Impact of weeding regimes and lemongrass and papaya leaf extracts on insect pest suppression and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) yield in Ilorin.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-1001-4508Keywords:
Abelmoschus esculentus, lemon grass extract, pawpaw leaf extract, weeding regime, and botanical insecticideAbstract
Field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria, to evaluate the efficacy of two botanical insecticides and different weeding regimes on insect pest infestation and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). The study was carried out in the southern Guinea savannah ecological zone on sandy loam soil using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments consisted of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extract, pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf extract, and an untreated control, each combined with three weeding regimes (no weeding, one weeding, and three weedings). Botanical extracts were prepared using ethanol and applied weekly from six weeks after planting. Insect populations were visually assessed twice weekly, while yield and pod damage parameters were recorded throughout the cropping period. Data were square-root transformed and subjected to analysis of variance. Lemongrass extract showed relatively lower populations of Podagrica sjostedti at 4, 7, and 11 weeks after planting (WAP), while pawpaw extract was more effective at 5 and 9 WAP; however, botanical treatments did not differ significantly from the control for flea beetle populations. Weeding regimes significantly influenced pest infestation, with unweeded plots consistently recording the lowest pest populations. Lemongrass extract significantly increased okra fruit yield compared to pawpaw extract and the control, while weeding regimes had no significant effect on yield. Notably, lemongrass combined with three weedings produced the highest yield.
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