Abstract:
Field and laboratory studies were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of six aqueous extraction rates ( 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%) of ginger and residues in the control of okra flea beetles and cowpea bruchid (Callosbruchus maculatus F.) respectively, in Nigeria. The field experiment was a randomized complete block design, with three replications. Laboratory experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with four replications. Attacke 2.5 EC ® (lambdacyhalothrin) treated and untreated plots were used for field controls. Actellic 2% dust ® (pirimiphous methyl) treated and untreated grains constituted the controls of the laboratory experiment. Podagrica uniforma (Jacoby) and Nisotra sjostedti (Jacoby) populations were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in the field at different ginger extractions rates compared with the untreated. Lambdacyhalothrin treated plots significantly (P<0.05) produced a better yield than the untreated, while plots with higher rates of ginger (20%, 25%, and 30%) significantly (P<0.05) performed better than their lower rates and untreated plots. Okra fruit weight per plant was increased by 29% with 20% concentration; 43% by 25% concentration and 44% by 30% concentration relative to the untreated check. Higher concentrations of ginger residue (20%, 25%, and 30%) provided better protection against C. maculatus adult emergence compared to the untreated control. Fresh ginger extracts and its residues could therefore be harnessed in pre-and post-harvest pest control options respectively.
