Effectiveness of Methanol Extracts from Mexican Leaf (Tithonia diversifolia) and Jicama Seeds (Pachyrhizus erosus) in Controlling Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) on Tomato Plants
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background and Objective: Silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci ) is one of the most notable pest attacks on tomato plants. A viable eco-friendly option for pest control involves using pesticides specifically derived from the methanol extracts of Tithonia diversifolia and Pachyrhizus erosus. This study aims to determine the concentration of methanol extracts from T. diversifolia leaves and P. erosus. Materials and Methods: The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The toxicity of various extract concentrations was assessed through probit analysis, while plant growth and pest population density were monitored across multiple stages, with manual spraying of the extracts. This study uses a controlled greenhouse environment and detailed monitoring of environmental conditions, plant height and pest density throughout the two-week treatment period. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to evaluate differences between treatment groups, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The LC50 and LC95 values for T. diversifolia leaf methanol extract at 3.8 and 7.9 g/L, respectively. The LC50 and LC95 values for P. erosus seed methanol extract were 4.3 and 8.7 g/L, respectively. The toxicity test results of both extracts have relatively high LC50 and LC95 values, indicating moderate toxicity levels. The most significant reduction in nymph population density occurred with the highest concentrations in T. diversifolia leaf (15.9 and 23.9 g/L) and P. erosus seed (17.4 and 26.2 g/L) extracts. In addition, both of the extracts can enhance tomato fruit height and harvest yield. Conclusion: Methanol extracts of T. diversifolia leaves and P. erosus seeds effectively reduce the B. tabaci population on tomato plants, with the highest suppression (100%) observed at concentrations of 15.9 g/L for T. diversifolia leaves and 26.2 g/L for P. erosus seeds, leading to increased fruit production compared to the control.
Authors: Sudarjat ., Nurbani ., Noor Istifadah, Syifa Nabilah Subakti-Pu
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410137661