Evaluation of three aqueous plant extracts and Lamdacot in controlling eggplant fruit borer (Daraba laisalis Wlk.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in north-eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Field experiments carried out in Dadinkowa, Gombe State, Nigeria, during 2007 and 2008 cropping seasons evaluated the efficacy of three aqueous plant extracts namely neem (Azadirachta indica A.H.L. Juss.), bitter melon (Momordica balsamina Linn.) and siam weed (Chromolaena odorota (L.) King and Robinson) compared to a conventional insecticide, Lamdacot 500EC, in managing fruit borer (Daraba laisalis Wlk.) attack of eggplants in north-eastern Nigeria. The experiments were laid out in a randomised complete block design replicated four times including controls. The results showed that the application of aqueous extracts (5% w/v concentration) of A. indica and M. balsamina at one-week interval during the fruiting stage was effective and at par with the conventional insecticide, Lamdacot, in reducing eggplant fruit borer infestation and fruit damage, as well as the resulting increase in fruit yield. Farmers can therefore adopt the practice of applying 5% w/v concentration of the above aqueous plant extracts at weekly intervals to control fruit borer attack of eggplants in the north-eastern region of Nigeria.