The Response of Arthropod Diversity in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) to Application of Brotowali (Tinospora crispa L.) Stem Botanical Insecticide

Abstract

Botanical insecticide from Brotowali (Tinospora crispa) stems offers an alternative pest control method that is safer for non-target organisms. This study aimed to identify the bioactive compounds of Brotowali stems, determine LC₉₅ toxicity, and evaluate its effects on arthropod diversity and rice yield. Research was conducted at the Bioscience and TPB Laboratories of Politeknik Negeri Jember and in rice fields at Balung Lor Village, Jember. Arthropods were collected using sweep nets, sticky traps, yellow pan traps, and pitfall traps. Field trials compared plots treated with either fipronil or Brotowali bioinsecticide. GC-MS analysis revealed dominant compounds: hexadecanoic acid (17.40%), oleic acid (16.25%), and acetic acid (11.82%). LC₉₅ toxicity was 40.178%. Arthropod observations recorded 2,090 individuals from 32 species in the Brotowali plot, versus 872 individuals from 27 species in the fipronil plot. Both treatments showed moderate diversity (H), no species dominance (C), moderate richness (R), even distribution (E), and high similarity (91.53%). Rice yield differed significantly (Mann-Whitney test), Overall, Brotowali stem bioinsecticide maintained arthropod diversity and improved rice yield, showing potential as an eco-friendly pest control strategy.