Implementasi Early Warning System Pada Pengendalian Hama Ulat Api di Kebun Sei Balai Divisi IV PT Bakrie Sumatera Plantation TBK.

Abstract

Serangan ulat api, khususnya spesies Setothosea asigna dan Setora nitens, menjadi ancaman utama bagi produktivitas kelapa sawit di Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa defoliasi 100% akibat ulat api dapat mengurangi produksi tandan buah segar (TBS) sebesar 70%-90%. Pengendalian hama ini melalui sistem Early Warning System (EWS) efektif jika diterapkan dengan baik. Namun, kegagalan EWS mengakibatkan kerugian besar dan biaya pengendalian tinggi. Proyek Akhir di PT Bakrie Sumatera Plantations Tbk, Kebun Sei Balai Divisi IV, melibatkan sosialisasi dan praktik EWS, termasuk sensus pohon, penentuan ambang batas ekonomi hama, dan pengendalian terpadu. Evaluasi kuesioner menunjukkan peningkatan persepsi karyawan tentang pentingnya EWS setelah sosialisasi. Hasil pengamatan mengidentifikasi hama dominan dan menunjukkan teknik pengendalian trunk injection sebagai yang paling efektif. Sosialisasi EWS meningkatkan pemahaman dan kemampuan manajemen risiko serangan ulat api, namun implementasi EWS belum optimal di sebagian besar kebun.

Fire caterpillar infestation, especially the species Setothosea asigna and Setora nitens, is a major threat to oil palm productivity in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Research shows that 100% defoliation due to caterpillars can reduce fresh fruit bunch (FFB) production by 70%-90%. Controlling this pest through an Early Warning System (EWS) is effective if implemented properly. However, EWS failure results in huge losses and high control costs. The Final Project at PT Bakrie Sumatera Plantations Tbk, Kebun Sei Balai Division IV, involved socialization and practice of EWS, including tree census, determination of pest economic thresholds, and integrated control. Questionnaire evaluation showed an increase in employee perception of the importance of EWS after socialization. Observation results identified dominant pests and showed trunk injection as the most effective control technique. Socialization of EWS improved understanding and risk management skills of fire worm infestation, but EWS implementation was not optimal in most orchards.