The Diversity of Flower-Visiting Insect (Musa Paradisiaca) and the Potential As a Spreading Agent Ralstonia Syzygii Subsp Celebesensis on Barangan Banan in North Sumatera Indonesia

Abstract

Ralstonia syzygii subsp. celebesensis is a wilting bacterial pathogen, which is the main limiting factor of banana production in Indonesia, especially in Barangan plants in North Sumatra. The purpose of this study is to obtain data on insect diversity and its potential as a dispersing agent for R.syzygii subsp. celebesensis. This research was conducted with a purposive sampling method in the planting of banana farmer groups in Telaga Sari Village, Tanjung Morawa District, Deli Serdang Regency. The type of banana that was observed was the type of Barangan banana that was flowering. The insect sampling method used a sticky trap method and a sweeping net every two days for one month — identification of insects to species level. Isolation and identification /characterization of bacteria from vector to the Barangan flower were carried out using Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride (TTC) medium. Observation parameters are population density (K), Relative density (KR), and Relative Frequency (FR), isolation of bacteria from the body of insects of flower visitors. There are three orders of insects that visit the banana flower every day with a very high abundance. Among the orders, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera, and there are unknown types of insects. Respectively 57% (Drosophyla sp), 31% (Bractocera sp), 7% (sp-1), 3% (sp-2) 2%, (Erionota thrax), and 0% (Aphis dorsata). Propagule R. syzigii subsp celebensis was found on the outer surface and inside of the insects' vector to the Barangan banana flower in Telaga Sari Village, Tanjung Morawa District, Deli Serdang Regency.