Effects of Leave and Bark Ash of Azadirachta Indica Extracts Against Insect Pest of Amaranthus Hybridus L

Abstract

A field study was carried out to assess the efficacy of some botanicals in the control of field insect pests of Amaranthus hybridus. Dry leaf and bark ash extract of Azadirachta indica served as treatments which were compared with Lambdacyhalothrin and a control. The experiment was fitted into a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data collected were subjected to a two-way analysis of variance and significant different means were separated using Fishers Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at 5 % level of probability. The results revealed that treated plants generally performed better than the untreated plants as they were taller, had more leaves, branches, wider stem girths and gave higher fruit yield. bark ash extract of Azadirachta indica performed better in most parameters measured. The results indicate that leaf and bark ash extract of Azadirachta indica if properly harnessed can be used as a biopesticide in the control of field insect pest of A. hybridus.