Research Article
Evaluation of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Seed Extract Against Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Maize Fields
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
127-136
Received:
18 October 2024
Accepted:
9 November 2024
Published:
9 December 2024
Abstract: The increasing trends of damage to staple crops as well as the economic losses due to the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), the notorious invasive insect pests prompted to devise effective pest management in colonized regions to ensure sustainable crop health. Deploying bioactive plant material is among the novel eco-friendly approaches to managing insect pests in maize agro-ecosystems. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the efficacy of neem seed extracts against S.frugiperda under field conditions at Babile, eastern Ethiopia. A total of 8 treatments, including 6 different neem seed extracts, Megathrin 0.5 L/ha, and un-sprayed (untreated) plots were set up in randomized complete block design with three replications to evaluate their efficacy against S.frugiperda in maize fields. Results showed that S.frugiperda infestation was significantly influenced by the treatments both at 32 days after sowing (DAS) and 39 DAS, however, a non-significant difference was observed at 25 DAS. Moreover, except for the number of rows per ear, all crop parameters were significantly influenced by the treatments. Notably, the treatments reduced S.frugiperda incidence and severity and achieved higher crop performance over untreated maize plants. Between 3.9% to 25.7% and 0.0% to 19.6%, reductions were recorded for S.frugiperda incidence at 32 DAS and 39 DAS, respectively, compared to untreated plants. Similarly, 22.7% to 47.7% and 33.8% to 46.2% reductions were observed for S.frugiperda severity at 32 DAS and 39 DAS, respectively. The highest grain yield (36.4 Qt/ha) was obtained from neem @ 75 gm/Lx3, which was followed by Megathrin 0.5 L/ha (31.9 Qt/ha), neem @ 62.5gm/Lx3 (31.6Qt/ha) and neem @ 75gm/Lx2 (31.2 Qt/ha), while significantly the lowest grain yield (21.8 Qt/ha) was obtained from untreated maize plants. Results indicated that the field application of neem seed extracts resulted in a significant reduction of S.frugiperda infestation and provided considerable yield advantages as compared to untreated plants. Hence, the promising efficacy of the locally available botanical insecticide could provide an opportunity to deploy it against S.frugiperda as an eco-friendly approach, although further study is needed to validate the findings of the present study across seasons and agroecologies.
Abstract: The increasing trends of damage to staple crops as well as the economic losses due to the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), the notorious invasive insect pests prompted to devise effective pest management in colonized regions to ensure sustainable crop health. Deploying bioactive plant material is among the novel eco-friendly approaches to man...
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,
Emana Getu,
Mulatu Wakgari,
Ashenafi Kassie,
Muluken Goftishu
