Efficacy of onion and chilli extracts in controlling aphids and pod borers in cowpeas

Author

Mudoti, Everjoy

Title

Efficacy of onion and chilli extracts in controlling aphids and pod borers in cowpeas

Abstract

Efficient pest control is essential for optimising agricultural output. This study assessed the relative effectiveness of different pest management interventions, including as synthetic pesticides and organic methods, in controlling aphid infestations, minimising pod borer damage, and ultimately improving crop yields. A statistical analysis called analysis of variance (ANOVA) detected substantial variations in yield among the different treatment groups. The results of the post-hoc pairwise comparisons indicated that both the synthetic Lambda-Cyhalothrin + Dimethoate insecticide and the organic chilli-based treatments resulted in the highest yield improvements when compared to the untreated control. The Lambda + Dimethoate insecticide exhibited the most potent aphid suppression and led to the greatest crop output. Although the chilli and chilli + onion treatments were more effective than the control, they did not achieve the same level of yield improvement as the synthetic pesticide blend. The results indicate that the Lambda-Cyhalothrin + Dimethoate insecticide should be advised as the main strategy for pest control. The use of organic chilli-based remedies could be considered as effective supplemental choices, especially for farmers who are looking for greener solutions as part of a comprehensive pest control plan and those looking to implement integrated pest management programs

Date

May 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Chilli Extracts

Plant pests

Cowpeas production

Pest management

Supervisor

Professor R. Mandumbu