FIELD EVALAUTION OF Carica papaya AND Anarcadium occidentale LEAVES EXTRACTS ON MAJOR INSECTPESTS OF LEAFY VEGETABLE (Amaranthus hybridus LIN)

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of Carica papaya and Anarcadium occidentale leaves extracts on the field insect pests of Amaranthus hybridus. The crude extracts were prepared with cold water while synthetic insecticide (Dichlorvos) and untreated plants were included in the treatments. The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block design with three replications. Data were collected on insect pest infestations, plant height, root weight, leaf area and leaf weight. Three major field insect pests were observed (Aspavia armigeria, Heteronychus arator and Hymerni recurvalis). The tested plant extracts exhibited insecticidal control of the observed insect pests meanwhile C. papaya significantly controlled A. armigeria and H. recurvalis compared with A. occidentales extracts. Also, the efficacy of C. papaya was comparable with Dichlorvos in the control of the observed insect pests. However, C. papaya enhanced Amaranthus growth and leaf yield better than other treatments. Therefore, plant extracts can be used in the management of field insect pests of leafy vegetables.