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Age structure of coconut rhinoceros beetle and brown rhinoceros beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in oil palm plantations at PTPN VIII Parakan Salak, Sukabumi District. The coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros L.) and brown rhinoceros beetle (Xylotrupes gideon L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) are insect pests commonly found in oil palm plantations. Availability of breeding sites is one of factors that can increase the beetle population. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the abundance and age structure of the coconut rhinoceros beetles and brown rhinoceros beetles in the breeding sites located in a plantation with immature and mature stage of oil palms. The results of this study indicated that the abundance of coconut rhinoceros beetle was found to be lower than brown rhinoceros beetle (4.47±13.56 compared to 25.23±16.48 individuals/plot) in the oil palm plantations in PTPN VIII Parakan Salak, Sukabumi Regency. The population of coconut rhinoceros beetle was found in the breeding site located in the plantation with mature oil palms, but not found in the location with immature plants. The age structure of coconut rhinoceros beetle was dominated by the 1st and 2nd instar larvae. The age structures of brown rhinoceros beetles in the breeding sites located in the immature and mature oil palm were similar, and they were dominated by the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instar larvae. Results of correlation analysis show that there is no correlation between soil chemical characteristics of the breeding site and the beetle population. Soil chemical characteristics at the breeding sites in both locations were relatively similar, and consequently, the abundance and age structure of coconut rhinoceros beetle and brown rhinoceros beetle not significantly different between both locations.

Influence of host stage on oviposition, development, and sex ratio of Anagyrus lopezi (De Santis) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). The parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi (De Santis) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was introduced from Thailand into Indonesia in early 2014 to control the invasive cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Because of the need to produce large numbers of high-quality females, research was conducted in the laboratory to determine host stage preference for A. lopezi on different instars of P. manihoti. Individual female wasps were exposed to first, second, third instar nymphs, and pre-reproductive adult mealybugs. In the no-choice test, the frequency of parasitized hosts and the number of eggs laid per host was significantly higher in second and third instar nymphs as well as adult mealybugs compared to first instar nymphs. In the two-choice test, third instars nymphs and adult mealybugs were the most preferred host for oviposition. Immature development of parasitoids was faster and the ratio of female to male parasitoids was higher following oviposition in second and third instar nymphs and pre-reproductive adult hosts, compared to the first instar nymphs. Our findings indicate that the use of pre-reproductive adults as hosts in a mass-rearing program would be the most productive and fastest way to produce A. lopezi populations with a female-biased sex ratio. Field release of parasitoids should be conducted when the host’s third instar nymph is the most abundant because the period during which preferred and suitable host stages are available would be the longest.

The structure of agricultural landscape, both of its composition and configuration can affect the presence of predators and parasitoids, and influence the effectiveness of biological control. This study was aimed to examine the relationship between landscape structure and the diversity of Hymenoptera parasitoids in long bean fields in Bogor, West Java. In total, six long bean fields were selected and quantified within a radius 500 m from long bean field. In each long bean field, Hymenoptera parasitoids were sampled in a 50 m x 25 m plot using direct observation. The research result found 283 individuals of Hymenoptera parasitoids belong to 9 families and 31 species. Based on the Mantel test, the landscape structure did not affect the species composition of parasitoids in long bean. However, at class scale, landscape composition especially crop field and semi-natural habitat have an effect on parasitoid abundance. Agricultural landscape with higher patch number of crop fields tends to have higher parasitoid abundance. It indicates that landscape composition at class scale is more affected to Hymenoptera parasitoids than at landscape scale.

Parasitoids play an important role in controlling pests, including pests of oil palm. To maximize biological control technique using parasitoids, interactions between pests and parasitoids need to be studied. This research aimed to study parasitoid diversity and host-parasitoid interaction in oil palm plantation with the different management system. The field research was conducted in oil palm plantation own by smallholder and company (PT Humusindo) in Jambi. Sampling insects was conducted by collecting pests (parasitoid host) on oil palm trees with age of four years old. Eggs, larvae, and pupae of the pests were taken directly by hand then reared in the laboratory to know their parasitoids. Pests and parasitoids emerged were identified up to morphospecies or species level. A total of 176 lepidopteran pests consisting of 15 morphospecies and 6 families, and 650 parasitoids consisting of 21 morphospecies and 12 families have been collected. Nine morphospecies of pests from 25 individuals were found in smallholder plantation and 14 morphospecies of pests from 151 individuals in company plantation. Eight morphospecies of 26 parasitoids were found in smallholder plantations and 8 morphospecies of 624 parasitoids in the company plantation. The interaction structure between pests and parasitoids is more complex in the company plantation than in smallholder plantations. Family Braconidae and Ichneumonidae are the most parasitoids found and associated with nettle caterpillars. The different of the management system of oil palm plantation did not affect the diversity and abundance of pests as well as their parasitoids in oil palm plantations.

Land-use change and habitat fragmentation are well-known to affect host-parasitoid interactions. However, the study of the effects of landscape composition, as a result of habitat fragmentation, on host-parasitoid food webs is still limited especially in a tropical agricultural landscape. This research was aimed to study the effect of agricultural landscape composition on the structure of host-parasitoid food webs. Field research was conducted in sixteen long-bean fields located in Bogor Regency, West Java, Indonesia. In each long-bean field, sampling of insect pests and their parasitoids was carried out using direct observation within a plot size of 25 m × 50 m. The collected insects were brought to the laboratory for rearing and observed for emerging parasitoids. Landscape composition of each long-bean field was measured by digitizing the whole patch within a radius of 500 m from the long-bean field as a center of landscape, and landscape parameters were then quantified by focusing on number of patches and class area of both semi-natural habitats and crop fields. In total, we found 51 morphospecies of insect pests and 110 morphospecies of associated parasitoids from all research locations. Lepidopteran pests are the most abundant and species-rich with 35 morphospecies and with 76 morphospecies of parasitoids. Based on the generalized linear models, landscape composition especially class area of natural habitat and crop field showed a positive relationship with host-parasitoid food-web structure especially on connectance and compartment diversity. In conclusion, landscape composition contributes to shaping the host-parasitoid food-webs in a tropical agricultural landscape.

Aspects of biology of Acerophagus papayae Noyes & Schauff (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), parasitoid of papaya mealybug. Acerophagus papayae Noyes & Schauff (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an important parasitoid of the papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). The study was conducted with the objective to determine various aspects of the biology of A. papayae which include the effect of diet on adult longevity, fecundity and progeny, host stage susceptibility and preference, the effect of host stages on immature development, body size, and sex ratio of progenies. Effects of diet on adult longevity was done in the absence of hosts. Fecundity was measured by the number of mealybugs parasitized. Host stage susceptibility and preference were carried out by exposing 2nd and 3rd nymphal instars and pre-reproductive adults of mealybugs to parasitoids. Results showed adult parasitoids fed with 10% honey solution lived almost fourfold longer than those provided only water. A. papayae parasitized 30.1±4.92 mealybugs, with a range of 13-60 mealybugs, during 5.8 days of adult life. In no-choice (susceptibility) and paired-choice (preference) tests, the percentage of parasitized hosts were significantly greater in 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs than in adults. The mean immature developmental time of A. papayae was longer when the parasitoids develop in large host. Developmental time of male parasitoids was shorter than the females. Female wasps which emerged from hosts parasitized at the 3rd instar nymphs and adults were significantly larger than those from the 2nd instar nymphs. Sex ratios of the offspring emerged from hosts that were parasitized as 2nd instars were strongly male-biased, while the later stages yielded more females than males.

Presence of insects in agricultural habitat is affected by the surrounding circumstances such as the complexity and structure of landscape. Landscape structure is often formed as a consequence of the fragmentation of semi-natural habitat, which can negatively affect species richness and abundance of insects. This study was aimed to study the effect of complexity and structure of landscape on the diversity, abundance and traits of flower-visiting insects in cucumber fields. This study was conducted in cucumber fields surrounded by other agricultural crops, shrubs, semi-natural habitat and housing area, in Bogor, Cianjur and Sukabumi regencies, West Java, Indonesia. In a total of 16 agricultural areas, complexity and parameter of landscape especially class area (CA), number of patches (NumP), mean patch size (MPS), total edge (TE), and mean shape index (MSI) of seminatural habitats were measured. Sampling of flower-visiting insects was conducted using scan sampling methods. The result showed that landscape complexity affected species richness (but not abundance and trait) of flower-visiting insects both for mobile and less-mobile insects. Flower-visiting insects also responded differently to landscape structure. Species richness, abundance and variation of body size of mobile insects were affected by structure of semi-natural habitat.

Fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the important pest in horticultural plants which can cause quantitative and qualitative losses of production. One of the potential natural enemies to control the fruit flies is parasitoid. The aim of this research was to study the diversity of fruit flies and its parasitoids in Mekarsari Fruit Garden. The research was carried out in March to August 2017. Identification of fruit flies and parasitoids was conducted at Insect Biosystematics Laboratory, Institut Pertanian Bogor. Fruit flies were collected by setting Steiner traps and collecting infested fruits. In each sampling point, two traps were installed useing two different attractants, i.e. methyl eugenol (ME) and cue lure (CL). Steiner traps were set up for six weeks and the trapped fruit flies were taken every week. Collected fruits were 1 kg for each fruits species, within 1-6 timed depend on fruit existence. Based on ME attractants, 4 species of fruit flies were identified, i.e. Bactrocera (B.) carambolae, B. (B.) umbrosa, B. (B.) dorsalis, and B. (B.) occipitalis, while 6 species were attracted by CL, i.e. B. (B.) albistrigata, B. (Z.) calumniata, B. (Z.) caudata, B. (Z.) cucurbitae, B. (Z.) tau, and D. (C.) longicornis. Three parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were found from rotting fruits, i.e. Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead), Fopius arisanus (Sonan), and F. vandenboschi Fullaway.

The complexity of agricultural landscape can affect biodiversity in agroecosystem. Complex landscape tend to have higher diversity and composition of spesies than simple landscape. The aim of this research was to study the diversity and species composition of parasitic Hymenoptera under different complexity of agricultural landscape. Field research was conducted at four cucumber fields in Bogor District with two fields were located in complex agricultural landscape as well as simple agricultural landscape. In each cucumber field, plot with size 25 m x 50 m was provided for sampling of parasitic Hymenoptera which was conducted using yellow pan trap, malaise trap and host collection within transect. In total, 233 species of parasitic Hymenoptera were found from four cucumber fields during two planting seasons. The result showed that the diversity and species composition of the Hymenoptera parasitic did not differ between simple and complex agricultural landscapes. It indicates that the diversity and species composition of parasitic Hymenoptera on cucumber plantation in Bogor was not affected by landscape complexity.

Cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): Geographic distribution in Java and initiation of biological control. Cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero (Hemiptera: Psedococcidae), is a recently introduced pest in Indonesia. Parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi (De Santis) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was imported to control the pest. Studies were conducted to determine geographic distribution of P. manihoti throughout Java, and to evaluate the potential of the parasitoid as a biological control agent. Geographic distribution of the pest was determined through field survey, whereas evaluation of the parasitoid was studied through cage experiment and field release. Our survey revealed that the cassava mealybug has spread throughout Java. Heavy infestations caused shortened and distorted stems, complete defoliation, and stunted growth. In cages containing only mealybugs, all cassava plants (100%) died after two months. Whereas in cages containing both mealybugs and three pairs of parasitoid, rate of parasitization was 25% and plant mortality 20%. Parasitoids released in the field were able to survive, reproduce, and establish under Bogor climatic condition. These might indicate that parasitoid A. lopezi is a potential natural enemy to be used in biological control program of the cassava mealybug.

Diversity of parasitic Hymenoptera in different ecosystem types in Central Bangka, Bangka-Belitung Islands. Hymenoptera richness is dominated by parasitic species. More than 80% of Hymenoptera play a role as parasitoid on arthropods that are mostly insects. Diversity of parasitic Hymenoptera is widely studied in various types of terrestrial ecosystems including agro-ecosystem and non-agro-ecosystem. This study aimed to invent and compare the diversity of parasitic Hymenoptera in three different ecosystems, i.e., forest, oil palm plantation, and ex-tin mining. The location was located in Central Bangka Regency, Bangka Island. The study was conducted in Juli 2014 until October 2015. Parasitic Hymenoptera was collected with insect sweep net and yellow pan trap on one transect line with 1000 m length. Parasitic Hymenoptera were found on forest as much as 732 morphospecies, 326 morphospecies on oil palm plantations, and 293 morphospecies on ex-tin mining. Diversity and abundance of parasitic Hymenoptera on forest was higher than oil palm plantation and ex-tin mining area. Braconidae family was found dominant on forest, however on oil palm plantation and extin mining area the dominant family was Scelionidae.

Pests of star fruit in Blitar District, East Java. Pest attack causes the production of star fruit decreases. This study aim was to identify the pests of star fruit in Blitar District which could provide an information about pest species, damage symptoms and damage intensity. The research was conducted during August – September 2014 in Gogodeso, Karangsonoand Pojok Villages at Blitar District, East Java. Observations of the pests ware done by determining the four locations of plantation on each villages randomly. Three plants sample were choosen in each plantation location diagonally. Each plant was divided into four quadrant according to wind directions. One branch in the bottom was choosen in each quadrant. Nine species were recorded as pests of starfruit in Blitar district. Pest was identified on the leaf was Pteroma plagiophleps, on the branch was Zeuzera coffeae, on the flower were Toxoptera aurantii and Maconellicoccus hirsutus, whereas those on the fruit were Toxoptera aurantii, Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Thrips javanicus, Helopeltis bradyi, Cryptophlebia leucotreta, Bactrocera dorsalis, and Bactrocera carambolae. The population density of M. hirsutus was higher in Karangsono than in other villages. The highest damage intensity was caused by Bactrocera spp., C. leucotreta and H. bradyi (occured in Gogodeso), whereas the highest damage intensity of T. javanicus occurred in Pojok.

Lepidopteran community and its parasitoid on cucumber field in Bogor, Sukabumi and Cianjur District, West Java. Cucumber is one of horticultural commodities that are widely cultivated in Indonesia, but information related to Lepidoptera pests and their parasitoids are limited. The aim of this study was to obtain information about Lepidopteran community on cucumber and their parasitoid diversity. Lepidopteran larvae were collected from 16 cucumber sites in the District of Bogor, Sukabumi and Cianjur in November 2014 until May 2015. Larvae were collected from each cucumber plant follow along 60 m transects. Larvae were collected from the field then brought to the laboratory. All larvae were then reared on cucumber leaves until pupation and parasitoids emerged. The data obtained were tested by analysis of the mean and analysis of variance (One way ANOVA) using the program R Stat. The results showed that cucumber plants were attacked by six species (morphospecies) belonging to four families of Lepidoptera. Diaphania indica (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the most abundant species found. All species (morphospecies) of Lepidoptera are more common when the cucumber plants are in the generative growth stage. Our result further showed that D. indica was attacked by 9 parasitoid larvae and 3 parasitoid pupae, C. chalcites (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by 5 parasitoids dan S. litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by 2 parasitoids. A braconid, Apanteles taragamae, is the most common parasitoid of D. indica found in the field. Its parasitism rate can reach 27% in the field. Overall, this research revealed that a number of parasitoids, that were found attacking Lepidopteran on cucumber indicates their potential use as biological control agents in this agroecosystems.

Effect of pest management systems to the insect pests population on Anjasmoro and Wilis soybean varieties. The integrated pest management (IPM) is a pest control approach which is based on ecological and economic considerations. The objective of this research was to study the effect of different pest management systems on the insect pest population using two soybean varieties, Anjasmoro and Wilis.The experiments were done in a randomized complete block design, repeated twice. The pest management systems under the different plots were integrated pest management, non-chemical control, chemical control, and the control (which received neither chemicals nor IPM). Observations were made on the pest population and the intensity of the damage caused by primary soybean pests. The primary pests observed were Ophiomya phaseoli, Aphis gossypii, Lamprosema indicata, Spodoptera litura, Bemisia tabaci, Riptortus linearis and Etiella zinckenella. Integrated pest management significantly affect the population of whitefly on Anjasmoro variety but not on Wilis variety. The populations of bean fly, aphid, leaf roller, armyworm, stink bug and pod borer were not affected by pest management system. The lower yield of Anjasmoro variety was attributed to the attack by a viral infection whose disease incidence reached 80% on the plots without a pest management system. IPM management system was more efficient than chemical management system.

ABSTRAK Parasitoid relatif sulit menetap pada agroekosistem tanaman semusim karena drastisnya perubahan lingkungan dan tingginya faktor penghambat akibat campur tangan manusia dalam usahanya memaksimalkan panen. Penelitian lapangan dilakukan untuk mengetahui kemapanan parasitoid Telenomus remus pada agroekosistem sederhana dan kompleks. Kemapanan parasitoid diamati secara tidak langsung dengan membandingkan tingkat parasitisasi pada kedua tipe agroekosistem tersebut. Agroekosistem sederhana adalah monokultur kedelai, sedangkan kompleks adalah tumpangsari kedelai dan cabe merah, serta dilengkapi tanaman berbunga (Cardamine hirsuta, Portulaca oleacae, Lugwigia hyssopifolia, dan Jussiaea suffruticosa) pada setiap sisi luar petaknya. Pada kedua tipe pertanaman dilepas parasitoid T. remus secara inundatif dengan metode spot release. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa T. remus yang dilepas memiliki kemampuan bertahan hidup yang baik dan berhasil mapan pada kedua tipe agroekosistem sehingga berpotensi dikembangkan sebagai agens pengendali hayati. Secara keseluruhan, jumlah kelompok telur perangkap terparasit lebih banyak pada petak polikultur (111 kelompok) daripada monokultur (93 kelompok). Tingkat parasitisasi petak polikultur (68,9%) juga lebih tinggi daripada monokultur (51,9%). Hasil tersebut mengindikasikan bahwa manipulasi habitat yang dilakukan pada petak polikultur lebih baik dalam mendukung unjuk kerja dan keefektifan parasitoid T. remus di lapangan. Implementasi dari hasil penelitian tersebut bahwa penggunaan parasitoid berkebugaran tinggi dan kualitas lingkungan agroekosistem sasaran pengendalian menentukan keberhasilan pengendalian hayati. Kata kunci : kemapanan, parasitoid, tingkat parasitisasi, agroekosistem, Telenomus remus. Â

Infestation of pest is a major problem in the seedling and field of Jabon (Neolamarckia cadamba [Roxb.] Bosser) in Indonesia, especially in South Sumatra. Arthroschista hilaralis Walk. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is one defoliator pest attacked jabon stands. Some information about the infestation of A. hilaralis are required for pest control and prevent. The objective was to study the incidence level and intensity level of A. hilaralis on jabon stands at the planting age 2 and 4 years at the 2 seasons, and analyze the effect of weather (temperature and humidity) to foliar damage caused by A. hilaralis. This experiment was conducted in six locations in South Sumatra. The plots were delineated in three area that each plot was 0.03 ha in area and contain 20 jabon trees. Observations on the incidence and intensity level of A. hilaralis were conducted every month for 16 months representing two categories of time point observation of the rainy season and dry season. The results showed that infestation of A. hilaralis on jabon stands at the planting age 2 years and the rainy season was higher than planting age 4 years and another season. The incidence level and intensity level of A. hilaralis were 74.45% and 55.21% respectively. Weather factors (e.g. temperature and humidity) thought affected the incidence level and intensity level of A. hilaralis. Temperature has negative correlation to the incidence level of A. hilaralis (r = -0.629; p = 0.009) and to the intensity level of A. hilaralis (r = -0.546; p = 0.029). Humidity has positive correlation to the incidence level of A. hilaralis (r = 0.900; p < 0.0001) and to the intensity level of A. hilaralis (r = 0.768; p = 0.0005).

Presence of insects in agricultural habitat is affected by several factors such as natural habitat. The objective of this research was to study the effect of natural habitat on diversity and abundance of flower-visiting insects in cucumber fields. Ecological observation was conducted in 12 cucumbers fields located in regencies of Bogor, Cianjur, and Sukabumi, West Java. Cucumber fields were categorized in two different distant form natural habitat i.e. near natural habitat (less than 200 m) and far from natural habitats (more than 1000 m). The observations of flower-visiting insects in cucumber fields were conducted by counting the number of flower-visiting insects that perched within 100 flowers in four different transects. The result showed that the presence of natural habitat affected species richness but not the abundance of flower-visiting insects in cucumber field. The dominant species of flower-visiting insects in cucumber fields were Aphis sp., Tapinoma sp. and Thrips parvispinus Karny, while the most dominant pollinator was Apis cerana Fabricius. The distance of natural habitat from farmland affected the presence of flower-visiting insects especially pollinator insects that provide important services on enhancing crop yield.

Diversity of parasitic Hymenoptera in PTPN VIII oil palm plantation Cindali, Bogor. One group of important natural enemies in oil palm plantation is parasitic Hymenoptera. The purpose of this research is to know the diversity and fluctuation of parasitic Hymenoptera PTPN VIII Cindali oil palm plantation. This research was conducted in 6 blocks of oil palm in September 2014 – June 2015. There were 5 plots in every observation blocks 39.2 x 39.2 m in size, and used direct and indirect method. Direct method done by 5 plants in every plots was taken randomized to observed and taken the herbivore insects to reared until the parasitic Hymenoptera came out. Observation of cover crops conducted by 3 subplots determined diagonally in every plots 9.8 x 9.8 m in size and herbivore insects was observed and collected. Indirect methods used sweep net and yellow pan trap. The result of this research, 26 parasitic Hymenoptera families was found, with the Braconidae was the most morphospecies found and the most individual amount was Scelionidae. The abundance of parasitoid in every month fluctuated.

Parasitoid telur, Scelio pembertoni Timberlake (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), merupakan endoparasitoid obligat pada telur Acrididae. Inang yang sering diparasitisasi oleh S. pembertoni ialah telur Oxya japonica (Thunberg (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perkembangan stadia larva, lama hidup, dan keperidian, serta preferensi imago S. pembertoni terhadap umur telur inang yang berbeda. S. pembertoni diperoleh dari telur O. japonica yang diambil dari pertanaman talas dan talas liar di wilayah Bogor. Fase perkembangan S. pembertoni terdiri atas telur, stadia larva instar satu dan instar dua, stadia prapupa dan pupa, dan stadia imago. Larva instar satu bertipe teleaform dan berwarna putih transparan. Larva instar dua bertipe hymenopteriform dan berwarna putih transparan. Stadia pradewasa S. pembertoni di laboratorium berkisar antara 27–33 hari, dengan periode perkembangan telur, stadia instar satu, instar dua, prapupa, dan pupa ialah 1,80, 4,95, 4,25, 5,40, dan 12,85 hari untuk masing-masing stadia. Lama hidup betina adalah 7–17 hari, sedangkan lama hidup jantan adalah 3–11 hari. Rata-rata keperidian betina ialah 29,53 butir telur. Nisbah kelamin (jantan terhadap betina) S. pembertoni selama penelitian di laboratorium adalah 1 : 3,19. Tingkat parasitisasi dan jumlah keturunan yang dihasilkan oleh S. pembertoni lebih tinggi pada telur berumur muda daripada umur telur inang yang lebih tua.

Parasitoid Anagyrus lopezi (De Santis) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was introduced into Indonesia in early 2014 to control the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). The objective of study was to determine encapsulation rate of parasitoid A. lopezi by various host instars of P. manihoti. Observation of encapsulation rate was made by exposing a single mated female of parasitoid on mealybug nymph-1, -2, -3, and adult in a plastic cage for 24 h. Mealybugs then were dissected and number of parasitoid eggs laid and those encapsulated were counted. Study revealed that rate of aggregate encapsulation was highest (8.4%) by adults, followed by nymph-3 (5.8%), nymph-2 (3.1%), and nymph-1 (1.1%). Rate of effective encapsulation by adults was 2.0%, whereas by nymphs about 1.0%. The low rate of encapsulation is believed not to reduce the effectiveness of parasitoid A. lopezi in the biological control of cassava mealybug P. manihoti in Indonesia.

Tetranychus urticae Koch and Tetranycus kanzawai Kishida are important pests of various crops of economicall importance in Indonesia. Acaricide ussually used to control these mites. One of the alternative control methods is the use of phytoseiid predatory mites. Most of the phytoseiid mites that are used as biological control agents are exotic mites. For that reasons, it is necessary to study indegenous predatory mites that has the potential to be developed as biological control, such as N. longispinosus. The objective of this study was to determine the predation capacities of N. longispinosus on two red spider mites of T. urticae and T. kanzawai and the effect of predator densities to predator cannibalistic behavior. N. longispinosus were supplied with eggs and adults of T. urticae and T. kanzawai to determine the predation capacities. N. longispinosus were also supplied low number of T. kanzawai eggs as the prey at several predator densities to see its cannibalistic behavior. The results showed that the number of eggs of T. urticae dan T. kanzawai consumed by deutonymphs and adult females of N. longispinosus was higher than the adult female of T. urticae dan T. kanzawai. The number of eggs of T. urticae dan T. kanzawai consumed by adult female N. longispinosus was higher than by the deutonymphs. The number of eggs laid by adult females of N. longispinosus when feed on eggs of T. urticae and T. kanzawai was higher than those feed on adult female. Deutonymph and female adult stage of N. longispinosus showed cannibalistic behavior at several predator densities in low number of prey.

The objective of the research was to study behaviour and parasitism efficiency of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilotraeae in relation to host and parasitoid density under laboratory condition. Eggs of Corcyra cephalonica were used as hosts for Trichogramma chilotraeae. Five different host (egg) densities: 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 eggs were provided to one and two active female parasitoids T. chilotraeae. Percentage of parasitism, female progeny, and selfsuperparasitism were counted. Results showed that, host density was found to have a strong effect on parasitism rate, female progeny and selfsuperparasitism. Two parameters, parasitism and selfsuperparasitism decreases with increasing number of host density, in contrast, female progeny increase with increasing host density. Parasitoid density affected selfsuperparasitism and female progeny only on one level of host density (3 hosts) but not to all parameters of other density treatments.

The objective of the research was to study sex ratio and oviposition sequence of egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilotraeae in relation with host density under laboratory condition. Parasitoid response with respect to oviposition sequence was examined by exposing five different host (egg) densities: 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 on female parasitoids T. chilotraeae. Results showed that in general, female parasitoid laid its female progeny at the beginning of oviposition sequence. Host density was found to have a strong effect on sex ratio. Sex ratio increase with increasing of host number.

This research was conducted in three areas, which has different in altitudes; those areas are Gangga (50 m), Kayangan (4 m) and Bayan (170 m) above sea levels. The aim of this research was to observe monoculture system of cashew plantations from May 2007 until April 2008. The results of this research were (1) the number of Sanurus indecora J collected from the fields are 38.619 adults, which consist of 19.153 adult of green Sanurus and 19.466 adult of white Sanurus, (2) the number of Sanurus parasitited by Epipyropidae are 5.961 adult from 38.619, (3) the number of white Sanurus infested by Epipyropidae are 3.902 adult and 2.059 adult of green Sanurus, (4) white Sanurus is preferred by Epipyropidae than green Sanurus. Around 20 percent of white Sanurus adult are infested by Epipyropidae, (5) the parsitism of female Sanurus is higher compare to male.

Opius chromatomyiae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is an endoparasitoid attacking leafminers in the field. The objective of the research is to study the statitiscal demographic of the parasitoid. Result showed that female lifespan (9.95 days) was shorter than male (11.73). Female fecundity was about 104.73 eggs. with rate of egg production per day was about 9.31 eggs. This parasitois was also found to be female-biased sex ratio. Regarding population parameter, net reproduction rate (Ro) was about 28.55, of increase (λ) 1.23. The stable age of Opius chromatomyiae was about 37.93% eggs, 24.92 % larval, 20.36 % pupae and 16.78 % adult.

Interfaith engagement has not been widely practiced in the evangelistic services of evangelical churches and institutions in Indonesia. This is unfortunate since intentional interfaith engagement among young Christians has a positive influence not only for the development of mission and evangelism, but also for the spiritual growth of the subject. This research is a qualitative study using the phenomenological paradigm. The data collection method was conducted by in-depth interviews through video-conferencing. The method of selecting informants was carried out by purposive sampling from Perkantas (Indonesian InterVarsity Ministry) of East Java, with the main criteria having been fostered in the Perkantas discipleship curriculum, and conducting interfaith engagements. The results showed that interfaith engagement is a valid expression of the praxis of evangelicalism; the dominant motive of interfaith interaction that appears is the proclamation of the gospel, and the impact of interfaith engagement is the appreciation of different faiths and the strengthening of the Christian faith.

The ongoing electrification of the transport sector is expected to cause an increase in electricity demand and, therefore, trigger significant network investments to accommodate it. This paper focuses on investment decision-making for electricity distribution grids and specifically on the strategic and incremental investment network planning approaches. In particular, the former involves network planning with the consideration of a long-term multi-stage study horizon, as opposed to a shorter–term view of the future that applies to the latter case. An investment analysis that is carried out underlines the economic savings generated from adopting a strategic investment perspective over an incremental one. These economic savings are achieved from the fact that the associated fixed investment costs are incurred only once in the horizon under strategic planning. On the other hand, incremental planning involves a series of network reinforcement decisions, thereby incurring the fixed cost multiple times. In addition, sensitivity analyses that are carried out capture the effect of key parameters, such as investment cost, discount rate and investment delay, on the generated economic savings.

The integration of gas and electricity networks has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the overall flexibility of energy systems. As the transition toward sustainable and decarbonized energy sources accelerates, the seamless coordination between electricity and gas infrastructure becomes increasingly crucial. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art research and developments concerning the flexibility in the operation of low-carbon integrated gas and electricity networks (IGENs) as part of the whole system approach. Methods and solutions to provide and improve flexibility in the mentioned systems are studied and categorized. Flexibility is the system’s ability to deal with changes and uncertainties in the network while maintaining an acceptable level of reliability. The presented review underscores the significance of this convergence in facilitating demand-side management, renewable energy integration, and overall system resilience. By highlighting the technical, economic, and regulatory aspects of such integration, this paper aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders toward effective decision-making and the formulation of comprehensive strategies that align with the decarbonization of energy systems.

Hydrogen is an emerging technology changing the context of heating with cleaner combustion than traditional fossil fuels. Studies indicate the potential to repurpose the existing natural gas infrastructure, offering consumers a sustainable, economically viable option in the future. The integration of hydrogen in combined heat and power systems could provide residential energy demand and reduce environmental emissions. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen will face several challenges, such as carbon dioxide emissions from the current production methods and the need for infrastructure modification for transport and safety. Researchers indicated the viability of hydrogen in decarbonizing heat, while some studies also challenged its long-term role in the future of heating. In this paper, a comprehensive literature review is carried out by identifying the following key aspects, which could impact the conclusion on the overall role of hydrogen in heat decarbonization: (i) a holistic view of the energy system, considering factors such as renewable integration and system balancing; (ii) consumer-oriented approaches often overlook the broader benefits of hydrogen in emission reduction and grid stability; (iii) carbon capture and storage scalability is a key factor for large-scale production of low-emission blue hydrogen; (iv) technological improvements could increase the cost-effectiveness of hydrogen; (v) the role of hydrogen in enhancing resilience, especially during extreme weather conditions, raises the potential of hydrogen as a flexible asset in the energy infrastructure for future energy supply; and finally, when considering the UK as a basis case, (vi) incorporating factors such as the extensive gas network and unique climate conditions, necessitates specific strategies.

The Sembako program is one of the social protection programs launched by the Government of Indonesia to overcome poverty by providing food assistance. The sembako program is also expected to increase financial inclusion by using the prosperous family card as an electronic money and savings feature. This study uses a proper governance perspective with the research location in Banyumas Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia. The results showed that the implementation of the Sembako program went well. However, the recipients complain that the types, quantities, and goods received are different from the instructed provisions, so they are not in accordance with the principles of proper governance. The sembako program contributes little to increasing financial inclusion because the KKS Card can only be used to take assistance from the sembako program and cannot access other banking services. It was found that the KKS Card was not held by the recipient of the basic food program, and the recipient did not memorize the KKS Card Pin. This study recommends that all shops and stalls carry out the distribution of the sembako program without being limited to certain stalls. The sembako program is not packaged so that beneficiaries are free to take basic food assistance according to the needs of their families.

The use of wind power has grown strongly in recent years and is expected to continue to increase in the coming decades. Solar power is also expected to increase significantly. In a power system, a continuous balance is maintained between total production and demand. This balancing is currently mainly managed with conventional power plants, but with larger amounts of wind and solar power, other sources will also be needed. Interesting possibilities include continuous control of wind and solar power, battery storage, electric vehicles, hydrogen production, and other demand resources with flexibility potential. The aim of this article is to describe and compare the different challenges and future possibilities in six systems concerning how to keep a continuous balance in the future with significantly larger amounts of variable renewable power production. A realistic understanding of how these systems plan to handle continuous balancing is central to effectively develop a carbon-dioxide-free electricity system of the future. The systems included in the overview are the Nordic synchronous area, the island of Ireland, the Iberian Peninsula, Texas (ERCOT), the central European system, and Great Britain.

In Indonesia, the rapid expansion of oil palm and rubber plantations replaces large areas of tropical rainforest. Rainforest transformation alters the diversity and composition of parasitoid wasp communities, but appropriate management strategies to buffer their decline in rainforest transformation landscapes are not yet developed.Here, we studied the effects of rainforest conversion to smallholder rubber and oil palm plantations on parasitoid wasp species richness, abundance and species composition. We also conducted a flowering vegetation enrichment experiment using the flowering weed Asystasia gangetica in all land‐uses to investigate potential mitigation effects on parasitoid wasp diversity and composition.Rainforest transformation to rubber plantations caused a large decrease in species richness (46%) and abundance (59%) of parasitoid wasps. Community structure of parasitoid wasps differed between forest and monoculture habitats with more habitat‐specialised species in forest and a higher proportion of common species in the monoculture.The experimental flowering vegetation enrichment increased parasitoid wasp species richness by 18% and abundance by 127%. Enrichment also enhanced the presence of unique parasitoid species in plantation and furthermore increased differences in community composition between rainforest and plantations. However, the enrichment experiment was confounded by time, meaning that a multi‐year experiment with targeted controls is necessary for statistically more reliable statements.Our study shows the effect of rainforest transformation to oil palm and rubber plantations on parasitoid wasp communities. Although providing additional flowering vegetation in plantations seems to potentially mitigate diversity loss, further research is needed to confirm and to investigate the mechanisms how flowering plants alleviate negative effects of rainforest transformation on parasitoid communities. Thereby, efficient conservation strategies for parasitoids wasps and their biological control services can be developed for rapidly changing tropical landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decarbonisation of the electricity grid is expected to create new electricity flows. As a result, it may require that network planners make a significant amount of investments in the electricity grids over the coming decades so as to allow the accommodation of these new flows in a way that both the thermal and voltage network constraints are respected. These investments may include a portfolio of infrastructure assets consisting of traditional technologies and smart grid technologies. One associated key challenge is the presence of uncertainty around the location, the timing, and the amount of new demand or generation connections. This uncertainty unavoidably introduces risk into the investment decision-making process as it may lead to inefficient investments and inevitably give rise to excessive investment costs. Smart grid technologies have properties that enable them to be regarded as investment options, which can allow network planners to hedge against the aforementioned uncertainty. This paper focuses on key smart technologies by providing a critical literature review and presenting the latest mathematical modelling that describes their operation.

The building sector has traditionally accounted for about 40% of global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as compared to other end-use sectors. Due to this fact, as part of the global effort towards decarbonization, significant resources have been placed on the development of technologies, such as active buildings, in an attempt to achieve reductions in the respective CO2 emissions. Given the uncertainty around the future level of the corresponding CO2 emissions, this work presents an approach based on machine learning to generate forecasts until the year 2050. Several algorithms, such as linear regression, ARIMA, and shallow and deep neural networks, can be used with this approach. In this context, forecasts are produced for different regions across the world, including Brazil, India, China, South Africa, the United States, Great Britain, the world average, and the European Union. Finally, an extensive sensitivity analysis on hyperparameter values as well as the application of a wide variety of metrics are used for evaluating the algorithmic performance.