Neem Plant Extract Research Articles

Antibacterial Efficacy of Plant Aqueous Extracts Against Escherichia coli O157:H7 Bacteria in Grenada, West Indies

Antimicrobial resistance has developed as a major health problem worldwide, endangering the efficacy of antibiotics and imposing a severe burden of resistant infections. The progressive increase in the prevalence of multiple resistant bacterial strains paves the way for the selection of natural plants with antibacterial properties as an alternative substitution for the treatment of bacterial infections. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the antibacterial efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica), moringa (Moringa oleifera), and curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) against Escherichia coli (E coli) O157:H7 isolated from a fecal sample of a goat from Grenada. This is the first medicinal plant-based research study in Grenada on this important zoonotic pathogen. Aqueous extracts of medicinal plants were evaluated for antibacterial efficacy in vitro, using the agar well diffusion method, and subsequently compared with the antibacterial drug gentamicin. The resulting data demonstrated that aqueous plant extracts of neem leaves, moringa leaves, and curry leaves exhibited in vitro antibacterial efficacy comparable to that of gentamicin against E coli O157:H7 goat isolate. Hence, these plants could be used as an effective substitute for antibacterial agents in prophylactic or therapeutic control of bacterial infections in Grenada.

A review on application of green nanoparticles from neem and eucalyptus

Abstract Nanotechnology is concerned with the creation and use of nanoscale materials. The synthetic methods for nanoparticles are associated with environmental hazards. This review begins with the need for synthesizing nanoparticles biogenically. Hence, it describes the green synthesis of different metal nanoparticles using the plant extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) as reductant and stabilizers. Importantly, this review summarizes the medical applications of green nanoparticles, made using plants with medicinal values. The environmental uses of the same nanoparticles are also explored. There is immense literature where nanoparticle-based applications in medicine and environment concentrates more on chemical or physical methods, we hope this review would help reader to focus more on environment friendly synthesis of nanoparticles and their important roles.

Efficacy of Ginger and Neem Plant Extracts against Nematode Parasites in Local Chickens: A Comparative Study

This research, conducted from May 2022 to February 2023, aimed to assess the effectiveness of alcoholic and aqueous extracts from Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Azadirachta indica (neem) plants against nematode parasites in local chickens within Salah al-Din, Iraq. A total of 360 chicken fecal samples were collected from various areas and examined using light microscopy, identifying Tichostrongylus tenius and Subulura brumpti as the prevalent nematode species. The study revealed that the 100% concentration of alcoholic neem extract exhibited the highest efficacy, eliminating worms within hours compared to the control group. Ginger extracts also demonstrated effectiveness, with the 100% concentration displaying rapid worm elimination. The results suggest the potential use of these plant extracts as natural remedies for nematode infestations in poultry, addressing critical health and economic concerns in the industry.
 Highlights : 
 
 Alcoholic neem extract at 100% concentration showed rapid efficacy against nematode parasites.
 Ginger extracts also demonstrated effectiveness in eliminating parasites.
 Potential for using plant extracts as natural remedies in poultry farming.
 
 Keywords : Nematode parasites, Ginger extract, Neem extract, Poultry health, Natural remedies

Fomite Contamination of Alginate Impressions and the Role of Herbal and Chemical Disinfectants

Introduction: Contamination of alginate impressions is reported and various methods to disinfect them have been studied. However, contamination of the impressions from the rubber bowl is not known. The transfer of microorganisms to the oral cavity by the alginate mixed in an unsterilized rubber bowl is a possibility. The objective of this study is to find out the fomite contamination of alginate impressions from rubber bowls and evaluate the role of chemical and herbal disinfectants against them. Methodology: Thirty volunteers were included in the study and they were grouped into six groups (one control and five study groups). Three chemical disinfectants and two herbal disinfectants were used to disinfect the rubber bowl before impressions. The presence of pathogens and the number of colony-forming units were evaluated. Results: Harmful pathogens like Staphylococcus species, E. coli, Pseudomonas species, Bacillus species, and Klebsiella species have been detected under a light microscope on the surface of the rubber bowl. There was a significant decrease in the number of colony-forming units on alginate impressions after the rubber bowl was disinfected. Herbal disinfectants showed a profound decrease in the transmission of organisms compared to chemical disinfectants. Conclusion: The presence of fomite contamination in the routine impression has been confirmed in the study. All the disinfectants showed a significant reduction in colony-forming units when the rubber bowl was disinfected. Both the plant extracts showed an effective decrease in Colony-Forming Units (CFU) per ml and were as effective in eliminating pathogens as the chemical disinfectants. Hence, plant extracts of Neem and Babool can be a viable alternative to chemical disinfectants on rubber bowls.

Repelência de Ceratitis capitata (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE) a biofertilizantes e extratos vegetais

Ceratitis capitata is considered the key pest of fruit production worldwide, due to its wide host variety. As an alternative control method for this pest, the objective of this research was to evaluate the repellency of C. capitata to liquid biofertilizers added to plant extracts. The repellency was evaluated through olfactory arenas, using the biofertilizer Vairo and the plant enrichment, diluted in distilled water at 10% and added in equal parts with plant extracts of neem, pitanga and rue at concentrations of 30, 40 and 50% p/v. The larval infestation index was evaluated from the fruits used in the repellency bioassay. The addition of plant biofertilizer and neem extract at 30% w/v showed the highest repellency index for C. capitata, resulting in only 1.6% of visiting flies. The lowest rate of larval infestation was observed in the Vairo biofertilizer + rue extract and in the plant biofertilizer + neem at concentrations of 30 and 40% w/v, with averages of less than one larva/fruit. Vairo biofertilizer + neem extract and plant biofertilizer + pitanga reduces the number of adult insects in fruits and Vairo biofertilizer + rue extract and plant biofertilizer + neem reduces the number of C. capitata larvae in treated fruits. The addition of biofertilizers to the plant extracts analyzed influences the repellency and larval incidence of C. capitata when the fruits are treated with these mixtures.

Toxicity of some Biocides in the Tomato leaf Miner Tuta Absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Laboratory

The experiment was conducted in the Entomology Laboratory/Plant Protection Department/College of Agriculture and Forestry/Mosul University/Iraq in the year 2021, to evaluated the toxicity of biocides, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill, (conc. 1, 3, 5 g/L) Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (conc. 1, 3, 5 g/L), Spinosad (conc. 0.15, 0.30, 0.60 ml/L) and Neem plant extract (Azadirachta indica) (conc. 0.25, 0.50, 1.00 ml/L) on the third larval instar and pupal stage of tomato leafminer (TLM) under laboratory conditions, 25 - 27 °C, and the average relative humidity was 60 - 65%. The results of the study showed that the treatment with Spinosad at a concentration of 0.60 mm/L was significantly superior compared to the rest of the biocides, with an average mortality of 86.67% and 90.67% for larvae and pupae, respectively. All biocides differed significantly compared to the control, which amounted to 0.00%, and the highest mean of larval mortality was 71.67% for the reading after ten days of treatment, which differed significantly compared to the reading after one and three days of treatment, which amounted to 23.89 and 50.56%, respectively. While the reading after nine days of treatment outperformed significantly, and recorded the highest average of pupal mortality, which amounted to 68.00%, compared to the lowest average reading after seven days of treatment, which amounted to 44.00%. The treatment with the biocides B. thuringensis at a concentration of 1, 3 and 5 g/L was superior, with the lowest average percentage of transformation of larva to pupal stage reaching 15.56, 2.22 and 0.00%, respectively, compared to the rest of the concentrations of other biocides and the control, which was 73.33%. The biocides B. thuringensis was significantly superior to the rest of the biocides, and the lowest average percentage of emergence was recorded, as it reached 6.67% in the third concentration 5 g/L, which did not differ significantly compared to the third concentration of the rest of the biocides, however, it differed significantly compared to the rest of the concentrations of other biocides, and the control, as the highest mean of the percentage of emergence rate was 76.67%. It is noted from the study that all biocides had a significant effect on their toxicity to TLM compared to the control, and that the toxicity of biocides for the third larval instar and pupa of TLM increased with increasing concentration and number of days after treatment, and led to a decrease in the average percentage of adult emergence with an increase in concentration used compared to the control. From the results of this study, it is possible to introduce these pesticides in the integrated pest management programs for TLM in open fields and protected cultivation.

SARS-CoV-2 potential drugs, drug targets, and biomarkers: a viral-host interaction network-based analysis

COVID-19 is a global pandemic impacting the daily living of millions. As variants of the virus evolve, a complete comprehension of the disease and drug targets becomes a decisive duty. The Omicron variant, for example, has a notably high transmission rate verified in 155 countries. We performed integrative transcriptomic and network analyses to identify drug targets and diagnostic biomarkers and repurpose FDA-approved drugs for SARS-CoV-2. Upon the enrichment of 464 differentially expressed genes, pathways regulating the host cell cycle were significant. Regulatory and interaction networks featured hsa-mir-93-5p and hsa-mir-17-5p as blood biomarkers while hsa-mir-15b-5p as an antiviral agent. MYB, RRM2, ERG, CENPF, CIT, and TOP2A are potential drug targets for treatment. HMOX1 is suggested as a prognostic biomarker. Enhancing HMOX1 expression by neem plant extract might be a therapeutic alternative. We constructed a drug-gene network for FDA-approved drugs to be repurposed against the infection. The key drugs retrieved were members of anthracyclines, mitotic inhibitors, anti-tumor antibiotics, and CDK1 inhibitors. Additionally, hydroxyquinone and digitoxin are potent TOP2A inhibitors. Hydroxyurea, cytarabine, gemcitabine, sotalol, and amiodarone can also be redirected against COVID-19. The analysis enforced the repositioning of fluorouracil and doxorubicin, especially that they have multiple drug targets, hence less probability of resistance.

APLIKASI INSEKTISIDA NABATI BERBAHAN TUMBUHAN RAWA PADA HAMA PENGGEREK POLONG KEDELAI DI LAHAN RAWAPASANG SURUT

ABSTRACT
 The aim of this research is to control environmentally friendly soybean pod borer by utilizing plants in swamps as a vegetable insecticide, namely Kepayang (Pangiumedule). The study was conducted on tidal land in the Village of Kiri Dalam, Barambai District, Barito Kuala Regency, South Kalimantan Province. The study was designed in a randomized block design with 5 replications. The treatment is; 1. Kepayang leaf extract, 2. Without control, 3.Neem plant extract, 4. Chloriliprol insecticide. The results showed that the Kepayang leaf extract can be used as a botanical insecticide controlling soybean pod borer because it can suppress soybean pod attack by up to 62% and is no different from the Chloriliprol insecticide treatment by 64%.
 Keywords: Applications, Swamp Plants, Boring Pods Borers, Tidal Swamps

Larvicidal Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract Against Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) Beetle

The coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (L), has been one of the major pests of coconut in India and other coconut producing countries causing direct or indirect losses to the crop. It can be controlled by eliminating the places where they breed and by manually destroying adult and immature (larvae). Botanical insecticides are relatively safer, degradable and are readily available source of biopesticides. Biosynthesis of pesticides from plant extracts is most promising approach for pest control. The present investigation aims to find out the possibility of eco-friendly management of the pest Oryctes rhinoceros by incorporating with silver nanoparticle synthesized from neem plant extracts. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by using aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica. Formation of silver nanoparticles was observed by colour change of the solution, UV, FT-IR and SEM analysis. The Larvae is treated against different concentrations of plant extract and silver nanoparticles solution. 100% larval mortality was observed in higher concentration of silver nanoparticle solution. This result concluded that both silver Nanoparticles and leaf extract have larvicidal properties but Silver nanoparticles are more efficient and it serves as an alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling harmful pest larvae. Hence the synthesized silver nanoparticles from the A.indica can be used as potential biolarvicidal agent against Oryctes rhinoceros.

Antifungal Activity of Propyl Disulfide from Neem (Azadirachta indica) in Vapor and Agar Diffusion Assays against Anthracnose Pathogens (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum acutatum) in Mango Fruit.

Microorganisms causing anthracnose diseases have a medium to a high level of resistance to the existing fungicides. This study aimed to investigate neem plant extract (propyl disulfide, PD) as an alternative to the current fungicides against mango’s anthracnose. Microorganisms were isolated from decayed mango and identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum acutatum. Next, a pathogenicity test was conducted and after fulfilling Koch’s postulates, fungi were reisolated from these symptomatic fruits and we thus obtained pure cultures. Then, different concentrations of PD were used against these fungi in vapor and agar diffusion assays. Ethanol and distilled water were served as control treatments. PD significantly (p ≤ 0.05) inhibited more of the mycelial growth of these fungi than both controls. The antifungal activity of PD increased with increasing concentrations. The vapor diffusion assay was more effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of these fungi than the agar diffusion assay. A good fit (R2, 0.950) of the experimental data in the Gompertz growth model and a significant difference in the model parameters, i.e., lag phase (λ), stationary phase (A) and mycelial growth rate, further showed the antifungal efficacy of PD. Therefore, PD could be the best antimicrobial compound against a wide range of microorganisms.

Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

Nanotechnology is one of the most promising technologies applied in all areas of science. Metal nanoparticles that are produced by nanotechnology has gained attention due to their extensive applications in the biomedical and physiochemical fields. Nanoparticles (NPs) cause attraction of researchers because of their unique properties, owing to their small size (1-100 nm), large surface-to-volume ratio and increased reactivity, which are reportedly shown to change the performance of any other material which is in contact with these tiny particles, these particles can be prepared by either physical, chemical or biological approaches but the biological approach is the most emerging because they are eco friendly and less time consuming. In this study, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was prepared using leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem leaf) and AgNo3. The flavonoids and terpenoids that are present in the extract act as both reducing and capping agent. Silver was of a particular interest for this process due to their evocative physical and chemical properties also silver nanoparticles showed Anti microbial activities. A fixed ratio of the neem plant extract to silver metal ion was prepared and the color change was observed which proved the formation of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, DLS, Zeta analysis, XRD and SEM. The nanoparticles were found to have size from 160-180 nm. The prepared nanoparticles can be widely used in biomedical applications like targeted drug delivery and to treat only the cancer cells rather affecting the healthy cells.

Nematode Population Dynamics after Applications of Plant Extracts and Trichoderma Species as Soil Amendments in Tomato Field

Three different plant extracts (Khaya ivorensis, Azadirachta indica and Daniella oleifera) and two Trichoderma species (T. harzianum and T. atroviride), singly and in combination, were assessed on nematode population changes and also in the control of plant parasitic nematodes on tomato under field condition during 2018 and 2019 planting seasons. During each trial, plant parasitic nematodes encountered in the field were Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Xiphinema and Helicotylenchus species. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with 4 x 3 factorial scheme and five replications. Factor A being plant extracts (Khaya ivorensis, Azadirachta indica, Daniella oleifera) and control, and factor B being bio-control agents (Trichoderma harzianum, T. atroviride) and control, resulting in 12 treatments. Significant reductions were observed on the population of the plant parasitic nematodes at all treatment levels with neem plant extract, in combination with either T. harzianum or T. atroviride resulted in the greatest significant decrease. Applications of different plant extracts and Trichoderma species, singly and in combination, enhanced the growth and yield of tomato infected with parasitic nematodes.

English

Ethiopia is the only country in Sub-Saharan Africa where smallholder wheat production meets more than 70% of the national consumption demand. Russian wheat aphid (RWA; Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the major insect pests of wheat throughout the world including in Ethiopia. Wheat yield loss due to RWA damage in Ethiopia was estimated to be 70%. Therefore, the present study was carried out to determine the effect of integrating the potentials of the plant extracts of Neem, Azadirachta indica L. (leaf and seed) and the Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF); Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against the RWA. After 7 days of applications; the combined mixture of B. bassiana with M. anisopliae caused the maximum loss (73.4%) of aphids, while the combination of Neem leaf with seed extracts recorded the least (57.82%) abundance of aphids, which were negatively affected by single and combined treatments. The lowest abundance was recorded when the aphid was treated by the combination of both B. bassiana and M. anisopliae as well as the combined mixture of Neem leaf and seed extracts. The results indicated that bio-pesticides, based on entomopathogens and botanical extracts (Neem) can be the best replacements for synthetic chemicals and caused significant reduction in survival and abundance of RWA. Therefore, they could be used as promising natural alternatives to synthetic insecticides against RWA in Ethiopia. Key words: Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Neem, efficacy.

Effects of neem plant extract (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) and bio-surfactant diethanolamide olien from palm oil to the mortality of cacao moth pest (Conopomorpha cramerella)

This study aims to determine the response of the addition of neem plant extract (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) and biosurfactant of diethanolamide olein palm to the mortality of cocoa moth pest (Conopomorpha cramerella). The research was carried out with experiments. The treatment consisted of 5 levels, namely (1) control (without treatment), (2) young leaf extract of neem plant consisted of 100 ml / 500 ml of water + 5% of biosurfactant dietanolamide palm olein, (3) old leaf extract of neem plant consisted of 100 ml / 500 ml of water + 5% of biosurfactant diethanolamide palm olein, (4) seed extract of neem plant consisted of 100 ml / 500 ml of water + 5% of biosurfactant diethanolamide olein palm, (5) young leaf extract of neem plant and seed extract of neem plant consisted of 100 ml / 500 ml of water + 5% of biosurfactant diethanolamide olein palm, (6) old leaf extract of neem plant and seed extract of neem plant consisted of 100 ml/500 ml of water + 5% of biosurfaktan dietanolamida olein sawit. The results showed that the treatment of neem plant extracts mixture of young leaves and seeds + biosurfactant dietanolamide olein palm gave the best influence in controlling cocoa moth pests. Furthermore, it was followed by the treatment of neem plant extracts mixed with old leaves and seeds + biosurfactant dietanolamide olein palm.

Green synthesis characterization and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus of silver nanoparticles using extracts of neem, onion and tomato.

Recently, it has been shown that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit great potential for different applications, including food storage, cosmetic products, electronic components, biosensor materials, cryogenics, dental materials and especially for drug-delivery activities. In this study, we synthesized AgNPs with neem extract (NE) alone and mixed plant extracts of neem, onion and tomato (NOT) as a combined reducing and stabilizing agent by a green synthesis method at different pHs. The synthesized products were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antibacterial effects of the synthesized products were studied by the Kirby disk diffusion method. It was confirmed that the AgNPs work effectively as a drug material against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus in nutrient agar. In addition, it was seen that the reducing and stabilizing agent NOT could work effectively with six medicines with a different nature at the maximum addition of 15 μg. However, the synthesized product with NE alone only worked for four of the medicines. Therefore, it was evident that the AgNPs synthesized with NOT extract were more susceptible to the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. We believe that this new route for synthesizing AgNPs with NOT extract could be more beneficial in comparison to NE alone for improved antibacterial properties in drug-delivery applications.

Biological Control of Anthracnose Disease of Tomato Using Ethanolic Extracts of Azadirachta Indica and Nicotiana Tabacum

Tomato is a commercially important vegetable throughout the whole world and its availability all the year is grossly affected by anthracnose disease, hence, the need for an effective bio-control that is affordable and user friendly. This study therefore investigated the inhibitory effect of ethanol extracts of Azadirachta indica and Tabacum nicotianaon the mycelium growth of fungi associated with anthracnose disease of tomato. Tomatoes that showed black circular lesions with concentric ring and black spores were bought from Aleshinloye market in Ibadan; samples (3×3mm) from the sterilized margin of the lesion were inoculated on potato dextrose agar and observed for mycelium growth for five days. The obtained cultures were then sub cultured to obtain pure cultures which were introduced into healthy tomato fruits to confirm koch’s postulate. The in-vitro antifungal effects of ethanol extracts of Azadirachta indica and Nicotiana tabacum on isolated fungus causing anthracnose disease of tomato was investigated using agar dilution method. Based on cultural and microscopic characteristics of conidia, Colletotrichum coccodewas identified as organism causing anthracnose disease of tomato. The antifungal effect of the two ethanol plant extracts revealed that Azadirachta indica had the highest inhibitory effect of (45.00cm) at 100mg/ml and the least effect of (38.00cm) at 50mg/ml. Nicotiana tobacum equally had its highest inhibitory effect of (58.00cm) at 100mg/ml and lowest effect of (40.57cm) at 50mg/ml. This result also showed that Nicotiana tobacum had the highest inhibitory effect on Colletotrichum coccode than Azadirachta indica. Conclusively, the use of Tobacco and Neem plant extracts has antifungal activity against Colletotrichum which is responsible for Anthracnose disease of tomato. The plant could be a veritable and cheaper substitute for conventional drugs since the plant is easily obtainable and the extract can easily be made via a simple process of maceration or infusion.

Management of Collar Rot Disease Caused by Macrophomina phaseolina in Jatropha curcas - Green Diesel Plant

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas) has become popular due to its potential for biodiesel production. Intensified cultivation of J. curcas has raised the importance of plant disease management. Collar rot disease has been reported in J. curcas as a major cause of severe plant damage. In the present study, we report the management of coller rot diseaseusing fungicides and plant extracts. Two fungicides were tested in vitro for antifungal activity using well diffusion method. Carbemedozo and Macrinite (CM-75) was found to be most effective at 0.1% to inhibit mycelial growth and it developed largest inhibition zone of 50 mm and 0.1% Bavistin (BV) developed inhibition zone of 47 mm. The complete inhibition of the fungal growth was achieved at 0.1% CM-75 and 0.2% BV. Under in vivo studies, 59% of the stem cuttings could be revived by the application of 0.1% CM-75 at the interval of 3 days and 39% of stem cutting by 0.2% of BV. CM-75 was found to be best for complete inhibition of in vitro fungal growth and in vivo revival of stem cuttings. Plant extracts of neem, nilgiri, mint, dhaniya, tulsi and turmeric were tested in vitro for antifungal activity, largest 40 mm zone of inhibition was recorded using tulsi and turmeric water extract. For complete inhibition of fungus, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of tulsi extract and turmeric extract was 20% and 30%, respectively. Neem, nilgiri, mint and dhaniya plant extracts were not active among tested concentration. This is the first report of callor rot disease management of stem cuttings using CM-75.

Determining Chemical Composition of Cattle Urine and Indigenous Plant Extracts

The study was conducted to determine the specific chemical constituents of cattle urine and indigenous plant extracts. Chemical analysis revealed that the specific chemical composition i.e., chloride, sulphate, nitrite and phosphorus pentaoxide contents of fresh and fermented cattle urine were 1556, 364, 2.0, 26.8 and 4514, 252, 22.4, 7.49 mg l-1, respectively. The proximate chemical compositions of neem seed kernel extracts, mahagoni seed extracts and allamanda leaves extracts were analyzed and it was found to contain chloride (144, 55.4, 141 mg l-1), sulphate (51.1, 5.03, ˂4.0 mg l-1), nitrite (˂1.0, ˂1.0, ˂1.0 mg l-1) and phosphorus pentaoxide (413, 410, 49.5 mg l-1), respectively. Chloride and nitrite in fermented cattle urine (4514 and 22.4 mg l-1) was found extremely higher than in fresh cattle urine (1556 and 2.0 mg l-1). There was numerically higher difference in sulphate and phosphorus pentaoxide concentrations in fresh cattle urine (364, 26.8 mg l-1) compared to fermented cattle urine (252, 7.49 mg l-1).These results revealed that indigenous plant extracts of neem seed kernel, mahagoni seed and allamanda leaves contents chloride, sulphate and nitrite were extremely lower than in both fresh and fermented cattle urine but there were great difference in phosphorus pentaoxide concentration (413, 410, 49.5 mg l-1) in both fresh and fermented cattle urine (26.8, 7.49 mg l-1) composition. It was evident from this study that as the fermented cattle urine contained higher concentration of chloride and nitrite can be considered as a good means of insect pest management.

Evaluation of the Repellency Effect of Neem (<i>Melia azedarach</i>) Plant Extracts Based on the Mittler & Dadd Method

Using insect repellent compounds, especially during the warm months, provides comfort for people and preventsspreading of the insect-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria and Leishmaniasis. Poisons derived from plants contain alkaloids, glucoside and some essential oils that are taken from plant tissues. They may have repellent and insecticide properties with little toxicity to humans and animals. In this study, Neem plant1 from Bandar Abbas city was used to assess its repellency effect. Therefore, after drying and powdering using maceration method, final Neem extract concentration of 5%, 10% and 20% was provided. Mittler & Dadd methodology was hired to assess this effect. In this method, the antifeedant effect of the Neem plant extract was evaluated on cabbage-feeding aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae). After 24 and 48 hours, the reduced numbers of feces spot of aphids showed that the ingestion of the provided food mixture contained Neem plant extract was significantly decreased. Here it was shown that the Neem plant extract could be used as an efficient repellent.

Efficacy of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) and Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) Leaf Extracts Against Early Blight of Tomato

The objective of the present work is to compare and study the effect of plant extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) against Alternaria solani which causes early blight disease on tomato plants. Aqueous and ethylacetate leaf extracts of different concentrations were used. Foliar treatment of tomato plants with 30 % aqueous tulsi extract decreased the disease incidence to 40 %. Disease severity and control of pathogen after inoculation were also analyzed. The highest disease incidence was recorded as 82.1 % with test control whereas the lowest as 25.2 % with plants treated with pathogen and tulsi aqueous extract. Among the groups treated with neem 30 % concentration of aqueous extract showed beneficial effect. The aqueous extract of tulsi leaves was the best one in reducing disease severity than that of neem leaves. The increase in some biochemical parameters, pigment system and antioxidant enzymes were corresponded with the reduction of disease severity. Tulsi extracts exhibited significant control of disease progress than neem extracts. It may be suggested as a promising tool against early blight pathogens.