MANAGEMENT OF THE MAJOR INSECT PESTS OF ROSELLE (Hibiscus sabdariffa LINN.) USING BOTANICALS IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE

Field trial was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Maiduguri in 2015 cropping season to determine the effects of botanical insecticides on insect pests’ infestation, damage and calyx yield of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa). The four-insecticide (Moringa leaf extract, Neem leaf extract, Deltamethrin 10EC and untreated control) treatments were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications each. Data were collected on the population of insects, percentage leaf damage, percentage calyx diameter, percentage calyx loss and calyx yield. The results showed that Monalepta goldingi and Oxycarenus hyalinipennis are the major insect pests of pre- and post-flowering period for roselle respectively. Moringa leaf extract, Neem leaf extract and Deltamethrin 10EC have reduced these insect pests’ population, calyx damage, calyx loss and increased calyx yield. The two botanicals (Moringa and Neem leaf extracts) and the synthetic insecticide Deltamethrin 10 EC had cost: benefit ratio of 1:4.2, 1:6.7 and 1:7.4 respectively. Loss of monitory values due to calyx loss was also reduced by more than 50% following neem leaf extract and Deltamethrin 10 EC applications. Neem leaf extract is therefore recommended for the management of insect pests of Roselle in the area.