Push-Pull systems as a nature-based solution for sustainable pest management in chili pepper agroecosystems

Intensified agricultural practices and climate change have both increased pest pressure on crops; therefore, many farmers are reliant on the application of synthetic pesticides, which have harmful environmental effects. The push-pull method of pest management, which alters insect behavior by manipulating their responses to their environment, is a nature-based solution that helps produce a healthier, more sustainable food production system. This study investigated the effects of push-pull systems on pesticide application frequency, pest management efficiency, and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum) productivity. The field experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Seeds Research Centre in West Java, Indonesia, from August 2024 to March 2025. A randomized complete block design with 3 treatments and 7 replicates was used to evaluate two push-pull systems: Aromatic intercrops, such as coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and celery (Apium graveolens L.), plus light traps, and traditional chemical-based pest management. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by least significant difference (LSD) test at the 5% significance level (P < 0.05). The push-pull system significantly reduced total fruit damage caused by pests and diseases to 27.77%-28.91%, compared with 37.48% under traditional methods (P < 0.05). Pest populations remained below the economic threshold, eliminating the need for insecticide application. In addition, plant growth and yield components improved under the push-pull system, increasing yields up to 28.45% compared with the farmer-managed system (P ≤ 0.05). Similar microclimatic conditions across treatments indicate that these differences were mainly driven by ecological interactions rather than abiotic factors. This study demonstrated that push-pull systems can simultaneously reduce pesticide use, suppress pest populations, and enhance crop productivity in chili pepper production systems.