Abstract
A field experiment on eco-friendly pest control in cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.) field was conducted at Rajshahi University during April, 2011 to June, 2011 with eight botanical pesticides prepared from the leaves and seeds of Bangladeshi plants. These botanicals are mahogany seeds, (Swietenia mahagoni), chirata leaves (Swertia chirata), jute seeds (Corchorus olitorius L.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), marigold leaves (Tagetes erecta) and carrot leaves (Daucus carota). One control treatment without botanicals was maintained during this experiment where only water was sprayed. Out of these botanicals, a less number of insect attacks on cucumber leaves (1.33 ± 0.19) were found in combined treatment of mahogany and chirata whereas a high number of insect attacks were observed in combined treatment of garlic and jute seed (5.89 ± 0.40) and control (4.66 ± 0.33). Individual application of chirata extract also showed good protection of cucumber leaves (1.67 ± 0.19) from insect attack. A smaller number of leaves perforations were found in the combined treatment of mahogany and chirata (3.44 ± 0.29) compared to control (14.22 ± 1.05). Chirata extract also showed good performance (4.00 ± 0.19) against leaves perforation of insect. Besides the pest control, botanical pesticides also have enormous effect on plant growth. The tallest cucumber plant was observed in the combined treatment of mahogany and chirata (469.00 ± 63.51 cm) and shortest in garlic treatment (84.56 ± 15.24 cm). The cucumber production was also high in combined treatment of mahogany and chirata (1863.33 ± 196.32 g) compared to control (1260.00 ± 501.63 g). From this study, it is found that combined application of mahogany and chirata extract not only showed good protection of cucumber plant from insect attack but also increased the cucumber production. Therefore, we conclude that farmers should use botanical pesticides from mahogany seeds and chirata leaves instead of toxic chemical insecticides for controlling pest in cucumber field.
Highlights
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an important vegetable and one of the most popular members of the Cucurbitaceae family [1,2]
A field experiment on eco-friendly pest control in cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.) field was conducted at Rajshahi University during April, 2011 to June, 2011 with eight botanical pesticides prepared from the leaves and seeds of Bangladeshi plants
We conclude that farmers should use botanical pesticides from mahogany seeds and chirata leaves instead of toxic chemical insecticides for controlling pest in cucumber field
Summary
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an important vegetable and one of the most popular members of the Cucurbitaceae family [1,2]. It is thought to be one of the oldest vegetables cultivated by man with historical records dating back 5000 years [3]. The plant has large leaves that form a canopy over the fruit. The fruit of the cucumber is roughly cylindrical, elongated with tapered ends, and may be as large as 60 centimeters (24 in) long and 10 centimeters (3.9 in) in diameter. Having an enclosed seed and developing from a flower, botanically speaking, cucumbers are classified as accessory fruits. Much like tomatoes and squash they are often perceived, prepared and eaten as vegetables.
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