Efficacy of extracts of neem and hot pepper in controlling cabbage pests

Abstract

White cabbage is constrained by many biotic factors including pests and diseases which hinder its production. Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brasiccae) are one of the key pests in Uganda. Many growers rely on synthetic insecticides to control these insects however they are associated with environmental pollution and insecticide resistance. So an alternative has to be thought of and plant extracts can be good alternatives however little knowledge has been obtained on extraction and efficacy of these plant extracts. Plant extracts (biopesticides) were compared with a synthetic insecticide cypermethrin. This study was carried out to develop more knowledge about the efficacy of homemade extracts of neem (Azidrachta indica) and hot pepper (Capsicum frutescenes) in controlling DBM and aphids in cabbages. An experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments i.e. neem, hot pepper, hot pepper+neem, and cypermethrin plus unsprayed control each of which was replicated three times. All treatments were applied starting from 14 DAT on a 10 days interval after maturity. Data was collected on insect populations, their damage, plant parameters and cabbage head yield. All plant extracts controlled cabbage insect pests although they were not as effective as cypermethrin.