Participatory evaluation of synthetic and botanical pesticide mixtures for cotton bollworm control

The bioefficacy of various plant extracts, namely Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Khaya senegalensis Desrousseaux (A. Jussieu) and Hyptis suavuolens (L.) Poit, either alone or in combination with half the recommended dose of synthetic pesticides, was studied with farmers to find a more sustainable strategy for the management of bollworms in cotton. A number of treatments were farmer innovations. The treatments were compared six times during the season to the application of the fully recommended dose of synthetic pesticides and to a control with no pesticide application. Applications of either the fully recommended dose of the synthetic pesticides or the combinations with a neem seed extract (6 kg/ha) were most effective in reducing bollworm incidence and damage. Both the treatments gave the highest yields of cottonseed, the latter being the most cost-effective. All the pesticides used, except neem alone, had a toxic effect on bollworm predators. This study has increased farmers' confidence in endogenous technology. The researcher's interaction among the local learning group members, who conducted the experiments, facilitated the introduction of a cost-effective alternative to the standard full-dose synthetic pesticide recommendation.