Evaluation of neem (<i>Azadirachta indica</i>) derivatives for management of sorghum stem borers (busseola <i>fusca</i> (fuller) and <i>Chilo partellus</i> (swinhoe))

Abstract

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is the most potential plant for solving the multidimensional problems of the rural people. Neem, Azadirachta indica and Persian lilac, Melia azedarach, with different   formulations were tested against stalk borers on sorghum at Sirinka and Chefa in 2002/03 and 2003/04  cropping seasons. This field evaluation experiment was arranged in complete randomized block design  with three replications. Sorghum varieties 'Gambella 1107' and local land race 'Jigurty' were used at  Chefa and Sirinka, respectively. Two lepidopterous stem borer species, Busseola fusca and Chilo partellus were important at Sirinka and Chefa, respectively. Three treatments were tested: a water extract from neem seeds, a powder form from neem seeds and Persian lilac leaves. Synthetic chemicals, Cypermethrin I% granules and Karate 5% emelsifaible concentrates and an untreated control were included for comparison purpose. Infestation and damage levels of stalk borers were reduced using each botanical at different formulations in both locations and years as compared to untreated control. Among treatments, powder forms of' 1 neem seeds and Persian lilac leaves were effective in reducing percent head chaffiness and infested plats. Moreover, the percentage of grain yield increase of 7 to 18 and 8 to 15 were obtained over untreated check using neem seeds and Persian lilac leaves, respectively. High yield ad.vantages over untreated plots were also recorded using Karate 5% emelsiafiable concentrates arid Cypermethrin I% granules with the range of 6 to 27 % and 13 to 40 %, respectively in each location and year.

Key words: Azadirachta indica, Melia azedarach, Stem borers, Busseolafusca, Chilo partellus.