An Evaluation of the Insecticidal Properties of Custard Apple (Annona Squamosa L.) for Controlling Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae: Sulzer) in EggPlant Cultivation in Southern Part of Nigeria

A two year experiment was conducted in 2023 and 2024 on a pre-fallowed piece of land at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agriculture, Federal College of Education Obudu Cross River State of Nigeria. The main objective was to evaluate the insecticidal properties of extract from the seeds of Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L) for controlling Aphid spp. in Eggplant cultivation. An experimental farm was established on a plot measuring 18.5 m x 18.5 m, for two growing seasons (2023 and 2024). The design of the experiment was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) on a 3x5 factorial layout. 3 cultivars of Eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) (Gilo), S. aethiopicum (shum) and S.aethiopicum (kumba) were cultivated per plot, with 5 beds in each plot, 15 beds in a block, 45 beds in a replicate. A bed represented a subplot, there were 3 plots in a block, 3 blocks in a replicate. The entire layout was replicated 3 times with each replicate having 45 beds in all. Eggplant seedlings were transplanted from a 4-week nursery to the beds in the main field at a planting distance of 60 cm between rows and 45 cm within rows. There were 6 stands of egg plants per bed, 30 stands per plot, 90 stands per block, 270 stands per plot in a replicate, and 810 stands in the entire experimental farm. A solution of extract from custard apple (Annona squamosa L) seeds was prepared through simple solvent extraction and was applied immediately in 5 different levels (volumes) of 0,2,4,6 and 8 liter per hectare (lit/ha) to the eggplant seedlings, 2 weeks after transplanting to prevent aphids attacks. The main plot treatments were the eggplant cultivars, while the subplot treatment were the different volumes of plant extract applied. Data were taken for plant establishment at 4 weeks after transplanting, number of fruits per stand, and fruit yield in tons per hectare both in 2023 and 2024 planting seasons.  All data generated in the 2 year planting seasons were pooled together and the average calculated. The data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means separated by Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 0.05 level of probability. Findings revealed that the crude extract from custard apple seeds applied at 6 to 8 (lit/ha) has the efficacy to effectively repel Aphids spp. from crops in the field. It was recommended that farmers should adopt the use of the custard apple seed extract in managing Aphids infestation in eggplant cultivation. The dosage should be 6 to 8 (lit/ha). Gilo and shum cultivars were also recommended as high yielding cultivars to be selected for cultivation.