Entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana as an environmentally friendly alternative for control of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) and rice black bug (Scotinophara coarctata)

Pest was one of the limiting factors for rice production including the presence of brown plant hopper (BP) and Rice Black Bug (RBB). The use of entomopathogen fungi such as Beauveria bassiana to control these pests has been reported to be quite effective and has other advantages, namely being friendly to the environment. This study aims to determine the potential of Beauveria bassiana in controlling BP and RBB. The research was conducted in January-July 2018 in Pulo Kencana Village, Pontang District, Serang Regency, Banten Province on irrigated rice fields. The environmental design used was a split plot design with Beauveria bassiana application treatment, chemical control based on pest populations with 50% active ingredient propoxur and farmer control technology (pesticide mixture intervals). Each treatment consisted of 2 varieties Mekongga and Inpari 33, with 6 replications. The test of farmers’ preferences for Beauveria bassiana application technology was carried out on 30 respondents and then analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the population of BP and RBB was generally lower in the existing chemical treatment of farmers. The pest preference was lower in Inpari 33 variety. Furthermore, the production in the Beauveria bassiana application was 12.06-24.48% lower than the existing and controlled chemical control of farmers. Meanwhile, farmers’ preference for Beauveria bassiana application is 31.93% and chemical control is 40.76%.