A review of neem biopesticide utilization and challenges in Central Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The status of neem biopesticide research, utilization and challenges in the central part of northern Nigeria was reviewed. In the sampled areas such as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and Niger
State, the highest category of neem users (17.19%) were the rural farmers. Majority of the neem users obtained their materials from semi-wild trees on communal land. Our investigations showed that neem leaf and seed powder or extracts controlled weevils in stored maize and cowpea, enhanced germination percentage, and seedling vigour. It also reduced fungal attack and infection on stored seeds and crops on the field. Scale insects were controlled on seed yam dressed with various neem formulations. Application of bionimbecidin HP III (Greengold ^®) paste at 5 g/Kg of seeds for three weeks in storage significantly enhanced seedling vigour and reduced root-rot index on a susceptible cowpea. Increased bioactivity against Rhizoctonia root-rot and Meloidogyne root-knot was achieved through synergism from the combined iron weed and neem leaf extract. Forty seven point two percent (47.20%) of the respondent neem users indicated insufficient supply of commercial neem formulation as their main constraints, while 80.15% complained of inadequate processing facilities. Optimal utilization of neem biopesticide could be achieved in Nigeria by addressing the constraints and challenges in the
formulation and standardization of the organic pesticide.