Field evaluation of Bacillus thuringiensis product to control Metisa plana bagworm in oil palm plantation

Abstract Metisa plana is widely known for its destructive impact on oil palm plantations. M. plana infestation could reduce the oil palm productivity by 40% if it remains untreated over two consecutive years. The application of insecticide has become a well-known method of controlling M. plana infestation. The experimental design used was a Randomized Block Design with six treatments and six replications. Four doses of Bacillus thuringiensis and selected greenlabelled insecticides (active ingredient: clorantraniliprole) were evaluated for their toxicity based on initial population of M. plana . The folia r spraying bioassay technique was used to expose six replications to the designated treatments. M. plana mortality was observed for 2, 7, 14, and 28 days after application. The results showed that both B. thuringiensis and chlorantraniliprole could cause 96-99% mortality in seven days. Based on these field evaluation, the use of insecticide products with active ingredients Bt with soluble concentrate formulation recommended for the control of M. plana bagworms was carried out using concentrations of 0.625-1.25 ml/l or 250-500 ml/ha. Field experiments are needed to provide more accurate results when the insecticides are exposed to natural environment.