Brown Planthopper attacks in Java are more widespread due to weather anomalies rather than simultaneous rice cultivation. Besides rice varieties, crop rotation and the use of nitrogen and insecticides have also been blamed as the factor that cause the recent Brown Planthopper outbreak. It is recorded over 120 hectares of rice fields are attacked by Brown Planthopper.
According to Tri Harjaka, S.P., M.P., lecturer of Faculty of Agriculture UGM, the attack of Brown Planthopper is not separated from the history of agriculture in Indonesia. That the history of the Planthopper develops due to the green revolution policy. "Short-lived rice varieties, the use of pesticides and excessive inorganic fertilizers cause Planthopper attacks," he said at UGM Main Building on Thursday (28/7) during the Forum Group Discussion (FGD) held by KP4 with the theme Seeking Problem Solutions to Planthopper Outbreaks.
Brown Planthopper pest since 1986 continues to rise up and down. In 1999 there was an outbreak which was then decreased, but in the year 2004/2005 there were outbreaks again. "Uncertainties of climate, such as El-nino followed by La-nina become the factors causing outbreaks of Brown Planthopper population. All affects air humidity condition, and BMKG actually have informed about this," he explained.
Tri Harjaka was concerned for the loss of predators (natural enemies) of Brown Planthopper due to excessive use of insecticides. Therefore, he supported the conservation and utilization of natural enemies as one solution. In addition, he hoped more farmers apply technology and principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Responding to the recent attacks, Prof. Dr. Ir. Y. Andi Trisyono, M. Sc, believed that this problem is complicated and increasingly widespread. If at the beginning, the attack hit West Java, the attack later expands to Central Java and East Java. "It once declined, but recently it has increased again in West Java," he said.
Andi Trisyono expected many parties pay attention to the plots of rice fields directly. "The various policies related to crop protection have been delivered to Directorate General of Agriculture. Currently, identifying the field to prevent outbreaks of Planthopper populations and action needs to be speeded up. Cases in West Java occured do to the late action," he explained.
Dr. Ir. Agus Cahyono D.K., M.Agr.Sc and Prof. Dr. Bambang Hendro Sunarminto from KP4 agreed that the Planthopper pest should be resolved soon because it will affect the food security condition. Yet both hoped that the steps to resolve Planthopper still hold to the concept of Education for Sustainable Development (EFSD). Therefore, prevention of Brown Planthopper outbreaks should maintain environmental preservation, give profits economically and be able to lift the dignity of society socially and culturally.