Analysis of the abundance of whitefly in the vegetative and generative phases of eggplant at the Solok botanical garden, Muaro Jambi: A case study of the local ecosystem

This study aims to analyze the abundance of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) during the vegetative and generative growth phases of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) at the Botanical Garden of Solok Village, Muaro Jambi District. The type of research used is descriptive exploratory. The sampling technique was conducted using total sampling through hand collecting. Observations of whiteflies were made once a week for 12 weeks on 50 samples of eggplant planted in the experimental garden. Data analysis was performed by counting the number of whiteflies found on the eggplant during the vegetative and generative phases. The results showed that the abundance of whiteflies varied in each growth phase of the eggplant. In the vegetative phase, the highest abundance of whiteflies occurred in the fourth week after transplanting, with a total abundance of 576 individuals. Meanwhile, in the generative phase, the highest abundance occurred in the sixth week after transplanting, the lowest abundance occurred in the tenth week. The average abundance of whiteflies during the vegetative phase was 144 individuals, while in the generative phase it reached 250.64 individuals. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the abundance of whiteflies on eggplant is higher in the generative phase compared to the vegetative phase.