POTENSI SERANGAN HAMA ULAT GRAYAK (Spodoptera frugiperda) PADA TANAMAN JAGUNG BERDASARKAN FAKTOR MUSIM DI KABUPATEN CIANJUR

Abstract

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the invasive pests in Indonesia that can reduce corn production. This pest can cause the failure of young shoot or leaf formation due to attacks on the plant's growing point, which in turn affects the quality and quantity of the yield. Pest development is influenced by seasonal meteorological factors, so an analysis of seasonal patterns is very important for making preventive decisions in controlling armyworm pests on corn plants. This research aims to analyze the potential of armyworm pest attacks in relation to seasonal patterns using a CLIMEX model, with the model output represented by Ecoclimatic Index (EI) values in Cianjur Regency. Daily meteorological data from 2015-2024 were obtained from the Pacet station, Cianjur Regency and cumulative additional infested area data were obtained from the Food Crops and Horticulture Plant Protection Agency of Region 1 Cianjur. The data were analyzed using CLIMEX 4.0 and analysis of the visual distribution. The modeling results show that the EI values range from 40 to 52, indicating that the meteorological conditions of the Cianjur region are moderately to well suited for the growth of armyworm pests even though there are another factors, for example the planting patterns, corn varieties, host plant availability, pest control, and the condition of the environment which also influences it.