Efektivitas Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) Berbasis Ekstrak Daun Mindi (Melia azedarach L.) Dalam Mengurangi Kerusakan Beras Akibat Serangan Sitophilus zeamais Motsch Selama Penyimpanan

Abstract

Rice is the staple food in Indonesia. It needs to be preserved with a good post-harvest handling. Storage is one of the most important stage. At this stage there are often changes in the quality and quantity of stored materials that are influenced by various factors such as storage facilities and warehouse pests. Sitophilus zeamais is a major pest during storage of food grains such rice and maize. Insect control is mostly done by using synthetic insecticides. However, the use of synthetic insecticides should consider their danger due to the fact that they are poisonous to man and domestic animals. One effort to find a replacement for synthetic insecticides are insecticides derived from plants. Mindi (Melia azedarach L.) is a type of tree that grows in tropical and sub-tropical areas and is known as source of plant pesticide. The objectives of this research are to determine the effectiveness of insecticide formulations in the form of Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) to be applied to the storage of rice and to study the damage of rice during storage due to Sitophilus zeamais infestation. This research consists of two main steps, i.e. preparation stage and insecticide test stage. Parameters observed during storage are number of insect populations (Nt), percent of the holed seeds (%BB), percent weight loss (%KB), % frass, water content and free fatty acid content. Mortality test showed that at concentration of 0 % causing 14 % of insect mortality. It means that in the absence of active ingredient, solvent and emulsifier influence the development of insects. Result of the insecticide test showed that the concentration variation of Melia azedarach L. leaves extract significantly affect (p<0.05) the parameters of rice damage. It was concluded that the most effective concentration of the extact to reduce rice damage is 16 %.