Effectiveness of Natural Insecticide from Leaf Extracts as a Control for Leaf Caterpillar Pests (Doleschallia bisaltide) on Handeuleum Plants (Graptophyllum pictum L. Griff)

Abstract

Leaf caterpillar pests pose a serious threat to plant growth and agricultural productivity by damaging leaf tissues and reducing photosynthesis. Although synthetic insecticides are widely used for their rapid action, excessive application has caused environmental pollution, pest resistance, and ecosystem imbalance, creating an urgent need for sustainable, climate-adaptive pest control alternatives. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of natural insecticides derived from betel leaf, papaya leaf, lemongrass leaf, and soursop leaf as a bioscience-based solution for controlling leaf caterpillar pests on handeuleum plants. A quantitative experimental method was employed, using caterpillar mortality time as the leading indicator of effectiveness. The results revealed significant differences among the tested extracts. Betel leaf extract showed the highest effectiveness with an average mortality time of 1.45 minutes, followed by soursop leaf (5 minutes), papaya leaf (8 minutes), and lemongrass leaf (15 minutes). These findings indicate that betel leaf extract has strong potential as an environmentally friendly and sustainable pest control method. The use of locally sourced plant-based insecticides can reduce dependence on synthetic pesticides, support ecosystem balance, and contribute to food security, reinforcing the role of bioscience innovation in achieving sustainable agriculture and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).