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ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in the Department of Crop Science Teaching and Research farm, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin in 2023 on the Effect of Tillage and Neem (Azardirachta indica A.Juss) Leaf Powder on Termite Incidence on Maize (Zea mays). Termite activities negatively affect crop growth and yield. Worldwide, the control of termites has largely relied on broad spectrum and persistent chemical insecticides. However, these chemicals have a negative impact on the environment and human health. Therefore, there is an increasing need for alternative means which is cheaper, available and friendly in the environment. This study aimed to determine the effect of the different tillage methods and the application of neem leaf powder as a natural impediment on termite incidence on maize. The experimental design was a 2 x 3 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Treatment consisted of Tillage (Factor A) at 2 levels, (Flat and Ridge) and Neem leaf powder (Factor B) at 3 levels, (0.00 tonnes/ha, 2.00 tonnes/ha and 3.00 tonnes/ha). Data collected were on termite incidence and severity, plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, soil fertility status and yield after harvest. All data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and data was analyzed using GenStat software. Results show that tillage and neem leaf powder had little or no effect on termite incidence. However, ridge recorded least (61.20%) termite incidence xii while higher (74.20%) termite incidence was recorded with flat. Additionally, neem leaf powder at 3.0 tonnes/ha recorded least (54.60%) termite incidence while control recorded higher (79.20%) termite incidence. Equally, there was no significant differences among treatment means on termite severity due to tillage and neem leaf powder throuhout the trial. However, least (0.81) severity was recorded with ridge while higher (1.08) severity was recorded with flat. Moreover, neem leaf powder at 2.00 tonnes/ ha recorded least (0.91) severity than other treatments. Also there were no significant differences due to tillage, neem leaf powder as well as treatment interaction on maize cob yield and fresh stalk weight after harvest. The remarkable reduction of termite incidence and severity by neem leaf powder at 3.00 tonnes/ha could be attributed to the biodegradable metabolites of neem leaf powder known as Azardirachtin in plant root zones that may have acted as either antifeedant or repellants.
