Pests Attack Mangroves on the Maros Coast: Avicennia Most Vulnerable

Image: article cover, from Mappiasse et al. (2024), Jurnal Wasian, licensed CC BY 4.0.

A research team from Universitas Muslim Maros has identified pest infestations in mangrove stands along the coast of Maros Regency, South Sulawesi. In a study published in the Jurnal Wasian, they recorded 107 mangrove trees damaged by four groups of pests: leaf-sucking insects, leaf-eating caterpillars, stem borers and termites. The damage observed varied widely, from discoloured leaves and damaged shoots and leaves to open wounds, resin exudation, cracked stems and broken or dead branches.

Of the three mangrove species studied, Avicennia lanata proved the most vulnerable, with 50 trees affected. Stem borers attacked this species most severely, causing open wounds and resin exudation in 11 trees, four of which developed cracks in the wood. Termites also caused broken or dead branches in 11 Avicennia lanata trees. According to the study, the wood of Avicennia lanata is thought to be weaker and to possess fewer natural chemical defences than that of Rhizophora. Meanwhile, 36 Rhizophora apiculata trees were recorded as affected, with leaf-sucking insects the most common pest, causing leaf discolouration.

These findings matter because the mangroves along the Maros coast help to buffer waves, prevent erosion, provide habitat for fish and prawns, and store carbon. Untreated pest infestations can reduce productivity and accelerate the degradation of mangrove forests. The research team believes the data can inform better mangrove management strategies, including pest control tailored to the tree species concerned.

Source and how to cite

This story is based on the research article Recognition and Analysis of Pest-Induced Damage in Mangrove Ecosystems: A Case Study in Maros Coastal Region by Muh Faisal Mappiasse, Andi Nurul Mukhlisa and Muh. Faisal M Mappiasse, published in Jurnal Wasian Vol. 11 No. 2 (2024). The full article is free to read on the Jurnal Wasian website.

Cite the original article (APA 7):

Mappiasse, M. F., Mukhlisa, A. N., & Mappiasse, M. F. M. (2024). Recognition and Analysis of Pest-Induced Damage in Mangrove Ecosystems: A Case Study in Maros Coastal Region. Jurnal Wasian, 11(2), 65–76. https://doi.org/10.62142/syae7z28

If you use these findings in coursework, a thesis or other writing, cite the original article above, not this news story. The original article is licensed CC BY 4.0.