AGRO-ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF CROP PROTECTION IN CHILI-BASED AGRIBUSINESS IN CENTRAL JAVA

Abstract

<p><em>Chili is an important cash crop in Indonesia. This study is to analyze socio-economic aspect of chili production in three selected communities of three districts —Magelang, Brebes, and Rembang— that represent distinct agroecosystems of chili cultivation within Central Java province. This study uses quantitative descriptive methods. Data were compiled from a series of surveys in 2010-2011. The results of analyses were presented in table and graphical forms to compare and contrast selected relevant variables associated with crop protection. The results show that yield loss due to pests and diseases was considerable, and some of these problems were becoming difficult to control. The economic losses varied, which depended on many factors. The potential yield loss could reach 100 percent. Among the eight major insect pests reported by farmers during the dry season, thrips, mites, and whitefly infestations were most severe. Likewise, among five diseases noted by farmers, the three most important—anthracnose (Colletotrichum capsici), gemini-viruses, and Phytophthora—were more serious than the others. During the wet season, risk of anthracnose was very high; in the dry season, risk of yield lost to gemini-viruses and Phytophthora was high. Within a province, the severe outbreaks of insect pests and diseases varied across locations and seasons. Farmers applied control measure using pesticides and other alternative controls. However, the problem still persisted. There is a crucial need to solve the problems by enhancing farmers’ knowledge and involving research institutions focusing on crop protection strategy.</em></p>