Investigating insect pest diversity and feeding preferences on eggplants in Jambi, Indonesia

This study aims to assess the diversity and index of insect pests infesting eggplant plantations (Solanum melongena L.) across various locations in Jambi. Employing a qualitative approach, the research selected five eggplant plantation sites as research stations using purposive sampling techniques. Insect sampling involved hand collection and the use of yellow traps and pitfall traps. A total of 15 insect pest species belonging to 14 families and 5 orders were identified in the eggplant plantations. Bactrocera dorsalis, a member of the Tephritidae family, exhibited the highest abundance, while Agrotis ipsilon from the Noctuidae family was the least prevalent. Station II recorded the highest species diversity index value at 2.42, whereas station III had the lowest diversity value at 2.3, categorizing the insect pest diversity index as medium. None of the species dominated in terms of dominance index value, and the evenness index indicated medium uniformity. As regards to host part preferences, Bactrocera dorsalis was predominantly found on fruit, Aphis spp. on leaves, Brachytrupes portentosus on stems, Bactrocera dorsalis on flowers, and Paracoccus marginatus on petioles.