Potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica) as an Organic Fertilizer and Biopesticide for Improving Soil Fertility, Foliar Pest Suppression, and Okra Growth | Chapter 11 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 4

 

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a vital vegetable crop grown in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Okra provides a valuable source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and amino acids. Conventional reliance on chemical fertilisers, while enhancing soil fertility, is costly and contributes to land degradation. Additionally, global interest in biorational pesticides (botanical and microbial) is increasing for the sustainable management of pests. Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a rapidly growing tree from the mahogany family (Meliaceae), and it has traditionally been used in agriculture, the environment, and public health. Recent studies, however, have not explored the promising impact of neem as a basal and foliar organic fertiliser and pesticide. This study was conducted to investigate and examine the use of neem as a basal organic fertiliser and pesticide alternative for environmental and consumer safety. The purpose was to assess the efficacy of an organic integrated pest management (IPM) module against nematodes and insect pests of okra during the primary growing season of 2022. Using a randomised complete block design with three replications, the study evaluated seven treatments, including neem leaf paste (NLP), neem leaf extract (NLE), synthetic fertilisers (NPK), and controls in 5×4 m plots. A total of 42 (21 samples each) soil samples were taken from the study area, bagged, labelled, and transported to the laboratory for physicochemical analysis. The results revealed that the organic IPM module (NLP × NLE) significantly improved soil health parameters by increasing organic matter content by 53% compared to the control, while reducing the C/N ratio. The treatment also showed remarkable pest suppression, decreasing root-knot nematode populations by 89% and maintaining beneficial insect numbers. Neem-treated plots experienced a 40% reduction in foliar damage from Podagrica spp., resulting in a yield increase of 296% compared to the control. These findings demonstrate a practical application of neem in sustainable okra cultivation, thereby offering a low-cost and environmentally friendly solution for smallholder farmers. The result of this study presents a practical application of neem in sustainable okra cultivation by offering cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions for smallholder farmers. The organic IPM module 3 is therefore recommended for improving soil fertility, reducing soil and foliar pest pressure, and enhancing crop yield safely and sustainably.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Adams Sadick
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Esther Marfo-Ahenkora
CSIR-Animal Research Institute, Post Office Box AH20, Achimota, Ghana.

 

Prince Martin Gyekye
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Post Office Box M32, Accra Centre, Ghana.

 

Judith Frimpong-Manso
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Mohammed Musah
CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso-Kumasi, Ghana.

 

Augustine Agyekum
CSIR-Animal Research Institute, Post Office Box AH20, Achimota, Ghana.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v4/6273

Biology, Ecology, and Management Strategies of Pests (Insects and Vetebrate) Associated with Cultivated Field Pea (Pisum sativum Linn) in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria | Chapter 12 | Advanced Research in Biological Science Vol. 3

 This episode aimed to decide the incidence and identify infections of field pea in big growing areas of Nigeria. Pulses are main legume crops of age all over the world and are a good beginning of plant proteins for humans and be a part of natural soil fertilizers with the volume to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Pisum sativum is usually called field droplet which belongs to the Family Fabaceae. Field survey was carried out on bug and vertebrate infections infesting the crop in both irrigated and rain-augment fields in northern guinea grassland, Nigeria. The percentage incidence of pest’s plague was calculated each sampling area. Identification of the pests was done utilizing identification answers. Shika dam has the highest percentage occurrence of insects accompanying 60% followed by Katanga, Zangon danbarno and Rapiyam fan with 20% while Razek fan has 15 %. Sabuwa has the slightest with 10%. Cereals, Tomato, sprinkle were found to be mature either intercropped or adjacent field personal outerwear farms in both irrigated and rain- augment fields which suggest attainable transfer of the insect and still the use of surface irrigation may have dressed as source of broadcast of the insects.  A total of six insect plague were identified from the six various sampling positions (Spodoptera exigua Hwan, Spodoptera exempta Walk, Heliocoverpa armigera Hubn, Etiella zinckenella Trerischk, Tetranychus urticae and Caliothrips sp.) and one mammal (Rattus sp.). Tetranychus sp. and Caliothrips sp. resume up to the podding stage, nevertheless all insect pests are more hurtful during the tree stage. It is advised that farmers undertake solitary cutting and refrain from intercropping with naive hosts.

Author(s) Details:

H. Ibrahim,
Department of Biological Sciences, Kaduna State University, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

D. B. Dangora,
Department of Botany Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

B. Y. Abubakar,
Department of Botany Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

A. B. Suleiman,
Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/ARBS-V3/article/view/11611

Study of the Parasitoids of Arthropods Pest in Brazil: A Mini Review | Chapter 4 | New Visions in Biological Science Vol. 3

As a result, populations of certain herbivores, such as insects and phytophagous mites, increase to the point where they damage crops, lowering their yield and, as a result, their economic profitability. The purpose of this brief review is to conduct an investigation of the parasitoids of arthropod pests in Brazil. The research focused on the quantitative and conceptual features of the genera and species in studies linked to the issue (Taxonomic groups). A bibliographic search was conducted for publications published between 1987 and June 2021. From March to June 2021, the small review was conducted in Goiânia, Goiás, using the Electronic Scientific Library Online (Scielo) and the internet. Biological control tries to reduce the population of a pest species down below the threshold at which it can cause economic harm.

Author (S) Details

Carlos Henrique Marchiori

Department Parasitology, Instituto Federal Goiano, Brazil.

View Book :- https://stm.bookpi.org/NVBS-V3/article/view/3933