Mortality of the Rice Bug (Leptocorisa acuta Thunb.) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) Treated with Indian Almond (Terminalia catappa L.) Leaf Solution

Abstract

The rice bug (Leptocorisa acuta Thunb.) is a major pest of paddy capable of causing yield losses of up to 50%. This study aimed to analyze the effect of Terminalia catappa (Indian almond) leaf solution on the mortality of rice bugs. The research employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a single factor—varying concentrations of the leaf solution (9%, 18%, 27%, and 36%) alongside a control treatment (no application). Each treatment was replicated four times. Observed variables included rice bug mortality rate, speed of mortality, and the Lethal Concentration 50% (LC₅₀) value. The results indicated that the T. catappa leaf solution significantly increased rice bug mortality. The highest mortality rate (93%) was observed at the 36% concentration. Pest mortality was first observed 24 hours after application, with the fastest mortality rate occurring at the 27% concentration (within 18 hours). An LC₅₀ value of 2.92% indicates that the T. catappa leaf solution possesses a high level of toxicity, even at low concentrations.