Seeds of Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss). Promising Biopesticide in the Management of Cowpea Insect Pests and Grain Yield in the Early Cropping Season at Asaba and Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Literature on the use of neem extract as biopesticide in the management of field insect pests on cowpea in Nigeria is scanty. The present study evaluated the efficacy of extract of neem seeds at 5 percent concentration for the control of the cowpea aphid, <em>Aphis craccivora </em>Koch, flower bud thrips, <em>Megalurothrips sjostedti</em> Tryb, legume pod borer, <em>Maruca vitrata </em>Fab, and a spectrum of pod sucking bugs (Coreidae bugs) all key field insect pests of cowpea. The experiments were conducted in the early cropping season in two locations – Asaba and Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria. At Asaba, the study took place in the Teaching and Research Farm of the Agronomy Department, Asaba Campus and at Abraka on a plot of land situated close to the Agricultural Sciences Department, Delta State University, Abraka. The experiments consisted of two calendar sprays – 7 days’ spray intervals at 5 times and 10 days’ spray intervals at 4 times and monitored spray and a control. There were 4 treatments and 3 replicates, organised into a randomised complete block design (RCBD). The results indicated that more insect pests occurred at Asaba than Abraka plot. The calendared spray treatments significantly (P<0.05) reduced <em>M. sjostedti </em>at Asaba and <em>A. craccivora</em> colonies at Abraka plot compared to control. Grain yield was significantly higher at Abraka (1630.70kg ha^-1) compared to Asaba (404.90 kg ha^-1). The neem seed extract at 5 percent concentration in the management of the cowpea insect pest is quite attractive. However, the botanical causes delay in cowpea flowering

A comprehensive review of phytochemical profile, bioactives for pharmaceuticals, and pharmacological attributes of Azadirachta indica

“…These extracts showed adverse effects on biology of Maruca testulalis (Ivbijaro, 1990;Tanzubil, 1991). The extract of seeds in methanol (5%) was effective in cowpea pest management because it delayed the flowering time (Egho & IIondu, 2012).…”

Evaluation et selection participative des varietes ameliorees de niebe en milieu rural dans le departement de couffo au Benin

“…Il est suivi du Niger avec 650 000 tonnes, du Brésil 600 000 tonnes et du Mali avec 110 000 tonnes (IITA, 2003;Egho et Ilondu, 2012). Le niébé fait l'objet de transaction.…”

Herbal Pesticides, a Natural Weapon to Control the Insect Pests: A Review

“…Polar and non-polar extractions of neem yield 24 compounds other than azadirachtin that are of biological importance (Jacobson, 1999;Egho, 2012). These include anthraquinones, saponins, tannins, alkaloid, limonoids and meliantriol among others.…”