KERUSAKAN HAMA PENGHISAP BUAH KAKAO (Helopeltis spp) PADA TANAMAN KAKAO DI KAMPUNG SEREH DAN YAHIM DISTRIK SENTANI

Abstrak

Many types of pests attack cocoa trees. The main pests of cocoa plants in Indonesia are the cocoa pod borer (Conopomorpha cramerella) and the fruit-sucking beetle (Helopeltis antonii). Attacks by cocoa pod caterpillars (PBK) can reduce cocoa bean yields by up to 82%, while attacks by Helopeltis spp in one season can reduce yields on average by 42% and in the following year can reach 61 to 75%. One of the causes of the high level of pest attacks is the reduction in the natural resilience of cocoa trees due to a lack of absorbed nutrients. Helopeltis spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) is one of the main pests of cocoa plants. These insects cause damage by injuring and sucking the juice of cocoa pods and young shoots. Attacks on young fruit cause fruit death and on semi-old fruit it can cause abnormal fruit formation. Following attacks by Helopeltis spp which often have a direct impact on the quantity or quality of cocoa beans. The aim of this research is to determine the intensity of damage to cocoa plants in Sereh and Yahim Villages, Sentani District due to attacks by cocoa fruit-sucking pests. This research was carried out in Sereh and Yahim Villages, Sentani District, Jayapura Regency in October 2023. The method used in this research was a free survey where data colle ction was carried out using direct observation or observation methods. The intensity of damage to cocoa pods due to attacks by cocoa fruit sucking pests (Helopeltis spp) in Kampung Sereh and Kampung Yahim, Sentani District ranges between 36.83 – 38.68 % with an average damage intensity of 37.76%, including in the moderate attack category.