Comparative effects of neem seed oil and a synthetic fungicide in the management of sugar cane whip smut (Sporisorium scitamineum)

This study evaluated the comparative effectiveness of neem seed oil and mancozeb in controlling whip smut disease of sugar cane during the 2021 cropping season in Edozhigi, Niger State. A factorial experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments and three replicates. The test crop was the Bida local variety (chewing sugar cane), and five concentrations of neem seed oil (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) and mancozeb (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%) were applied. Parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, and number of internodes, smut severity index, and single stalk weight at harvest were assessed. Results indicate that neem seed oil exhibited superior fungicidal activity compared to mancozeb, with a concentration of 20 ml proving to be the most effective in managing whip smut. These findings suggest that neem seed oil can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides. However, further research is required to determine optimal application methods and to evaluate the long-term effects on soil health.