Field assessment of the effects of Citrus aurantifolia Christm and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh extracts for the management of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius on Solanum melongena L. in north west Nigeria.

The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) is a destructive sap-sucking pest of agricultural importance ravaging various vegetables causing significant damage and crop yield penalty. Its management is largely dependent on the synthetic pesticides despite their negative effects on human health and environment. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of Citrus aurantifolia Christm and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh extracts against the whitefly on eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) under field conditions during 2022 and 2023 cropping seasons. The results revealed that citrus fermented extract (200 mL L^{− 1}) was more effective with an average of 13.4 whiteflies/leaf, followed by eucalyptus oil (30 mL L^{− 1}) with 17.2 whiteflies/leaf, 15 days after the 1st spray in 2022 experiment. Citrus essential oil (10 mL L^{− 1}) was least effective during the same period with 29.4 whiteflies/leaf as compared to the control with 36.8 whiteflies/leaf. In 2023 experiment, eucalyptus oil (30 mL L^{− 1}) and citrus fermented extract (200 mL L^{− 1}) effectively reduced the whitefly number (13.1 and 16.1 whiteflies/leaf) while their aqueous extracts (100 mL L^{− 1}) were least effective (27.8 and 31.3 whiteflies/leaf). In both the years (2022 and 2023), eucalyptus oil (30 mL L^{− 1}) remained most effective with an average of 1.8 and 1.5 whiteflies/leaf (93.23 and 95.50% reduction in whitefly count), 45 days after the 3rd spray. The phytochemicals analyzed in this research demonstrated high efficacy and are therefore recommended as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic chemicals in the management of whiteflies for sustainable vegetable cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]