Detection of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) Larval Infestation on Leeks and Shallots: A Case Study in North Tapanuli and Karo, North Sumatra, Indonesia

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Published Feb 28, 2026
https://doi.org/10.55043/jaast.v10i1.368
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Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Applied Agricultural Science and Technology

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Ameilia Zuliyanti Siregar
Universitas Sumatera Utara
Suputa Suputa
Universitas Gadjah Mada
Lindung Tri Puspasari
Universitas Padjadjaran
Abdul Hafiz Ab. Majid
Universiti Sains Malaysia

Abstract

North Sumatra Province is the eighth largest producer of shallots (Allium cepa) in Indonesia (1.09%, 53,962 tons). Declining shallot production is primarily caused by attacks by pests and pathogens, which are responsible for 20–100% decreases in yields. Spodoptera exigua larvae are among pests with significant effects on shallot productivity. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of various methods of monitoring Spodoptera exigua infestation on shallots, particularly of the Batu Ijo and Brebes varieties, including the use of yellow sticky traps, blue ball traps, sweep nets, and hand-picking, for the purpose of increasing farmers' income in North Tapanuli and Karo, Sumatra Utara. The research was conducted in Parhorboan Village, Pagaran Sub-district, North Tapanuli Regency, and Juhar Sub-district, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, from June to July 2024. To be precise, it was conducted in three farmers' planting areas, using the diagonal slice method with five sub-plots and observations with one-week intervals at the sampling locations. The results showed that the infestation by S. exigua larvae was higher on shallots than on leeks. The highest average number of larvae recorded on leeks was 0.78 larva per plant, while shallots had an average of 1.84 larvae per plant. Furthermore, the highest average percentage of S. exigua larval infestation on leeks was 16.78%, while the infestation on shallots reached 32.15%. The intensity of S. exigua infestation fell within the 3–5 categories, which correspond to medium to very high levels. The independent sample t-test results showed significant differences in both the population and infestation percentage of S. exigua larvae in the leek and shallot planting areas.

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Author Biographies

Ameilia Zuliyanti Siregar, Universitas Sumatera Utara

Agrotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture

Suputa Suputa, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture

Lindung Tri Puspasari, Universitas Padjadjaran

Faculty of Agriculture

Abdul Hafiz Ab. Majid, Universiti Sains Malaysia

School of Biological Sciences

How to Cite
1.
Siregar AZ, Suputa S, Puspasari LT, Majid AHA. Detection of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) Larval Infestation on Leeks and Shallots: A Case Study in North Tapanuli and Karo, North Sumatra, Indonesia. J. appl. agricultural sci. technol. [Internet]. 2026Feb.28 [cited 2026Mar.9];10(1):159-70. Available from: https://jaast.org/index.php/jaast/article/view/368

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