Pests of Sonneratia caseolaris seedlings in the mangrove restoration area nursery of Berbak-Sembilang National Park and its damage

Abstract Sonneratia caseolaris is one of the mangrove species that is widespread in Indonesia. It has important ecological functions to protect coastal foreshores. However, the S. caseolaris seedlings are rarely to be planted in mangrove restoration projects. One of the challenges in producing many S. caseolaris seedlings for mangrove restoration projects is pest infestation. However, the information on those pests is still limited. This study aimed to identify S. caseolaris pests that hinder the successfulness of cultivation. The incidence and intensity of pest infestation on S. caseolaris seedlings have also been assessed. This research was carried out in the nursery of the mangrove restoration area of Berbak-Sembilang National Park. The results showed that insect and rodentia were two major groups found infested S. caseolaris seedlings. Three species of insect pests were identified, namely Pteroma plagiophleps, Ooecophylla sp., and Sexava sp. The incidence and severity of P. plagiophleps, Ooecophylla sp., and Sexava sp. infestation were 16.38%; 21.02%; 6.68%; and 30.83%; 42.67%, 25.83%, respectively. For rodentia pest, the Rattus sp. was the only species found to infest the plant, with an incidence of 16.67%. These all pests significantly affect the growth performance of S. caseolaris seedlings.