Effects of the presence of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) on cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) insect pests and on the crop yield in the municipality of Maïné-Soroa in Niger

Abstract

Market gardening is one of the main activities of the population of the village of Adebour in the Maïné-Soroa department, Diffa region. However, market gardening crops, particularly cabbage, face insect damage that most often compromise production. The chemical pesticides usually used are difficult to access and harmful to the environment. The present study, carried out in the oasis basin of the village of Adebour, had as general objective to highlight the effects of the presence of basil (Ocimum basilicum) on cabbage insect pests. For this, basil was combined with cabbage at different densities and other plots, where basil was not associated with cabbage, were treated with a chemical pesticide. The test was conducted using a block factorial experimental design with three (3) repetitions. Cabbage growth and yield parameters were measured and insects present in the plots were inventoried at regular time intervals. The insects recorded were mainly locusts and caterpillars. There was no statistically significant difference for growth parameters. For the yield parameters, the control was significantly lower than the other treatments. The yield obtained in total biomass, where the control is significantly lower than the other treatments, ranged from 21.95 ± 2.02 t.ha-1 for the control to 38.88 ± 4.67 t.ha-1 for the chemical pesticide. The results revealed that basil can be an alternative to chemical pesticides. © 2024 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.