International Journal of Agriculture and Technology
Open AccessSustainable Management of Insect Pests and Diseases of Tomato Using Adamfo Pa (Urtica Spp.) Botanical Extract
Authors: Kwesi Atta Senior Aidoo, Ernest Baafi, Kofi Frimpong-Anin, Agbesi Kwadzo Keteku, Ernestina Narveh Awarikabey, Zippora Appiah-Kubi, Augustine Darkwa Agyekum, Maxwell Kwodane.
Abstract
Tomato production in Ghana is constrained by insect pests and diseases, leading to heavy pesticide use. Adamfo Pa, a Urtica-based botanical, offers a promising, eco-friendly alternative. Field experiments were conducted during the 2025 major cropping season to evaluate the efficacy of Adamfo Pa botanical for the management of insect pests and diseases of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under local conditions in Ghana. Trials were established at Fumesua (Forest ecozone) and Ejura (Savannah–Transition ecozone) using a split-plot design with application interval (weekly and bi-weekly) as the main plot factor and five dosage treatments (control, Adamfo Pa at 300 ml/100 L of water, 400 ml/100 L of water and 500 ml/100 L of water, and standard reference biopesticide and fungicide) as sub-plot factor. Data were collected on insect pest incidence, disease incidence and severity, crop growth, yield parameters, and phytotoxicity. Adamfo Pa significantly reduced whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) populations and African ear borer (Helicoverpa armigera) fruit damage compared to the untreated control, with the 400 and 500 ml/100 L of water rates performing comparably to the reference biopesticide (Bypel). Weekly applications consistently resulted in lower pest pressure than bi-weekly applications. Adamfo Pa also significantly reduced the incidence and severity of major tomato diseases, particularly wilt and Septoria leaf spot, across both locations, with disease severity reductions comparable to the reference fungicide (Mancozeb). Crop yield and fruit number increased significantly with increasing Adamfo Pa dosage, and the 500 ml/100 L of water rate under weekly application produced yields similar to the standard reference checks. No phytotoxic effects were observed. Overall, Adamfo Pa demonstrated strong potential as an effective and environmentally friendly botanical for integrated management of tomato pests and diseases in Ghana, with optimal performance achieved at 400–500 ml/100 L of water applied weekly.
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