<![CDATA[Purple eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a horticultural commodity of important economic value whose productivity is often constrained by the infestation of eggplant fruit and shoot borer (Leucinodes orbonalis). This pest attacks shoots and fruits, leading to reduced quality and quantity of the yield. This study aimed to determine the infestation rate and population density of L. orbonalis on purple eggplant in the field. The research was conducted for approximately 3 months at Parit Tembakul Road, Punggur Kecil, Sungai Kakap District, Kubu Raya Regency. The observation method was conducted through direct field monitoring. Sample plants were selected systematically, comprising 20% of the total 180 plants. Variables observed included egg, larval, and imago densities, percentage of infested shoots and fruits, weight of infested and normal fruits, initial fruit infestation, and environmental factors (temperature, humidity, rainfall). The results revealed that the population of L. orbonalis was relatively low, with the highest egg density at 9 eggs (mean of 0.25 eggs/plant), peak larval density at 5 larvae (mean of 0.13 larvae/plant), and only 1 adult moth (imago) captured. Despite the low population, the infestation rate remained high. The highest shoot infestation percentage occurred in the eighth week (94 DAT), ranging from 16.66% to 66.66%. Fruit infestation percentages ranged between 20.33% and 40.00%, with an early attack occurring rapidly at an average of 1.78 ± 1.97 days after fruit-set. The pest attack caused a 16.23% reduction in fruit weight (normal fruit weight averaged 123.67 g compared to infested fruit at 103.60 g). Ambient environmental conditions (mean temperature of 27,11ᵒC, humidity of 84.02%, and rainfall of 295.07 mm) favored the pest development. It is concluded that although the population density of L. orbonalis was relatively low, the fruit damage level was significantly high. Therefore, intensive management strategies must be implemented early, specifically from the flowering stage to early fruit formation. ]]>
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