Ecological Management of Insect Pests of Crops

Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) and millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) rank first among the legumes and cereals produced and consumed in Niger. However, the production of these crops is hampered by numerous insect pests that cause yield losses of 80 to 100 percent if no control measures are implemented. The use of biopesticides to control insect pests has proven to be effective, less costly, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic to humans and animals. Extracts from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) are effective against insect pests of many crops. Its active ingredient (azadirachtin) works by disrupting the insect's feeding behavior and hormonal cycle, thereby preventing the insect's normal development. These studies allowed us to evaluate the effectiveness of various formulations of the neem-based biopesticide against pests of cowpea and the millet stem borer (C. ignefusalis). By reducing pest infestation, neem extracts have led to a significant increase in the yields of these crops.