Effects of frequency of spraying of neem seed extract on the lepidopteran pests of egg plant (Solanumintegrifolium)

Abstract

Six treatments of different intervals of spray (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks) of neem seed extract at 20 kg neem seed/ha and a control of no neem spray, were evaluated against lepidopteran pests of the egg plant. Leaf, shoot and fruit damage on plants sprayed ateither 1- or 2- week intervals was less (< 30 %) than on those with intervals of spray beyond 2 weeks (35-58 %). Nevertheless, the performance of the neem extract-treated plants sprayed at all the six frequencies was better than the untreated plants which produced the lowest yield per hectare (2.0 kg). This indicates the importance and pest status of the lepidopteran insects on the egg plant. The results from this experiment confirm the potential of neem extract as an alternative bio-pesticide for control of insect pests.


(Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science, 1996, 29(2): 65-70)