Botanicals extracts for control of pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum; Harris)

Abstract

The pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) is an insect pest of economic importance in the production of pulses in Ethiopia. The economic yield losses in Field pea due to A. pisum was Calculated to be up to 230 kg/ha. Control methods include the application of insecticide and early planting. Reliance on synthetic chemicals to control pests has resulted in destruction of non-target organisms (parasitoids and predators) thereby affecting biological diversity. Garlic bulbs (Allium sativum), Endod (Phytolacca dodecandra) and Neem seeds (Azadirachta indica) grounded and prepared at 5 and 10% dilutions was tested for their effect on pea aphid under laboratory condition of Arsi University, School of Agriculture and Environmental Science. Both levels of Garlic and 5% Neem have induced mortality similar to Endosulfan 35% EC within 24 hours of treatment application. Levels of Endod dilutions performed much less as compared to other botanicals in 24 hours of application.