Grandy Sihotang
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of active compounds contained in several plant species as botanical pesticides to control mealybug pests (Pseudococcus lilacinus). Mealybugs are major agricultural pests that damage plants by sucking cell sap, leading to growth inhibition and yield loss. The excessive use of synthetic pesticides poses health and environmental risks and promotes pest resistance. Therefore, botanical alternatives are needed for safer and sustainable pest control. The research used plant extracts containing bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, which act as contact poisons, antifeedants, and growth inhibitors. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate mortality rates of mealybugs under different extract concentrations. The results showed that certain plant extracts significantly increased mealybug mortality, indicating their potential as effective botanical pesticides. This finding supports the use of plant-based pesticides as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals.