Repellency of Lemongrass Extract (Cymbopogon nardus) in Solid and Liquid Formulation on Diaphorina citri and Menochilus sexmaculatus

Abstract

Citrus Vein Phloem Degeneration (CVPD), caused by the bacterium Liberibacter asiaticus with Diaphorina citri Kuwayama as the pest vector, decreases citrus yield. This study looked at the effectiveness of Cymbopogon nardus extract in repelling D. citri populations in various formulations and concentrations. The major goal of the reaserch was to identify extract formulations and concentrations that work without having an adverse effect on the predator Menochilus sexmaculatus. Using choice and no-choice test methodologies, the study was carried out from February-March 2022 at the experimental garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, UPN “Veteran” Yogyakarta, located in Sleman, Yogyakarta. On D. citri and M. sexmaculatus, choice and non-choice tests were conducted to determine the repellency of solid and liquid formulations at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5%. Chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data. According to the findings, a solid formulation with 5% lemongrass extract was most successful at keeping D. citri away while having no effect on M. sexmaculatus larvae or adult stages. This formulation can assist ecologically friendly agriculture. On cultivated ground, higher doses of a more durable solid formulation are advised.