Utilization of Papaya Waste (Carica papaya L.) as Biopesticide to Manage the Aphid Population in Chili (Capsicum annuum L.)

¹ Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Science. University of Muhammadiyah Malang, 65144 East Java, Indonesia
² Department of Information Technology, State Polytechnic of Malang, 65144 East Java, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: dian@umm.ac.id

Abstract

Chili cultivation (Capsicum annuum L.) is a farming activity that promises attractive profits due to high market demand. The low production of horticultural crops, among others, can be caused by plant disrupting organisms in the form of pests, diseases and weeds. The use of chemicals is an alternative for farmers to inhibit pest and disease attacks. Aphid attack causes plants to grow abnormally, with leaves turning yellow, crinkling, and dying. The importance of developing long-term pesticides for environmental health is crucial, so that the use of natural pesticides derived from papaya leaves and seeds can be considered. The purpose of the study was to determine the right concentration and effectiveness of papaya leaf and seed waste in suppressing aphid pests. The study used an experimental method with various concentrations arranged in a Randomized Group Design. The results of the evaluation of the application leaves+ papaya seeds showed a better concentration treatment for the variables of pest population, intensity of attack, percentage of infested leaves, and yield of chili 90-120 g/l. With the application of leaves, papaya seeds can increase chili production 2.5 times.