Potentials of Mitracarpus villosus (L.) and Balanites aegyptiaca (Del.) Plant Extracts and Cypermethrin in the Management of Tomato Fruitworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) Damage in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Michael M. Degri and Duna M. Mailafiya*

Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

Accepted June 14, 2013

Field studies were carried out during 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons in Maiduguri within the semi-arid region of Nigeria to evaluate the insecticidal potentials of the aqueous plant/leaf extract (APE/ALE) (10% w/v) of two botanicals (the asthma plant, Mitracarpus villosus (SW.) DC. and Balanites aegyptiaca (Linn.) Delile) against a synthetic insecticide (Cypermethrin) in managing tomato fruitworm (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) infestation. These treatments were assessed in studies laid out in randomized complete block design replicated four times. Where, treatment sprays commenced at the onset of fruiting and continued at fortnightly intervals. Total fruit yield (t/ha) and the number of damaged fruits were respectively higher and lower on tomato plants treated with Cypermethrin (28.3 and 2.4) and APE of M. villosus (24.9 and 2.3) than with ALE of B. aegyptiaca (22.3 and 3.3). In contrast to the ALE of B. aegyptiaca, plant treatment with Cypermethrin, followed by APE of M. villosus, gave better protection of tomato fruits against H. armigera infestation and damage. However, having focused on a single extract concentration and spray regime in this study, more studies will be necessary to ascertain the efficacy of these botanicals that for instance may be concentration or dose dependent.

Key words: Balanites aegyptiaca, botanical extracts, Cypermethrin, Helicoverpa armigera, infestation, Mitracarpus villosus, tomato fruit.

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