Prevention of Ecosystem Dysfunction in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Using Neem Based Biopesticide
*1Oyekanmi, E.O., 3Adeoye, G.O., 2Wuraola, A.F. and 2Babatola, J.O.
1Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo , Ondo – State, Nigeria
2OOCORD – The Organic Agriculture Centre, Moor–plantation, Apata, Ibadan–Nigeria.
3Nigerian Organic Agriculture Network (NOAN) , Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Corresponding email: eoyekanmi@yahoo.com or eoyekanmi@cgiar.org Postal Address: Wesley University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 507, Ondo, Ondo – State, Nigeria
Accepted on June 15, 2012
Abstract
There is increasing awareness on the use of environmentally-friendly crop protection and production products universally, in agricultural production. Thus, in this study the use of neem based biocide was investigated in Okra production. Neem seeds extract was prepared from dried neem seeds by milling the neem seeds and pouring on it boiling water at 160g/10 litres, in a container. The neem seeds extract obtained was allowed to cool overnight and sprayed at the rate of 1.5 l/2.25m2 microplots, with hectare equivalent of 6,666l/10,000m2 in a randomized complete block design with four replications, with control microplots not sprayed. Spacing was 0.75m × 0.50m with nine plants within each microplot. Plant growth parameters including height, girth, number of leaves, leaf damage index, galling index and fresh fruit yield were also determined at twelve weeks after planting. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated with least significant difference. Results showed that the neem based biocide reduced leaf damage index and galling index of okra by 42.0% and 56.0% respectively. Fruit yield loss of 45.0% was prevented. The neem based biocide effectively controlled foliar and roots pests of okra.