Effectiveness of Homemade Repellents and Spray Timing in Controlling Insect Pest in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and Chinese Mustard (Brassica rapa var. Parachinensis)

Abstract

Pest is primary main destructive agents in fruits and vegetable production that impact the quality and its production. Insect pests are the most ruinous agents that attack vegetable plants. Use of chemical pesticides has become extensive to reduce the losses. However, synthetic pesticides can have adverse effects on the environment and human if applied without proper training in pesticide application. One of the alternative ways to control pests that are environmentally safe and cost effective is by using natural repellents. However, there are little study conducted on the application method regarding the effectiveness of the natural repellent in controlling pest. Hence, the present experiment was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of neem fermentation and the combination solution of garlic, chili and ginger and its spray timing in controlling pest on Abelmoschus esculentus and Brassica rapa. There are two different application times, which are early morning 8-9 a.m. and the late evening which is between 6-7 p.m. The parameters collected were severity of pest infestation, number of pests infected in each treatment, and the yield of okra and mustard. Data were analysed using ANOVA and mean comparison using LSD. The result show that for both okra and mustard treated with neem can control insect attacks most effectively, followed by mixture of chili, garlic, and ginger. Between application times of natural plant repellent, spraying in late evening showed the most efficient in controlling pest attack, compared to spray in the early morning.