Abundance of Pests and Predators in Rice Cultivation Practical Lands at The CBSUA Campus

Abstract

This study investigated the abundance of pests and predators in rice cultivation practicum fields at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) campus to better understand ecological interactions within the rice agroecosystem. Rice is a strategic food crop that is highly vulnerable to pest attacks; therefore, information on pest populations and their natural enemies is essential for supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. The objectives of this study were to identify pest and predator species present in the practicum field, quantify their abundance, and evaluate community structure based on diversity and dominance indices. Field observations were conducted on 25 and 27 October 2025 using sweep net sampling and direct visual observation. Data collected included the number of individuals for each pest and predator species, which were subsequently analyzed to determine abundance indices, the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H’), and the Simpson dominance index (C). The results showed that four pest species belonging to two orders (Hemiptera and Orthoptera) were identified, with a total of 18 individuals. The most abundant pests were Leptocorisa oratorius and Eucriotettix tricarinatus. Three predator species from three different orders (Coleoptera, Araneae, and Odonata) were recorded, totaling 26 individuals, dominated by Micrapis crocea. Pest and predator communities exhibited moderate diversity (H’ = 1.23 and 1.00, respectively) and low dominance indices, indicating a relatively balanced agroecosystem.

Overall, the higher abundance of predators compared to pests suggests strong potential for natural pest regulation. These findings highlight the importance of conserving predator populations to support sustainable rice production through IPM implementation.