The effect of kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) leaves extract in chloroform as ladybug (Epilachna sparsa) antifeedant, a preliminary study

Ladybugs "Oteng-oteng" (Epilachna sparsa) are often found in eggplant fields and eat eggplant leaves. This condition causes stunted growth of eggplants and material loss for farmers. Although quite effective, synthetic pesticides can pollute the environment, be resistant to the pest, and harm human health. To overcome it, natural pesticides or biopesticides are used. Citrus hystrix leaves is one of plants used as antifeedant. This preliminary study aims to determine effectiveness of Citrus hystrix leaves extract as antifeedant against Epilachna sparsa. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of farnesol, caryophyllene oxide, nerodilol, citronellol, and citronellal as known insect repellents. The chloroform extract of C. hystrix leaves was smeared on the eggplant leaves, observed for 3 days, and analyzed to know the effectiveness of the treatment. As a result, the C. hystrix leaves extract was less effective of being used as an antifeedant against E. sparsa with eating inhibition value (%PM) of 32.35% based on the weight of the leaves eaten by E. sparsa.