Biopesticide Potentialities of Eagle Fern (Pteridium aquilinum) and Ricin (Ricinus communis) in the Protection of Vegetables Crops

Introduction: Pesticides commonly used in crop protection are serious causes of ecological and sanitary disorders.

Aims: This present work investigates the biopesticide properties of Pteridium auquilinum and Ricinus communis in the protection of three vegetable crops Lactuca sativa, Solanum nigrum and Raphanus sativus.

Place and Duration of Study: The experimental tests were conducted on the site of BIONATURE (Bafoussam, Cameroon) from 24 June to 30 August 2017.

Methodology: Four types of preparations were made and bioefficacy tests consisted of contact treatments. Direct observations on the physical aspect of the plant, agronomic measurements, and pathology monitoring were carried out.

Results: The results show that the fermentation of the fern is complete after 5 days versus 8 days for the castor. The aqueous extracts of fern have insect repellent, insecticidal and fungicidal properties. Diluted maceration of fern (88.75%) was more efficient than the pure maceration (68%).

Conclusion: Manure and castor oil have insecticidal and repellent properties. The monitoring of pathologies after treatment reveals that castor oil is more effective than fern manure in control of gray rots and Tip burn attacks.