Emmanuel Okrikata

Federal University Wukari · Department of Biological Sciences

Neem (Azadirachta indica) kernel powder (NKP) mixed 1:1 (weight basis) with some inert diluents (fine-sand, kaolin-dust, and saw-dust) were applied into the whorls of sorghum seedlings at 20, 30, 40, 50, days after sowing to provide protection against pink stalk-borer in field trials in 2002 and 2003. Carbaryl (Sevin 85) and untreated seedlings wer...

Arthropods were sampled on an early-and late-season crop of watermelon in the 2016 cropping season using motorized suction sampler swept along 5m length of the middle row of 20 experimental plots at Federal University Wukari. Specimens were sorted to morphotypes, feeding guilds and as dominant based on percentage relative abundance (RA) and frequen...

The efficiency of neem based insecticides have been assessed by many studies however, there is scanty information on the cost:benefit ratio of their use visa -viz synthetics, particularly, in watermelon production. In this study, thirty-six 5 m long x 8 m wide plots were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design in 4 replications of weekly spray...

Toxicity of seed oils of neem (Azadirachta indica) and desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) on the development of tropical warehouse moth (Ephestia cautella) in maize (Zea mays) ABSTRACT One major constraint to sustainable production and availability of maize is its susceptibility to infestation by insect pests both in the field and during storage of...

This review focused on heavy metals and pesticides as hazardous wastes and the strategies for minimizing their effects. Industrialization and environmental dynamics have resulted to rising hazardous wastes. There is an urgent need to develop strategies for sustainable management of hazardous wastes. These classes of wastes placed heavy liability on...

Many people go for edible insects in sub-saharan Africa in order combat hunger and to satisfy appetite. Though, generally known as good source of proteins; if insects contain antinutrients in disproportionate levels, they can pose health risk to humans. This study therefore analysed the nutritional and antinutritional components of some insects com...

Its a research showing the impact of sunlight exposure on the diversity and succession of insects associated with strangulated JUVENILE pig carcasses in Taraba State, Nigeria.

A comparative analysis of the nutritional and chemical composition of the rind, pulp and seeds of Citrullus lanatus Thunb. (Watermelon) and Cucumis melo L. (Sweet melon) was conducted with a view to ascertain the most nutritive fruit part, and to encourage whole fruit consumption and utilization. The rind, pulp and seeds of C. lanatus and C. melo w...

Impact of a biopesticide formulation, Neem, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae) plus Garlic, Allium sativum L. (Amaryllidaceae) Oil Emulsion-NGOE in watermelon production was investigated in early-and late-season field trials of 2020. Data collected include densities of leaf beetle species [Aulacophora africana (Weise), Asbecesta nigripennis (W...

To investigate the impact of a novel biopesticide formulation (neem plus garlic oil emulsion-NGOE) in watermelon production, field trials were laid in the early-and late-cropping season of 2020. Watermelon seeds (var. Sweet Sangria F1) were sown in 36 plots which were grouped into 4 replicates of 9 treatments. Data collected include densities of le...

The mean population densities of dominant insects (pest and beneficial) associated with watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) in a field experiment conducted in 2016 early-and late-season were subjected to statistical models to determine the average relative length of their presence period (ARLPP) and spatial distribution pattern (using Lloyd's ind...

In Nigeria, glyphosate and paraquat are common herbicides employed for weed control because they are cost-effective in controlling weeds. It has been shown that, herbicides released into the environment can indirectly affect non-target species, often in harmful ways. We thus investigated the lethal effects of Force up ® (glyphosate) and ParaQ ® (pa...

This study investigated the potential of some selected fertilizers to suppress root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) on eggplant. Treatments consisted of two spraying periods of liquid fertilizer (Super Gro) 2 and 4 weeks apart, 20 kg/ha and 40 kg/ha Organic manure (geese dropping) at 2 week intervals and untreated plants (control). This was...

Watermelon is known to be infested by multiple insect pests both simultaneously and in sequence. Interactions by pests have been shown to have positive or negative, additive or non additive, compensatory or over compensatory effects on yields. Hardly has this sort of relationship been defined for watermelon vis-à-vis insect herbivores. A 2-year, 2-...

Synthetic chemical pesticides have been globally used to suppress yield loss attributable to pest attack on crop-plants and human exposure to these chemicals has largely been through food consumption. To reduce harmful impacts of pesticides on humans, health risk assessment is imperative. This study thus determined the levels and risks associated w...

Synthetic chemical pesticides have been globally used to suppress yield loss attributable to pest attack on crop-plants and human exposure to these chemicals has largely been through food consumption. To reduce harmful impacts of pesticides on humans, health risk assessment is imperative. This study thus determined the levels and risks associated w...

Simple random sampling was used to select 100 students from the 150 in the class. A 12-item structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on students' attitude towards Genetics, mode of admission, gender and school type while the instrument titled 'Genetics Concepts Achievement Test' (GCAT), which comprised 40 multiple option questions, was used...

Over 500 million people depend on Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantaz) for dietary energy and research has shown that storage for just 4-6 months causes damage and losses (25-75%) due to insect pest infestations. This study is thus designed to determine the dominant insect species associated with stored cassava chips and evaluate the suppressive eff...

Biopesticides have readily available sources, they are effective, easily biodegradable, exhibit various modes of action, cheaper, inherently less toxic to humans and the environment, they do not leave harmful residues, and are usually more specific to target pests. The use of biopesticides is markedly safer for the environment and users, more susta...

Some crop growers hold the view that application of pesticides at higher than the manufacturer's recommended doses results in better pest control and crop productivity. The veracity of this perception was evaluated in field experiments at the experimental field of Federal University Wukari. A recommended insecticide and acaricide; ® Magicforce (Lam...

Despite the economic, health, and nutritional values of watermelon, insect pests remain a key limitation to its production globally. However, there has, hardly been any research that has statistically modeled the impact of insect pests on its performance. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between the performance of watermelon...

An assessment of susceptibility of selected predominant local varieties of Vigna unguiculata in Adamawa State, Nigeria to postharvest cowpea bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus) infestation was carried out for a period of 2 months (56 days). The study was organized in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 replications. Four commonly grown local...

Post-harvest losses caused by Callosobruchus maculatus is a major constraint to cowpea production and the improper use of synthetic insecticides by most farmers have resulted in environmental, health hazards, and development of insecticide resistance in insects. This study evaluates the efficacy of solar heat treatment using double-layered black po...

Grizzly ELS 2500/8 blower-vac was remodeled for arthropod suction sampling and possibly as a non-chemical pest management tool using readily available materials. With an installed intake nozzle (area 0.0020 m 2), the modified sampler was used in conjunction with a sampling enclosure (area 0.0707 m 2) for sampling arthropods associated with watermel...

Yam (Dioscorea species) is an annual root-tuber crop with social and economic significance in terms of food security, cash returns and human health, which has social and economic importance in terms of food, cash and medicine. Insect pests present major constraints to production, storage and marketing resulting in yield and revenue reduction, and d...

Cowpea bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus) is a very serious primary pest of stored cowpea grains with 30-100% loss potential. This study is therefore aimed at evaluating the efficiency of some plants in the management of the bruchid. The treatments evaluated were pulverized (dusts) eucalyptus leaves-Eucalyptus globulus Lab., neem leaves-Azadirachta...

Maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais, whose management has largely been via traditional control practices, is a key pest of stored maize grains causing severe losses. This study explored the use of Nigerian Raw Diatomite (RD) in the management of the weevil. A 3-replicated split plot designed laboratory experiment was conducted for 6 months duration. T...

In order to evaluate the inherent potentials of common watermelon varieties to withstand natural pest pressure and to identify potential sources of resistance for breeding programs, a 2-year field study was conducted in the research farm of Federal University Wukari, Nigeria in the early-and late-cropping seasons of 2016 and 2017. The experimental...

This study examined the phototactic response of two spotted cricket (G. bimaculatus) to incandescent and LED bulb light of different colours. Light traps fitted with 25 Watts incandescent bulbs and 3 Watts Light Emitting Diode (LED) of different colours (red, yellow, green, blue and white) were used. Also included was a control trap. The traps were...

Article History Keywords Attractiveness Hexapod orders Incandescent Light colours Light-emitting diode (LED) Light trap Phototactic. Dearth of information on response of hexapod orders to light sources and colours informed this study. The study was conducted in Federal University Wukari, Nigeria in the month of May, 2019 to evaluate the attractiven...

Red pumpkin beetle Aulacophora africana Weise) is an important defoliator and vector of pathogens to its numerous crop hosts. Control had largely been by synthetic insecticides with their attendant consequences on man and the environment thus necessitating scientific studies on environmental friendly management strategies. The experiment was conduc...

Isolation and identification of fungi pathogens on Ogoja and Pepa white yam cultivars was carried out on rotted tubers collected from farmers’ barns at Zaki-Biam, Benue State, Nigeria. Fungi organisms isolated and identified from the rotted tubers included Botryodiplodia theobromae, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, F. moniliforme,...

Leptadenia hastata an African plant species used in traditional medicine as an anti-venom, antihypertensive, anti-diabetic, analgesic and also used for catarrh and skin disease. Despite the fact that the root of Leptadenia hastata have several medicinal properties, no standardization parameter has been assessed. The study was aimed at establishing...

The phytoplankton and physico-chemical characteristics of Shadawanka river Nigeria were monitored to determine the impact of change of some parameters on the distribution, species richness, relative abundance and diversity of phytoplankton composition. Water was sampled and analysed for both Biological and physico-chemical characteristics of the ri...

The use of Long Lasting Insecticide Nets is one of the strategies in malaria prevention and control. This study which was conducted within July to September 2014, comparatively determines the susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae to pyrethroids on Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs) in Kinkiso, Mission and Wapan-ngaku areas of Wukari Local...

Watermelon has been reported to be vulnerable to insect pest pressure throughout its growth stages with a resultant indiscriminate calendar-based insecticide application (of up to 25 sprays/season in the study area), with its attendant consequences. In order to recommend the crop growth period(s) to effect chemical control measures that will give b...

Harvester ants (Messor galla Forel) would defy various control strategies. Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of spent engine-oil and other nature-based materials on their emergence in Maiduguri, Borno State of Nigeria. The evaluated treatments are spot applications of spent engine-oil and some natural materials in experim...

Sorghum stemborer species remains key yield limiting factor for sorghum production in the Nigerian semi-arid region. When they can afford, farmers rely almost solely on synthetic insecticides for control. Owing to the misuse and environmental and health challenges attributed to the use of synthetic insecticides, a two-year field study was carried o...

The use of Long Lasting Insecticide Nets is one of the strategies in malaria prevention and control. This study which was conducted within July to September 2014, comparatively determines the susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae to pyrethroids on Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs) in Kinkiso, Mission and Wapan-ngaku areas of Wukari Local...

The use of Long Lasting Insecticide Nets is one of the strategies in malaria prevention and control. This study which was conducted within July to September 2014, comparatively determines the susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae to pyrethroids on Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs) in Kinkiso, Mission and Wapan-ngaku areas of Wukari Local...

Insect Population Ecology

Five improved varieties of Glycine max (TGX 1987-62F, TGX 1485-1D, TGX 1448-2E, TGX 1987-10F and TGX 1835-10E) consumed in Samaru community, Zaria-Nigeria were analyzed for their proximate composition and mineral contents using standard methods. The results show that TGX 1835-10E has significantly (p<0.05) higher protein compared to the other varie...

Contradictory signals on the cytotoxicity of Dimethoate – a pesticide that has found wide usage in agriculture are evident in literature. For this reason, the present study was designed to assess the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of various concentrations of this pesticide before and after recovery in distilled water using the Allium cepa Test. T...

A field survey was conducted in Wukari, Taraba State to assess the diversity and abundance of insect species in selected habitats (residential, open field made up of grassland and an agroecosystem). Sampling were done biweekly using light, pitfall and yellow pan traps set in 3 replicates, 30 m apart. Insects recovered were wet preserved in 70% etha...

A two year field experiment was designed to evaluate the economic viability of Chilli Pepper and Neem Kernel based powdered formulations vis-à-vis Sevin Dust (85%) in controlling stemborer damage on Sorghum variety (KSV4) in 2009 and 2010 using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The botanicals evaluated are Chilli Pepper Powder (CPP), CPP +...

Synthetic insecticides which are now known to produce negative environmental, health and economic impact, have been heavily relied on in the control of stem borers on sorghum. This experiment therefore examines chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) and neem (Azadirachta indica) formulations in checking damages associated with stem borers on sorghum. F...

This experiment examines the use of chilli pepper and neem based botanical formulations which are being promoted more intensively in Africa due to their effectiveness and safety in application. This study was therefore aimed at comparatively assessing the efficacy of chili pepper and neem based botanical formulations in controlling sorghum stembore...

The study identified the types of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Yobe State, as well as comparing the types available in the three geopolitical zones (Eastern Yobe, Southern Yobe and Northern Yobe: Zone A, B and C respectively) of the state. Structured questionnaire complemented with interview were used to collect data from 600 forest users...

The effect of sprouting shea nuts on the proximate composition, fatty acid profile and microbiological quality of shea nut butter were examined. Shea fruits were collected under different shea trees, pooled, divided into sprouted and non-sprouted and butter extracted using skimmed method. Proximate and microbial quality was analyzed using standard...

The study was designed to evaluate the influence of three types of auxins: Indole Butyric Acid (IBA), Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) and, Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) at four concentrations (0mg/l, 100mg/l, 300mg/l and 500mg/l) and two seasons (dry and wet) on rooting mature stem cuttings of Moringa oleifera. The experiment was 3×4×2 factorial laid in a...

Nigeria's drive to boost food security and to fight off insect pests and yield-limiting crop pathogens has led to an unintended consequence: the mass importation and build-up of obsolete and toxic pesticides. Nigerian farmers have been relying heavily on these agrochemicals for the control of various weeds, insect pests and pathogens, leading to th...

The use of plant-derived pesticides against crop pests both on the field and during post-harvest is now emerging as one of the important means to be used in crop protection under an Integrated Pest Management framework following the multiple global challenges created by synthetic chemical pesticides. This paper outlines the place of botanicals in c...