EFFECTS OF NEEM EXTARCT ON INSECT PEST COMPLEX OF THE GRAPEVINE (Vitis vinifera L.)

Abstract

The neem tree, Azadirachta indica A. Juss, belongs to the family Meliaceae. In igeria, the plant is popularly called “Dogonyaro”. An on-farm study on the
efficacy of the Neem extract, as a potential organic source for the management/ control of the insect pest complex and yield of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)
was carried out at the Institute of Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, (11˚, 11' N', 07˚, 38' E and 686m above sea level). Zaria falls within northern guinea savannah agro-ecology zone of Nigeria. The treatments were neem seed extract (NSE), neem leaf suspension (NLS), combination of neem seed and leaf (NSE + NLS) and control. The experiment was replicated three times and laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). Results indicated that the combination neem seed and leaf (NSE + NLS) was significantly (p = 0.05) most effective in the control of the insect pests complex of grapevine production. The effects of NSE and NLS on insect pests of grapevine were not statistically different. Neem seed and leaf extracts, singly and in combination, significantly (p = 0.05) controlled insect pests of grapevine. There were rapid multiplication of insects and much insect damage on grapevine fruits that were not treated (control). The results also show that there were improved grapevine growth and yield as compared with retarded growth and low yield of grapevine in the control. The treatment combinations of NSE and NLS recorded a 79% higher fruit yield (kg plant -1 ) over the control; and 48% and 68% respectively over those treated with NSE and NLS. The neem seed and leaf combination (NSE + NLS) was concluded to be most effective in controlling the various insect pest complexes of the grapevine; resulting in better crop growth and fruit yield.