open access

Submitted: 2026-02-26
Crop Protection
Published: 2026-03-31

Efficacy of selected botanical extracts against Spodoptera frugiperda infestation on maize under screen house conditions

Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Dutse, Nigeria
Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Bio
Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

A screen house experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of methanolic extracts of selected botanicals against Spodoptera frugiperda infestation on maize. The treatments comprised methanolic seed extracts of Khaya senegalensis, Hyptis suaveolens, and Azadirachta indica, as well as their mixtures (in 50:50 ratios) at a concentration of 2.5% (w/v). Emamectin benzoate served as the standard check, while untreated plants acted as control. Treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design replicated four times. Results showed that methanolic extracts of neem and combinations of Hyptis + Neem and Khaya + Neem significantly  reduced percentage incidence, foliar damage severity, and larval population of S. frugiperda, resulting in higher dry matter yield of 3.25, 3.85, and 2.95 t ha-1, respectively, comparable to standard check (3.90 t ha-1). These findings highlight the potential of methanolic botanical extracts, particularly neem and its mixtures, as promising components of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy for controlling fall armyworm in maize. Field evaluation of these extracts may have to be conducted for further evaluation and confirmation.

Keywords: Spodoptera frugiperda, methanolic extracts, botanicals, neem, mixtures, maize, IPM