Pengaruh Suhu terhadap Perkembangan Kumbang Penyerbuk Kelapa Sawit Elaeidobius Kamerunicus di Laboratorium

Abstract

E. kamerunicus are the main pollinators of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), and their success is highly influenced by environmental factors, particularly temperature. This study aimed to examine the effect of temperature variation on the development of E. kamerunicus and to determine the optimal temperature for its life cycle. The research was conducted at the Oil Palm Resesarch Institute (IOPRI), Plant Protection Entomology Laboratory, Unit Marihat, 369 meters above sea level (masl), using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four temperature treatments: 21-23°C, 26-28°C, 30-32°C, and 33-35°C. Observed parameters include daily adult emergence, sex ratio, and morphometry. The results showed that the 26-28°C temperature range is optimal, producing the highest number of adults, and the fastest development time and a balanced sex ratio. Temperatures that are too low or too high decrease developmental success. Environmental temperature plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of E. kamerunicus as a pollinator, and the optimal temperature range should be considered in oil palm plantation management.