Sustainable pest management with citronella oil for eco-friendly control of Aphis gossypii in chili plants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chili is a key agricultural commodity in Indonesia, yet its productivity remains low, primarily due to pest and disease infestations. One of the most damaging pests to chili plants is Aphis gossypii. Insecticides, while effective, pose environmental risks, prompting the need for eco-friendly alternatives. Citronella oil, a potential natural pesticide, warrants further investigation. This study was conducted in both laboratory and field settings. In the laboratory, the efficacy of citronella oil in controlling Aphis gossypii was assessed in terms of its toxicity and repellent effects. This study aimed to evaluate citronella oil's performance in managing Aphis gossypii populations on chili plants.METHODS: Laboratory and field experiments employed a Randomized Block Design. In the laboratory, citronella oil concentrations were tested against a control, and both mortality and repellent effects were monitored. The field study involved four treatments: citronella oil application, rotation with synthetic insecticides, and a control. The Aphis gossypii population was observed weekly for ten weeks.FINDINGS: The results revealed that citronella oil effectively reduced Aphis gossypii populations, demonstrating repellent (18.6 percent) and toxic (89.1 percent) effects. Under field conditions, citronella oil reduced Aphis gossypii populations both when applied alone and in rotation with synthetic insecticides. At the end of the observation period, a single application of citronella oil resulted in a 91 percent reduction in Aphis gossypii populations. Overall, citronella oil proves to be an environmentally friendly and effective tool for controlling Aphis gossypii, offering a promising alternative to conventional insecticides in chili plant pest management.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that citronella oil effectively reduces Aphis gossypii infestations on chili plants by repelling and intoxicating the pests. As a natural pesticide, it offers a safer alternative to synthetic chemicals, reducing environmental pollution and potential harm to beneficial organisms. Integrating citronella oil into pest management strategies could enhance sustainable agriculture. However, further research is needed to validate its effectiveness across different locations and assess its broader ecological impact.