Eco-friendly pesticide innovation: A sustainable pest control strategy for modern agriculture

Excessive use of synthetic pesticides has caused various negative impacts on the environment and human health, such as soil and air pollution, ecosystem disruption, and pest resistance. This study aims to examine environmentally friendly innovations, especially those based on gadung tubers (Dioscorea hispida), as an alternative for sustainable pest control in modern agriculture. The methods used include literature studies, interviews with experts, and field trials in Gowa, Indonesia. The results showed that gadung tuber-based pesticides are effective in suppressing pest populations such as brown planthoppers and cocoa pod suckers, with a mortality rate of more than 70%, and minimizing impacts on the environment and non-target organisms. This pesticide works through active compounds such as diosgenin and alkaloids that interfere with the pest's nervous system. This study recommends the development of advanced formulations, farmer education, and integrated application with organic farming methods. Thus, locally based environmentally friendly pesticides such as gadung tubers have great potential to support a safer, more sustainable, and more efficient agricultural system.