Effect of Tillage Practices and Neem Leaves(Azadirachta indica A. Juss) on the Incidence and Severity of Termites on Cassava(Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Owerri

Abstract

Termites have been identified as one of the major pests of cassava in Nigeria especially on infested soils. Effect of different tillage practices and rates of neem leaves on the incidence and severity of termites on cassava field was investigated in this study. Field experiment was conducted in 2007 at the teaching and research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. The experiment was laid out in a 3x3 factorial in a randomized complete block design(RCBD) with three replications. The TMS 4(2)1425 was the cassava cultivar used. Treatments comprised three tillage methods
namely: zero, flats and mounds, and neem leaves at 0 (control), 20 and 30 tons/ha. Results show that mounds and control plots significantly recorded highest termites incidence and severity on Cassava stems, while neem application at 30 tons/ha suppressed termites incidence and severity most. On the other hand mounds and neem leaves at 30 tons/ha produced highest fresh tuber and stem cutting yields .