An Evaluation of the Efficacy of Botanical Pesticides for Fall Armyworm Control in Maize Production

Since the report of the Fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) in 2016 in Africa, the FAW has widely spread in Zambia, causing significant damage to maize, rice sorghum and other crops. The botanical extracts from Neem leaves, Garlic cloves and Chinaberry leaves efficacies were compared to Cypermethrin insecticide for FAW control in maize. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications and Seedco SC 403 maize variety were used as a test crop. Ten FAW larvae were artificially introduced into the maize two weeks after planting followed by an application of insecticides for seven weeks after 20% infestation. Analysis of variance showed a significant difference (p -1 followed by Cypermethrin with 4.7 t ha-1, Chinaberry and Garlic with 4.3 t ha-1 corresponding to the effectiveness of 67%, 65%, 60% and 60% respectively in relation to the potential yield. It was concluded that the three botanicals’ extracts were as effective as cypermethrin as a control measure for the FAW and may be an alternative method for FAW control among small scale farmers in Zambia.

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