Effect of Jatropha Oil on the Management of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda je smith.)

Abstract

Field research was carried out in the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University of Technology, Minna to evaluate the effect of Jatropha oil on the management of fall armyworm. The experiment was arranged in Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates and six varieties. 45 ml/ L of Jatropha oil was applied every week for four weeks using Knapsack sprayer. Data on severity of fall armyworm infestation, plant height, stem diameter, number of ears, number of rotten ears, fresh and dry cob weight and grain yield were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) the means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The result indicated that OPV maize variety recorded the highest grain yield while Oba super 6 demonstrated a tolerance against the infestation of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Therefore farmers could plant OPV maize variety for its high grain yield and Oba super 6 for its tolerant against the infestation of fall armyworm.