Efficacy of Eco-Friendly Bio-Pesticides against the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) for Sustainable Eggplant Cultivation in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is among the vital fruit vegetables cultivated globally for its health and nutritional benefits. However, its production has been hindered by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci G.) infestation worldwide. This study aims to assess the effect of some bio-pesticides in the control of whiteflies on eggplants under field conditions. The trial consists of seventeen (17) treatments replicated three times for 45 days. From the results obtained, neem leaf extract (60 mL/L) proved more effective against whiteflies, with 1.2 and 1.3 adults/leaf, while buttermilk and cow dung (50 mL/L) were less effective (10.1 and 10.8 adults/leaf) when compared to untreated plots (26.9 and 33.4 adults/leaf), two weeks after the third spray during the first and second trials. The highest reduction (%) in whitefly population was found using neem leaf extract (95.7 and 96.1%) and cow urine (85.8 and 96.1%), with cow dung and buttermilk exhibiting the least overall averages (65.9 and 62.3%), two weeks after the third spray during the respective trials. Neem extract and cow urine were more effective among the treatments examined and, thus, recommended to be incorporated into control strategies of whiteflies for the improved production of eggplants in the area.

Insecticidal Activities of Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen Extracts and Feeding Behavior of Schizaphis graminum Rondani: Electropenetrography Approach

“…longepedunculata root extracts have demonstrated clear insecticidal activity. The active compounds present in the fractions are involved not only in insect cytotoxicity but also in the neutralization of toxins set up by the insect for its feeding. , Previous research demonstrated that this cytotoxicity was due to a concerted action between the combination of jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and the pharmacophores of S. longepedunculata, which significantly reduced the population of S.…”

“…The active compounds present in the fractions are involved not only in insect cytotoxicity but also in the neutralization of toxins set up by the insect for its feeding. 32 , 33 Previous research 34 demonstrated that this cytotoxicity was due to a concerted action between the combination of jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and the pharmacophores of S. longepedunculata , which significantly reduced the population of S. graminum . Consequently, for aphid feeding, approximately 76 proteins present in its saliva are indispensable, including the expression of the Sg2204 protein, which acts as a suppressor of wheat defense.…”