| dc.description.abstract | Spodoptera frugiperda is an invasive pest that attacks corn plants and causes significant damage. The excessive use of chemical insecticides can negatively impact the environment and human health, necessitating the development of plant-based insecticides as an alternative control method. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of soapberry (Sapindus rarak) surfactant in combination with mahogany seed (Swietenia mahagoni) and sugar apple seed (Annona squamosa) extracts using different solvents (methanol and hexane) on the mortality of Spodoptera frugiperda. This research was conducted at the green house, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, from June 2024 to January 2025. The study utilized a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and nine treatments. Observed parameters included larval mortality, pupal formation percentage, adult emergence percentage, and Lethal Time 50 (LT50). The results showed that the highest mortality of Spodoptera frugiperda occurred in the treatment using sugar apple seed extract with 80 ml of methanol and 10 ml of soapberry fruit surfactant, which had a significant effect in inhibiting larval development. However, plant-based insecticides also significantly inhibited larval development. The addition of soapberry surfactant enhanced the effectiveness of mahogany and sugar apple seed extracts, particularly in improving the spreadability of the solution on leaf surfaces. Based on these findings, plant-based insecticides derived from mahogany and soursop seed extracts combined with soapberry surfactant have the potential to serve as an environmentally friendly alternative for controlling Spodoptera frugiperda. However, further research is needed to optimize the formulation and assess its effectiveness under field conditions. | en_US |
