocols, and the limited availability of reference sequences, as the specimens may represent undescribed or novel taxa. In this article, we discuss different protocols for Oribatida molecular analyses, our challenges, and our future suggestions and recommendations for improvements to future forensic acarology research.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: INCIDENCE OF Cochlochila bullita STÅL (HETEROPTERA: TINGIDAE) PEST OF Orthosiphon aristatus PLANTING UNDER AGRIVOLTAIC FARMS CULTIVATION IN SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
An infestation of a lace bug, Cochlochila bullita (Heteroptera: Tingidae) on Orthosiphon aristatus, or commonly known as Cat’s Whiskers Plant planted under Solar Photovoltaic (PV) was scientifically reported for the first time in Malaysia. Cat's Whiskers Plant have good potential of virtually untapped reservoir of bioactive chemical compounds with many potential applications in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. PV technology was promoted by Malaysia as an alternative energy mix with agri-based activities. In Serdang, this is the first incidence of lace bug under PV solar panels and becomes a potential risk of pests that would evolve under the agrivoltaic system especially during the monsoon season. Signs and symptoms of damaged on O. aristatus caused by this pest under PV array structure were investigated in this study. It is observed that lace bugs emerged due to the wet and humid conditions despite the dissipated heat during energy conversion. This lace bug causes severe damage to O. aristatus and has vivid potential as a serious pest.
A REVIEW OF SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION USING BLACK SOLDIER FLY LARVAE AND THEIR ROLE IN CONVERTING ORGANIC WASTE INTO BIO-BASED RESOURCES
The escalating challenges of managing organic waste and the pressing need for sustainable alternatives in valuable products have fuelled interest in the potential of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae as an innovative and impactful solution. This review article comprehensively examines the multifaceted role of BSF in converting organic waste into valuable resources, particularly focusing on feeds, chitin, frass and biodiesel production. The introduction elucidates the significance of sustainable waste management and highlights the important role of BSF in this context. It highlights the importance of sustainable resource production methods and introduces BSF as a promising candidate. The article delves into the intricacies of organic waste management and the environmental ramifications of inadequate disposal, emphasising the urgent necessity for efficient waste conversion methodologies. The biological aspects of BSFL are expounded upon in the context of their life cycle, developmental stages, and nutritional requisites. An in-depth exploration of the conversion process reveals the feeding habits and substrate preferences of BSF, and the mechanisms underlying waste digestion and nutrient extraction. The bioconversion efficiency and waste reduction potential of BSF are critically evaluated, setting the stage for subsequent discussions on valorisation. The review emphasizes the diverse valorisation pathways of BSF, including their role as a nutrient-rich animal feed source. The environmental and economic benefits of BSF-based waste conversion are thoroughly examined, including reductions in organic waste volume and greenhouse gas emissions. A comparative analysis with conventional resource production methods is also presented. The article addresses challenges and limitations encompassing regulatory, ethical, and technological dimensions. Case studies and applications illustrate the successful integration of BSF in organic waste management and the production of valuable resources, demonstrating the feasibility and scalability of this approach, particularly in Malaysia.
REVIEW OF KEY RICE STEM BORER SPECIES THREATENING MALAYSIA'S PADDY INDUSTRY
Rice remains a primary staple food for the Malaysian population. However, the self-sufficiency level (SSL) of rice production in the country remains low. Crop production is increasingly threatened by stem borers, particularly the yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas), black-headed stem borer (Chilo polychrysus), pink stem borer (Sesamia inferens), and striped stem borer (Chilo suppressalis). Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers an effective and sustainable strategy to control stem borer outbreaks, reduce yield losses, and minimise environmental and human health risks. This review synthesises current knowledge on the major rice stem borers in Malaysia, with emphasis on their distribution and occurrence of rice stem borers, biology and life cycle, host plant preferences, and associated damage levels. In addition, the review highlights the management strategies currently implemented by farmers and relevant authorities to mitigate their impact.