Comparative efficacy of cypermethrin and plant extract in the control of cucumber pests in ado Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) is widely grown and consumed in the tropical and temperate regions as a source of fruit vegetable for man due to its numerous health benefits. Attainable yield in the farmers farm is considerably low due to the problem of insect pest attack. As a result of this, experiment was carried out to investigate the potency of cypermethrin and extracts from three plants (Datura stramonium, Ricinus communis and Sida acuta) in the control of insect pest associated with cucumber. Cucumber variety Cu 999 was planted on a 2 x 2 m at a spacing of 40 cm x 40 cm. three concentrations of the extracts was used in the control of the pest and cypermethrin insecticide was used as a standard check. The control plot in each case was sprayed with distilled water. Data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance and means separated using least significant different at (p≤0.05). Result from the experiment shows statistically significant variations. Eight insect pests belonging to different orders and families were observed on the cucumber. Incidence of normal fruits were generally higher than abnormal fruits at all the concentrations observed in the study. At 65% concentration with extracts of D. stranmonium, incidence of normal fruit (80.3%) was not significantly different from that of cypermethrin insecticide (82.6%). Yield of cucumber sprayer with 65% concentration of D. stramonium (250 kg/ha) was not significantly different from that of cypermethrin insecticide (254 kg/ha). The study concluded that extracts of the three plants can be used to replace insecticide in the management of the insect plant of cucumber with corresponding yield.