Correlation of Mottle Disease Severity and Insect Vector Abundance on Black Pepper Yield

Insect-borne viral diseases epidemics are influenced by interaction among host plants, viruses, their vectors, and environment. Two species of mealybugs i.e. Planococcus minor Ferrisia virgata known as virus vectors that cause mottle disease on black pepper (Piper nigrum). Research was conducted to determine the main factors affecting spread in field. Study observing 30 productive plants at experimental field Sukabumi, West Java. The parameters involved abundance mealybugs, severity disease, yield plants. Disease plant assessed for three consecutive harvest seasons, while mealybug observed every two months a year. results showed did not have significant affect yield, indicating does play prominent role spreading. Simple linear regression between coefficient determination R2 value about 0.4351 with negative correlation, opposite effect yield. Increasing moderately decrease. Therefore, planting free seed stocks applying good cultivation practices will inhibit development spreading which turn continuous optimal yields.