Effect of Neem Leaf Extract on Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E Smith) on Maize in Gombe, Sudan Savanna of Nigeria
NJE Vol. 41: 154-166, 2025
DOI.10.36108/NJE/5202/14.0111
Degri1, M.M., Simon2, L.D Jolly3, G.A.
1 Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State
2Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Gashua, Yobe State
3Department of Crop Production and Protection, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
Abstract
Profitable maize production in Nigeria is hinged on chemical control of insect pests with its attendant problems. The use of synthetic insecticides for the control of field and stored insect pests has created many problems such as environmental hazards, pest resistance which necessitated a search for alternative means of controlling fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E Smith) with plant products. Field experiments were conducted at Amada village of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria to evaluate the impact of neem leaf extract concentrations on fall armyworm (S. frugiperda) on maize (Zea mays L.) under rain fed conditions in 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons. A randomized complete block design in three replications was used. There were six treatments (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and a standard check Escort 19EC). The results showed that neem leaf extract at 20% was found to be effective for the control of fall armyworm on maize in the study area. Fall armyworm percentage incidence, number of larvae/plant, and leaf area damaged were significantly reduced at 20% w/v while plant height, number of leaves/plant, stem girth, leaf area, cob weight, number of seeds/cob, seed weight and grain yield were significantly (P<0.05) increased in both 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons in the study area. The plot treated with Escort 19EC gave the best results which was at par with 20 % w/v NLE while the growth and yield attributes of maize were significantly reduced when the maize crops were left untreated during the study period. It can therefore be safely concluded that neem leaf extract at 20% w/v was effective in controlling fall armyworm on maize and was at par with the Escort 19 EC. This suggest that application of neem leaf extract at 20% w/v could therefore be used as an eco-friendly and environmentally safe option for the control of fall armyworm infestation on maize in the study area.
Keywords: Neem leaf extract, Escort 19 EC, fall armyworm, maize, incidence, damage