EFFICACY OF CHROMOLAENA ODORATA (L.) LEAF AND CITRUS SINENSIS (L.) Osbeck RIND EXTRACTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PEPPER INSECT PESTS

Abstract

Laboratory and field studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of methanol and aqueous extracts of Chromolaena odorata leaves and Citrus sinensis rind in the management of insect pests of pepper. Phytochemical analysis and contact toxicity test of the extracts were carried out using standard methodology. Phytochemical analysis of both solvent extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, terpenes, cardiac glycosides, and anthraquinones. Within the 72 hours of application, methanol and aqueous extracts of Chromolaena and orange rind recorded high mortality (> 50%) on the test insects relative to the control in the laboratory; and also lowered the occurrence and severity of the insect pests in the field. The extracts of both plants gave higher agronomic and yield values on treated plants than the control. However, the methanol extract of orange rind recorded significantly (P>0.05) highest values of these parameters when compared to other extract treatments used in the study. Fruit damage (over 60%) by the insects was significantly higher in control plants. Methanol and aqueous extracts of Chromolaena and Citrus rind should be included as a sustainable component of integrated pest management in pepperproduction.