INSECTICIDE FORMULATION USING NEEM. GARLIC, AND TOBACCO LEAVE EXTRACT AGAINST COWPEA WEEVILS. COLLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the formulation and efficacy of botanical insecticides derived from neem (Azadirachta indica), garlic (Allium sativum), and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) extracts against cowpea weevils (Callosobruchus maculatus), a major pest of stored beans. (Table. 1) The research aims to identify the phytochemical components of these extracts, evaluate their insecticidal activity, and determine the optimal concentration for pest control. Phytochemical screening revealed that garlic and neem contain bioactive compounds such as saponins, phenols, and terpenoids, while tobacco contains alkaloids, saponins, and tannins—all known for their pesticidal properties. Experimental results showed that all extracts exhibited significant, dose-dependent insecticidal effects, with garlic extract demonstrating the highest potency by completely eliminating weevils at a 25g concentration within one week. (Table. 2) Neem and tobacco extract also effectively suppressed weevil populations, though to a slightly lesser degree. Combined formulations, particularly at ratios of 1:2:1 (garlic:neem:tobacco) and 1:1:10, sustained low pest populations over four weeks, indicating synergistic or additive effects among the extracts. (Table. 3,4 and 5). The study concludes that these plant-based formulations are promising eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides, offering effective and sustainable pest management options. Further research on dosage optimization, field trials, and safety evaluation is recommended to enhance practical application in agricultural storage systems.