Characteristics of tomato plants treated with leaf extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (L.)) and mata-raton (Gliricidia sepium (Jacquin)): a greenhouse experiment

J Environ Biol. 2014 Sep;35(5):935-42.

Abstract

Extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A.) and mata-raton (Gliricidia sepium) leaves were used as insect repellent during organic cultivation of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) and were compared with untreated plants or plants treated with lambda-cyhalothrin (chemical treatment). The best developed tomato plants were found in the Gliricidia treatment, while difference between other treatments were small. The number of different species of macrofauna found on tomato plants were similar in different treatments, except for corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.) found in the Gliricidia treatment, but not in other treatments. It was found that leaf extract of G. sepium stimulated tomato growth and altered the leaf and fruit characteristics. This was most likely due to its action as a growth regulator and/or an inductor of changes in the tomato growth regulation, but not due to its action as an insect repellent. Consequently, leaf extract of G. sepium could be used to stimulate tomato development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Azadirachta*
  • Fabaceae*
  • Food Chain
  • Fruit / drug effects
  • Insect Control*
  • Organic Agriculture
  • Plant Development / drug effects
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Solanum lycopersicum / drug effects*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts