Occurrence, Distribution, and Infestation Levels of Coccus hesperidum (Hemiptera: Coccidae) on Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the coccid insect causing severe damage to field‐grown chili pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and to assess its distribution and incidence. Infested chili pepper branches were collected, frozen for 48 h, and sent to the Indonesian Agricultural Quarantine Laboratory, Makassar, for identification. Specimens were mounted on microslides using Hein’s mountant, oven‐dried, and examined microscopically. A field survey was conducted in nine chili pepper‐producing regencies to determine the pest’s occurrence and associated plant damage. The insect was identified as the brown soft scale, Coccus hesperidum L. (Hemiptera: Coccidae). This study provides the first documented occurrence of C. hesperidum in South Sulawesi and the first evidence of chili pepper as its host. The pest was detected in four of the nine surveyed regencies, Makassar, Soppeng, Wajo, and Sidrap, with incidence varying among locations. The highest levels of infestation were recorded in Belawa, Wajo Regency (43%) and Marioriawa, Soppeng Regency (37%). The presence of C. hesperidum poses a potential threat to the sustainability of chili pepper production in South Sulawesi. Integrated management strategies are urgently needed, and further studies on the insect’s biology and ecology, resistant varieties, natural enemies, cultivation practices, and judicious insecticide use are recommended.