EFFICACY OF NEEM AND LANTANA LEAVES AQUEOUS EXTRACTS UNDER FIELD CONDITION ON Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. SMITH (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE)

NJE Vol. 41(2): 80-91, 2025

DOI.10.36108/NJE/5202/14.0260

*Oladejo, A.O.¹; Olori-Oke, E.O. ¹; Sikiru, G.K. ¹; Olorundare, O.O. ¹ and Mudi, A.²

¹Department of Pest Management Technology, Federal College of Forestry, Jos Nigeria

²Department of Crop Production Technology, Federal College of Forestry, Jos Nigeria

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) is one of the important insect pests of maize plant. This pest destroys the fresh leaves which impair the growth and ultimately reduce the yield of the crop.  The research was conducted to determine the efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and lantana leaf extract on the insect using cypermethrin as the standard control. Neem and Lantana leaf extracts were prepared by cold maceration extraction. Quantitative phytochemicals analysis of the botanicals was determined to determine the chemical constituents. Experimental land of about 204.25 m² was demarcated into 24 sampling plots each measuring 4.25 m × 1.25 m with 1 m alleyway. A 75 cm intera- and 25 cm inter-row spacing was adopted laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Two weeks after planting, the extracts and cypermethrin were sprayed separately onto the plants in the various plots at the rate of 0.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 15.0 v/v %. Application of the extracts significantly reduced population density of S. frugiperda when compared with the experimental control that still harboured the insects in high density. There was no significant difference between plots treated with cypermethrin and neem plus lantana leaf extracts.  This finding therefore suggests that combination of neem and lantana leaf extracts or neem alone at 15 v/v % can be an effective ecofriendly alternative for controlling S. frugiperda in maize farm.

 Keywords: Neem Extract, Lantana Extract, Efficacy, Maize, Fall Army worm

 

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