The effect of refugia flowers (Cosmos sulphureus Cav.) on pest and natural enemy population dynamics of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in Panaikang, Maros District, South Sulawesi

Improving domestic soybean production remains constrained by persistent pest infestations that reduce both yield and quality. The effect of refugia flowers (Cosmos sulphureus Cav.) on pest and natural enemy population dynamics in soybean fields in Panaikang, South Sulawesi was investigated. The presence of yellow kenikir significantly altered arthropod community structure by increasing the abundance of key natural enemies, including Coccinella sp., Oxyopes sp., and Odonata, compared with insecticide-treated and artificial flower plots. Plots with C. sulphureus (P3) showed higher arthropod abundance, including both pests and natural enemies. Despite increased pest presence, pod damage intensity was lower, indicating enhanced biological control. Major pests such as Lamprosema indicata, Spodoptera litura, Melanagromyza sojae, and Valanga nigricornis were observed across treatments. However, damage caused by Etiella zinckenella was consistently lower in P3 plots, with a reduction of 5–11% during the pof filling stage. These findings indicated that C. sulphureus refugia enhanced ecosystem-based pest regulation by strengthening natural enemy activity rather than reducing pest visitation. This approach is represented a sustainable strategy for integrated pest management in soybean cultivation.