Wiwin Windriyanti, Noni Rahmadhini, Ito Fernando, Ramadhani Mahendra Kusuma
The diversity of Refugio flowering plants with different ways of flowering phenology provides alternative food sources for arthropods. Insects are the largest class of arthropods, most of which are ecological services that function as natural enemies and pollinators. Insects require an energy source over a long-term period to promote a stable and healthy population. The use of flowering plants as refugia can maximize the role of insects as ecological services in agroecosystems by providing natural enemies and pollinators with a source of food and shelter. The refugia plants used in this study were sunflowers (Helianthus annuus), king’s salad (Cosmos caudatus), Peruvian zinnia (Zinnia peruviana), Tridax procumbens (Asteraceae), and Alternanthera sessilis (Amaranthaceae) with hedgerow and insectary bank planting patterns. Data collection and periodic direct observation (scan sampling) were conducted by transects. Observed parameters included species composition and population of arthropods in two different agro-systems, monoculture and polyculture. Identification results showed 8 orders, including 44 morphospecies, belonging to 25 families. Arthropod abundance in the on-season of the refugia was found in 1422 individuals. Ecological engineering is a habitat manipulation technology using refugia plants that has increased the composition and population of natural enemy insects and pollinators. © 2023, Society for Indonesian Biodiversity. All rights reserved.
Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur, Jl. Rungkut Madya No. 1, Gn Anyar, East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia; Innovation Center of Appropriate Food Technology for Lowland and Coastal Areas, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur, Jl Raya Rungkut Madya Gunung Anyar, East Java, Surabaya, 6029, Indonesia; Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran, Ketawanggede, Lowokwaru, East Java, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
