Evaluation of Neem Dust Formulations for the Control of Sorghum Stemborers in the Semi-Arid Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

Sorghum stemborer species remains key yield limiting factor for sorghum production in the Nigerian semi-arid region. When they can afford, farmers rely almost solely on synthetic insecticides for control. Owing to the misuse and environmental and health challenges attributed to the use of synthetic insecticides, a two-year field study was carried out at the University of Maiduguri Research Farm to evaluate the efficacy of various neem dust formulations for the control of Sorghum stemborers. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design and various neem dust formulations were compared with carbaryl dust and the control (untreated). All the insecticide treatments significantly (p < 0.05) reduced stalk and peduncle damage caused by stemborers with a resultant increase in grain yield when compared with the control. Neem Kernel Powder (NKP) + Finesand proved more superior in efficacy than all the other insecticide treatments in checking stemborer damage.