Effect of neem-based formulations on sucking pests in organic brinjal production

Abstract:

Can neem-based formulations provide adequate control of sucking pests in organic brinjal (Solanum melongena) without the yield penalties associated with going pesticide-free? This research compared four neem formulations neem oil 3%, Neem Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) 5%, azadirachtin 1500 ppm, and neem leaf extract 10% against an untreated control on whitefly, aphid, and jassid populations in organic brinjal at two locations in Upper Egypt during 2022-2023. Neem oil 3% gave the highest pest reduction (72.8-76.0% across pest species), followed by NSKE 5% (64.7-71.3%). Fruit yield in neem oil-treated plots was 23.8 t ha⁻¹, 68.8% higher than the untreated control (14.1 t ha⁻¹) and comparable to regional averages for conventionally sprayed brinjal. No phytotoxicity was observed. Neem oil at 3% applied at 10-day intervals during the flowering-fruiting stage is recommended for organic brinjal systems in Upper Egypt.