ECONOMICS OF APPLICATION OF THREE INSECTICIDES ON THE YIELD OF WATERMELON IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Watermelon Citrulus lanatus Schrad was grown on the field under rainfed in the early and late seasons at Ile-lfe, Nigeria. Sixteen insect pests were observed attacking watermelon among which these six Aulacophora africana Wse, Zonocerus variegatus (L.) Epilacha chrysomelina, The Dacus cucurbitace/em> Kars. Anoplocnemis curvipes F. and Leptoglossus australis F. were rated abundant because of a total count of over 80 individuals on a 17 x 9m plot per week. Permethrin (Ambush) at 0.06 and 0.04% in the early and late cropping seasons respectively controlled insect pests and effectively gave higher weight of marketable fruits of watermelon. Propoxur at 0.16% in the late season and carbaryl at 0.4% in the early season also prevented some damage. Production, Trading, Profit and Loss analysis showed that watermelon production could be profitable if insect pests are controlled. Marginal returns were highest in the late cropping season.