Effect of Fertilization on the Severity of Attack by the Defoliator Caterpillar (Noorda blitealis Walker, 1859) and on the Yield of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam, Lam. moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam, 1785)

Abstract

Purpose: Moringa, which is increasingly grown pure in semi-intensive and intensive systems, requires adequate fertilization to produce well. In some cases, this operation can inhibit the development of its bioaggressors. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different types of fertilization on the defoliator caterpillar (Noorda blitealis) and moringa production. Methodology: The trial was conducted on the Kalapaté experimental station belonging to the Institut ational de la recherche agronomique du Niger over two seasons. The experimental design was a split-plot with 4 replications in which the main plots were represented by fertilizer types (NPK, cattle, poultry and compost). The elementary plots were made up of fertilizer doses (0, 0, 5, 1 and 1.5 kg/ha for organic fertilizers, and 0, 3, 6 and 9 g/package for NPK). The severity of the caterpillar attack and moringa yield were recorded. Findings: The results showed that NPK acted faster than other fertilizers in reducing the severity of attack by N. blitealis. The reduction rate was 28.40% in the first season compared with cattle manure, which is the most attacked. In the second season, compost had a similar effect to NPK. Both reduced this parameter by over 45% each compare to cattle and poultry manure. Their action consequently increased moringa yield compared with cattle manure and poultry droppings. Also, a negative linear relationship was noted between manure dose and severity of attack, while the dose-yield relationship was of the second-degree polynomial type. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Compost can therefore be used to minimize attacks by Noorda blitealis and can enable sustainable production without any risk of toxicity from synthetic pesticides. In view of these results, moringa growers must compost cattle and poultry manure, and all other organic sources of fertilization, before any application.