Control of Maize Stem Borer (Busseola fusca F.) Infestation Using Extracts of Carica papaya and Cymbopogon citratus and Furadan

A field trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike to evaluate the insecticidal potentials and rates of application of seed extract of Carica papaya and leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus and Furadan for the control of maize stem borer, Busseola fusca. C. papaya leaf ash was applied at the rate of 3 g per plot, while the C. papaya seed powder was applied at the rate of 4.5 g per plot. C. citratus leaf ash was applied at the rate of 3 g per plot, while Furadan was applied at 1.5 g per plot and the control had no treatment (0 g). Each treatment was replicated three times. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data collected were insect population, growth and yield of maize for 2,4,6,8 weeks after planting (WAP). The results showed that all the treatments differed significantly from the control (P< 0.05) on the number of holes on the leaves per plot, on the number of holes on maize stem per plot and number of larvae per maize stem. Growth and yield of maize were significantly increased (P< 0.05) due to the protection given by the plant materials. C. citratus leaf ash and C. papaya leaf ash and seed powder demonstrated strong insecticidal activity against maize stem borer, B. fusca, and therefore can be used as replacement for Furadan. C. papaya leaf ash at 3 cg per plot and seed powder at 4.5 g per plot as well as C. citratus leaf ash at the rate of 3 g per plot are recommended.