Impact of Selected Pesticides on the Population of Leaf Miners on Chinese Celery, Apium graveolens var. secalinum

Abstract

In Malaysia, leaf miners, primarily from the Diptera order and Agromyzidae family, are significant agricultural pests that cause extensive damage to a wide range of crops. This study evaluates the efficacy of two insecticides, deltamethrin and cyromazine, in managing leaf miner populations on Chinese celery, Apium graveolens var. secalinum, in the Cameron Highlands. Utilizing a completely randomized design (CRD) approach, the research measured the impact of these pesticides on the pests' larval and pupal development stages. The field trials were conducted on an experimental plot in Habu, Ringlet, where treatments included three concentrations of cyromazine and a standard concentration of deltamethrin, with water serving as a control. Data collection methods combined direct and indirect observational techniques, including the use of Yellow Sticky Traps (YST) for adult activity and detailed leaf examinations for larval and pupal stages. Statistical analysis was performed using the Henderson-Tilton formula to assess the reduction in pest populations. Results indicated that deltamethrin significantly reduced leaf miner activity, demonstrating a 35.2% decrease in leaf mining and a 47.5% reduction in pupal emergence, confirming its immediate effectiveness. Conversely, cyromazine showed a gradual impact, significantly disrupting larval to pupal transition, with the highest dose achieving a 17.9% reduction in pupal emergence. This study highlights the differential impacts of these pesticides and contributes valuable insights into effective pest management strategies in tropical agriculture.