OPARAEKE A.M., DIKE M.C., AMATOBI C.I.
Abstract
The mixtures of Neem and Eucalyptus leaf extracts with extracts of other plant species was investigated for efficacy in the management of two major post flowering insect pests (Maruca pod borers and Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stal.) of cowpea in the Research Farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. The results revealed that in 2000 and 2001 seasons the mean number of Maruca vitrata (F.) was reduced (< 1.0 / flower and /or pod) on plots sprayed with leaf extracts of Neem + Lemongrass, Neem + African curry, Neem + Tomato, Neem + Bitter leaf, and Eucalyptus + African Bush tea. Pod sucking bugs (dominated by C. tomentosicollis) numbers were suppressed (< 1.5 / plant) on plots treated with leaf extracts of Neem + African curry, Neem + Lemongrass, Neem + Tomato, Neem + Bitter leaf, and Eucalyptus + African Bush tea. These extracts mixtures caused great reductions in pod damage per plant and ensured higher grain yield compared with the unsprayed plots during the two years of investigation. The complementary roles played by individual plant species used for the extracts mixtures in reducing pests numbers and increasing grain yields on sprayed plots suggest the future direction of new formulations of Biopesticides in the management of field pests of crops on farms owned by resource limited farmers in low input agriculture characterizing the developing countries.
Key words:
Extracts, mixtures, Maruca, coreid bug, control, cowpea.