KBRN, Jakarta: Chrysanthemum has become a popular ornamental flower in both domestic and export markets. However, its productivity is now threatened by pests and diseases.

The Horticulture Research Center of the National Innovation and Research Agency (BRIN) has identified dominant pest organisms in Cipanas, West Java. This finding indicates a serious threat to the quality and sustainability of national chrysanthemum production.

Senior Researcher Tonny Koestoni Moekasan from BRIN explained that the dominant pests include thrips, armyworms, aphids, and whiteflies. Field observations show that thrips and leaf miners most affect the growth and health of chrysanthemum plants.

Thrips cause leaf curling and suboptimal flower development. Meanwhile, leaf miners damage the tissue, leaving permanent scars.

Whiteflies also suck plant fluids and act as vectors for virus diseases. Therefore, integrated pest management is an essential need for chrysanthemum farmers.

Tonny emphasized that control efforts cannot be partial but must be comprehensive. The strategy includes cultivation practices, land sanitation, and the installation of pest traps.

In field practice, he recommends blue traps to suppress thrips populations. The traps are installed on plant canopies using plastic sheets coated with glue.

If mechanical methods are insufficient, pesticide use is an option. However, its application must consider dosage, safety standards, and solvent water quality.

Tonny explained that pesticide effectiveness is influenced by water pH. Pesticides work optimally at a pH of 4.5 to 5.

Unfortunately, many farmers do not measure water pH and still use simple measuring tools. This reduces dosing accuracy and spraying effectiveness.

Besides pests, BRIN researcher Eli Korlina found dominant diseases, including white rust, leaf blight, and viral infections. She recommends using biological agents such as Trichoderma, Gliocladium, and biopesticides Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium.

Meanwhile, researcher Neni Gunaeni highlighted the discovery of viroids attacking chrysanthemums in Cipanas. Viroid infection causes stunted plants and small flowers.

This series of pest and disease identifications is an important part of BRIN’s research. The effort supports integrated control and maintains the sustainability of national chrysanthemum production. ***

Translator: Annaila Syafa Azzahra

Editor: Sri Wahyuni