ASSESSMENT OF CASHEW GUM EXUDATE AND GINGER EXTRACT BIO INSECTICIDE ON THE GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS AND INCIDENCE OF INSECT PESTS IN IRRIGATED GROUNDNUT IN LAFIA, NIGERIA.

This research investigated the performance of a plant-based insecticide derived from ginger andcashew gum exudate (GCGE) compared with a conventional synthetic pesticide (cymbush) inirrigated groundnut cultivation. The field trial was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm ofthe Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State,Nigeria. Different concentrations (25–100 ml) were applied at specific crop growth intervalsranging from 2 to 12 weeks after planting, and their influence on growth traits, yield components,and pest occurrence was monitored. The application of GCGE at 100 ml markedly improvedvegetative traits such as plant height (41.51 cm), stem thickness (5.66 cm), number of leaves(37.08), and branches (5.85), showing close similarity to results achieved with cymbush. Likewise,leaf area index and flower production peaked under GCGE at 75–100 ml. Although pod number andpod weight were greatest under cymbush, GCGE at 100 ml produced nearly comparable values(17.90 pods; 24.08 kg). Insect population and pest damage were lowest in plots treated withcymbush, but GCGE at higher rates provided substantial suppression compared with untreatedplots, which suffered heavy infestation. The timing of application strongly affected outcomes, withtreatments between 10–12 weeks after planting resulting in superior flowering, pod set, and yieldperformance. Interaction effects indicated that GCGE at 100 ml applied during this window delivered pest reduction and yield levels similar to synthetic treatment. The findings highlightGCGE as a promising eco-friendly alternative for sustainable groundnut protection, warrantingfurther trials on formulation stability, large-scale use, and cost–benefit feasibility.