Natural weapons unleashed: Harnessing Hyptis suaveolens, charcoal dust, and wood ash extracts for controlling insect pests of maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

Insect pests pose a significant threat to maize (Zea mays) crops worldwide, leading to substantial yield losses and reduced agricultural productivity. Traditional control methods relying on synthetic pesticides have raised concerns regarding their environmental impact and potential health risks. Therefore, the search for eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives is essential. This study investigates the efficacy of natural extracts derived from Hyptis suaveolens (commonly known as wild mint), charcoal, and wood ash in the control of insect pests infesting maize crops. Research was conducted at an experimental unit at University of Ilorin in 2022 using a pot trial. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design, with treatments including ethanol extracts of Hyptis suaveolens, charcoal dust, and wood ash, as well as a control group with no treatment. A kilogram of wood ash, Hyptis suaveolens and charcoal each was soaked in 5liters of ethanol for 48hours. Each mixture was sieved, extracted and applied at 30g/L to maize plants at various growth stages to assess their insecticidal properties against common pests such as aphids, armyworms, and maize weevils while the control (Cypermethrin) was applied at 2.25ml per liter. The results of the study demonstrated that the application of Hyptis suaveolens extracts significantly reduced the population of insect pests compared to the control group. The extracts exhibited strong insecticidal properties, effectively repelling or eliminating a wide range of insect pests. Key words: Treatment, Insect Pest, Zea mays, Hyptis suaveolens