Impact of botanical extracts on mungbean pest management and seed storability in the northern highlands of Tanzania
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Date
2024-12-18
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers
Abstract
This study assessed the efficacy of plant extracts as alternatives to synthetic
pesticides for pest control and seed quality preservation in mungbean cultivation
in northern Tanzania, specifically at TARI Selian and Miwaleni. The study employed
a randomized complete block design. Four plants’ extracts—Tephrosia vogelii,
Clutia abbsynica, Clausena anisata, and Lobelia gibelloa—were evaluated during
the 2020 growing season (field) and 2021 storage period (storability). The study
focused on their effects on insect pests (leaf beetles, thrips, aphids, whiteflies,
and pod borers) and their ability to maintain seed quality during storage. C.
anisata emerged as the most effective extract across all pests, demonstrating
high suppression rates for thrips (3.4), aphids (3.22), whiteflies (3.4), and pod borers
(2.7). In contrast, L. gibelloa was the least effective, with lower suppression rates for
thrips (3.1) and aphids (3.1). Furthermore, botanical treatments significantly reduced
pest damage in stored seeds, with T. vogelii and C. abbsynica showing superior
performance in preserving seed weight and quality during storage. Seeds treated
with T. vogelii had significantly fewer holes and lower weight loss compared to
other treatments, indicating its effectiveness in both pest management and seed
preservation. Conversely, L. gibelloa and C. anisata contributed to greater weight
loss, particularly at higher application rates. The study demonstrates that plant
extracts can offer a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides,
effectively controlling pests and preserving seed quality. These findings are crucial
for improving mungbean production and storage, enhancing food security, and
reducing reliance on chemical pesticides in diverse agro-ecological contexts.
Future research should further explore the long-term ecological impacts and
optimal application rates of these botanicals for integrated pest management
and seed storage
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-2: Zero Hunger
Keywords
Agricultural insect pests, Ecological friendly botanical extracts, Efficacy, Postharvest losses mitigation, Sustainable food system, Tanzania