Production of a Biopesticide Based on a Cysteine Protease Enzyme from Latex and Papaya (Carica Papaya) for Spodoptera Litura in Red Chili Peppers (Capsicum Annuum)

Spodoptera litura is one of the major pests on red chili peppers (Capsicum annuum). Larvae damage crops by biting, chewing, and then eating the lower surface of the leaves. The leaves became transparent white, and severe damage only leaves the leaf’s midrib and veins. Papaya latex (Carica papaya) could be used as a pesticide because it contains cysteine protease, which is a substance that can inhibit the insects from eating the leaves or even kill the pests. The purpose of this study was to produce an organic pesticide from the cysteine protease extracted from papaya latex that is effective against Spodoptera litura. A completely randomized design was used with latex from papaya leaves, papaya rind, and papaya fruit. The methods used were blending and tapping. The blending method was conducted via a chemical extraction using buffer phosphate and ammonium sulfate. The tapping method was conducted via a chemical extraction using acetone. These methods were compared by using an enzyme activity test and efficacy test. The enzyme activity test used a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and the efficacy test was done on Spodoptera litura larvae, which were given red chili pepper leaf covered with an organic pesticide from cysteine protease.

Cysteine protease; Papaya latex; Red chili pepper; Spodoptera litura

The protease activity assay of the crude papain extracts revealed that the greatest activity was observed in an extract from the rind of the papaya conducted through the blending method. Furthermore, the odor test showed that the crude papain extract was best stored at 10°C. The protease activity of papain extract reached up to 98 ppm. This high protease activity resulted from papain extract that was stored at a temperature of 37°C. The efficacy test showed that the papain extract was powerful enough to kill Spodoptera litura, especially in wet conditions.

The authors would like to thank for the support provided by Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education Republic of Indonesia, Universitas Indonesia, and USAID SHERA.

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