Explore use of plant extracts as insecticide, don tasks farmers

Nigerian farmers asked to explore use of plant extracts as insecticide.

Nigerian local farmers have been advised to explore use of plant extracts as insecticides.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, a lecturer in the Department of Crop and Environmental Protection at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Dr. Adeola Odewole, said that plant extracts are environmentally sustainable and significant alternatives to synthetic insecticides.

“Plant extracts have shown significant promise as alternatives to synthetic insecticides. These extracts are environmentally sustainable, biodegradable, and leave no harmful residues in soil, water, or food.

“Plants such as ginger, sunflower, fish bean, African black pepper, cloves and citrus, possess potent pesticidal properties and are readily available and cost-effective for smallholder farmers”, she said.

The agriculture expert observed that proper formulation of these extracts ensures their efficacy against pests while preserving beneficial organisms and the overall ecological balance.

She stated that farmers often use chemical insecticide
without adequate knowledge of their consequences, lamenting that chemical insecticides are used on vegetables that are consumed daily by most consumers, such as cucumber, okra, cabbage, and amaranths.

“Some farmers rely on chemical insecticides because they do not have an alternative to insect pest infestation control.

“This indiscriminate usage has resulted in environmental pollution, food contamination, health risks for farmers and consumers, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant pests,” she said.

Odewole, who is also a postdoctoral researcher in the Management and Conservation of Natural and Agrarian at the Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil, observed that the adverse effects are profound and multifaceted.

“Both farmers and consumers are exposed to chemical residues. This residue usually leads to health challenges such as skin disorders, respiratory illness, and long-term health complications.

“It also degrades ecosystems and harms beneficial organisms, including pollinators essential for crop production”.

Odewole warned that prolonged use of chemical insecticides can lead to resistance in pest populations, adding that such development could force farmers to increase dosages, which perpetuates the cycle of dependence.

According to her, an experiment conducted on harvested cucumber fruits from different markets in the five local government areas of Ogbomoso, showed high residue of chemicals in some local government when compared with the European Union Maximum Residue Limits (EU MRLs) standard.

“The values indicate that the public is exposed to the health risks of pesticide residues through cucumber consumption in part of the study area”, she warned.

The Agric expert also said that after petroleum, agriculture is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, with vegetable farming serving as a critical source of livelihood for countless local farmers.

She, however, pointed out that unregulated and excessive use of chemical insecticides poses significant risks to the sector’s sustainability.

She, therefore, called on policymakers to establish regulations that limit the overuse of chemical pesticides and incentivize sustainable methods.

Odewole also enjoined extension officers and agricultural organizations to provide farmers with training, resources, and technical support.

“Scientists must continue to research and validate innovative solutions and empower farmers with knowledge and tools for transforming pest control practices and achieving long-term agricultural sustainability.

“By adopting safer and more innovative pest management practices, we can protect human health, preserve the environment, and secure food safety”, she said.

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