Evaluation of Neem (Azadirachtaindica) Seed Extracts for theControl of Mealy Bug (Dysmicoccus Spp.) and Mealy Bug Associated Pineapple (Ananas Comosus) Wilt
Date
1998-12
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University of Ghana
Abstract
Mealybug associated pineapple wilt is a major constraint to pineapple production in
Ghana. Aqueous and methanolic neent seed extracts and a standard insecticide,
dimethoate were evaluated for their efficacy against the pineapple mealybug in
laboratory, screen house and field studies. The pineapple cultivar used was Smooth
Cayenne. In the screen house treated suckers were planted in plastic pots filled with soil.
Destructive sampling techniques were applied to obtain the number of live mealybugs at
two weekly intervals for 10 weeks. In the screen house experiment, methanolic neem
seed extract at the highest dosage (6 g/1) was found to be most effective treatment against
the pineapple mealybugs.
In the field, dimethoate and methanolic neem extract were equally effective in reducing
the mealybug population than the control. The population of mealybugs was reduced to
almost zero in dimethoate and methanolic neem extract treated plants. The extract also
promoted healthy leaf development, reduced wilting and rotting of pineapple roots.
Description
Thesis(MPhil)- University of Ghana,1998