MANAGEMENT OF STEM-BORERS OF ZEA MAYS USING EXTRACTS OF NEEM WOOD AND PALM FROND ASHES IN IGBO ETITI LGA, ENUGU STATE

Abstract: Maize productivity underpins food security and economic stability, especially in developing nations where it remains a dietary mainstay. This study investigated the phytochemical composition of acetone extracts prepared from neem wood and palm frond ashes, and evaluated their effectiveness against stem borers in Zea mays. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was employed to identify and profile phytochemical constituents in the acetone‑soluble fractions of each botanical, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative determinations. Results indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, quinones, saponins, steroids, and tannins in both materials. Quantitative analyses further confirmed that the two botanicals contain multiple bioactive compounds of potential pesticidal relevance. In neem wood ash, cyclopentane, 5‑tetradecene, 7‑hexadecenal, and 9‑eicosene were detected, whereas hexadecane, eicosene, cyclotrisiloxane, and 17‑pentatriacontene occurred in palm frond ash. Field trials comprised six maize farm plots, each measures 18.30 m by 12.2 m: three established in the late season (7th August 2024) and three in the early season (25th March 2025). Among the treated plots, the acetone extract of neem wood ash produced a higher grain yield (66.69 kg) than the palm frond ash treatment (43.29 kg). The neem wood ash extract also substantially reduced stem‑borer incidence and abundance relative to the alternative formulation across both planting periods. Taken together, these findings suggest that biopesticides derived from neem wood and palm frond ashes can be deployed for effective management of maize pests under field conditions. We recommend further research to isolate, characterize, and evaluate additional active constituents that may serve as promising biopesticidal agents. Key Words: GC-MS, neem wood ash, palm frond ash, maize stem borer and Zea mays.