Courses : Forest Ecology Lecturer : Frischa Adellia Semester : 4thSemester, 2022/2023 Session Plants Tolerant to Pest Attacks Plants tolerant to pest attacks are plants that have a high level of tolerance to certain pest attacks without experiencing significant damage or significant loss of yield. In an agricultural context, plants tolerant to pest attacks are plants that are able to survive and remain productive even though they are exposed to pest attacks. Plants tolerant to pest attacks usually have several traits or mechanisms that support tolerance to pest attacks, including: 1. Natural resistance: These plants have genetic traits that make them less attractive to certain pests or make it difficult for pests to damage the plant. These can include physical traits such as thick skin or thorns, or natural chemical compounds that make the plant less palatable to pests. 2. Regenerative ability: Tolerant plants often have the ability to recover from damage caused by pest attacks quickly. They are able to regenerate damaged tissue or grow new leaves quickly after an attack. 3. Defense response: Tolerant plants can have a defense system that is more active or responsive to pest attacks. They may produce chemical compounds or activate biochemical defense mechanisms that help protect plants from pest attacks. 4. Damage tolerance: Tolerant plants often have a greater capacity to endure physical or physiological damage caused by pests without experiencing significant reductions in yield. They can remain productive even though they suffer considerable damage to certain parts. Implementing pest-tolerant crops can help farmers reduce the risk of losses caused by pest attacks, especially in situations where chemical pest control is ineffective or impractical. In addition, tolerant crops can also contribute to reducing the use of chemical pesticides and support more environmentally sustainable agriculture. The following are some examples of plants tolerant to pest attacks: 1. Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea): Peanuts have a high tolerance to attack by soil nematodes, especially Meloidogyne spp. Peanut plants are able to grow and produce good harvests even in soil infected with nematodes. 2. Corn (Zea mays): Corn is an example of a plant that is tolerant to pest attacks such as armyworms (Spodoptera spp.) and other leaf pests. Even though corn can be attacked by various types of pests, its ability to continue to grow and produce good corn cobs is relatively high. 3. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum): There are several varieties of tomatoes that are tolerant to diseases such as Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt. Tomato plants that are tolerant can continue to grow and produce fruit even if infected by the pathogen. 4. Potato (Solanum tuberosum): Potatoes also have varieties that are tolerant to pests and diseases, such as the Phytophthora infestans fungus which causes leaf and fruit rot in potatoes. Tolerant potato varieties are able to produce good tubers even if they are attacked by the disease. 5. Rice (Oryza sativa): Several rice varieties have a high tolerance to pest attacks such as brown planthoppers and diseases such as blast. Tolerant rice often has the ability to continue to grow and produce good grain even when infected by pests or diseases. 6. Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.): Pumpkin plants, including yellow pumpkin and green pumpkin, have several varieties that are tolerant to pest attacks such as leaf-sucking insects and diseases such as root rot. Tolerant pumpkin plants are able to survive and produce fruit that is suitable for consumption even though they are exposed to pests and disease. From the various examples of plants tolerant to pest attacks above, it can be concluded that tolerant plants have the ability to survive and remain productive even though they are exposed to pest or disease attacks. This ability provides benefits for farmers in reducing the risk of losses caused by pest attacks, as well as reducing dependence on the use of chemical pesticides. Thus, the use of tolerant plants can be an effective strategy in achieving more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.