Ojebode Mojisola Esther
University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Title: Efficacy of some plant extracts as storage protectants against Callosobruchus maculatus
Biography
Biography: Ojebode Mojisola Esther
Abstract
Presently, over 40% of crops is lost as a result of application of non-selective crop protection agents. The agrochemical industry is faced with increasing demand for the development of new crop protection agents that are safe for the environment and consumers. This research aimed at contributing to the collation and organization of baseline data on the status of natural insect-repelling and insecticidal agents; that is bioactive compounds that can serve these purposes especially for cowpea. It also aimed at developing crop protection agents that would do no harm to crops, farmers and consumers but would preferentially get rid of pests. The need to develop pest control measures as alternative to chemicals is a priority for scientists worldwide. Therefore, it is critical to find a cost effective and non-toxic method to prevent pest attack on field or stored crops. In this study, Azadirachta indica (Neem), was used as pest control agent for the main storage insect pests of cowpea- Callosobruchus maculatus. The pest repelling property of Cymbopogon citratur (Lemon grass) and Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) were also investigated. The compounds present in effective extracts were analyzed using Gas Chromatography/Mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results obtained were compared with existing data. This led to the development of technique adoptable for small holder farmers and local food crop store owners.
