Potential of neem extracts as natural insecticide against fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

This study characterized and assessed the toxicity of neem extracts obtained by two different methods to manage fall armyworm (FAW) invasion. The extracts, neem seed oil extract (NSOE) and methanolic neem leaf extract (MNLE), were obtained from neem seeds and leaves by Soxhlet extraction and cold maceration respectively. The yields after extraction for neem seed oil and neem leaf extract were 23.92% and 17.05% respectively. The estimated LC50 after 2, 6 and 12 hours for NSOE were 1.78%, 0.97% and 0.68% respectively while LC50 after 2, 6 and 12 hours for MNLE were 2.67%, 2.62% and 1.64% respectively. The results suggest that both extracts have great potential as a natural insecticide for the management of fall armyworm. Hence, farmers should use environmentally friendly insecticides to mitigate FAW damage since their efficacy, economic and environmental recompenses outweigh those of synthetic origins.