PHYTOCHEMICAL, PROXIMATE, AND PHYTONUTRIENT PROFILES OF SELECTED BOTANICALS FOR INSECT PEST CONTROL AND THEIR IMPACT ON CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS SATIVUS) FRUITS

Abstract

Plant secondary metabolites exhibit diverse biological activities, acting as repellents, feeding deterrents, and fumigants. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), a widely consumed vegetable, faces insect pest infestations, affecting yield and quality. In this study, five plant extracts were applied as foliar sprays on cucumber plants
for pest control: rhizomes of Zingiber officinale, seeds of Piper guineense and Azadirachta indica, and leaves of Lantana camara and Tithonia diversifolia. The quantitative and qualitative contents of phytochemicals present in the plant materials used were analyzed. On the other hand, the proximate and mineral compositions in the harvested fruits were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, and steroids. Qualitative data revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Terpenoids, Phenolics, Flavonoids, and Steroids while quantitative data showed the quantity of each constituent in the plant materials used as +++: strongly present; ++: moderately present; +: fairly present; -: Absent. Proximate analysis showed that carbohydrate, moisture, protein, ash, and crude fiber contents varied between treatments with improved nutritional quality of botanically treated crops. Mineral composition, including Fe, Ca, K, and Na, was significantly higher in botanically treated fruits. These results confirm that the bioactive compounds identified in this study reinforce the pesticidal potential of these plants and their value as sources of natural insecticides botanical treatments enhance nutritional content and safety, aligning with previous studies that suggest such treatments positively impact pest management and crop quality. This suggests that botanicals not only serve as effective pest control agents.