Effect of Azadirachta indica and Milletia ferruginea extracts for Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) infestation management in chickpea.

Abstract

Nowadays, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is becoming a serious insect pest of chickpea in Ethiopia and its management has faced considerable challenges, to improve yields in many crops, in most parts of the world. This experiment was initiated with the objective to evaluate the effectiveness of Azadirachta indica and Milletia ferruginea extracts for the management of H. armigera in chickpea from July to December during 2017 and 2018 cropping season under field conditions. The results revealed that aqueous extracts of M. ferruginea and A. indica at 5% concentration either individually or in combinations at 2.5% concentration of each were more effective in reducing per plant H. armigera larval populations, pod damage with increased the subsequent yields during both cropping seasons as compared to control plot. Comparing the net cost–benefit return of each treatment, during 2017 maximum CBR was from the M. ferruginea 5% treated plot and A. indica 5% treated plots during the 2018 year. Thus, locally available botanical extracts would greatly benefit the resource-poor farmers in chickpea production. Future research attentions and considerations as a part of IPM tools, in pest management, are crucial.