EVALUATION OF NEEM SEED EXTRACT AND FUNGICIDES (BENLATE AND APRON PLUS 50 DS) AS SEED DRESSING FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FUNGAL LEAF SPOT DISEASES OF EGGPLANT

Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture Research Farm, University of Nigeria, Nsukka during the 2010 growing season to evaluate the efficacy of neem seed extract (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) and fungicides (Apron plus 50Ds and Benlate), as seed dressing for the management of fungal leaf spot disease (Cercospora melongenae, CA) of eggplants (Solanum melongena L.). The experiments were laid out as a 4 x 3 factorial in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) for greenhouse and field experiments respectively. Result obtained showed that combination of neem seed extract treatment and black beauty eggplant variety were most effective in the management of fungal leaf spot disease of eggplant. Neem seed extract significantly (P=0.05) reduced number of leaf abscission, percentage aborted flowers and leaf spots disease incidences (spots/leaf and spots/plant) and severity, and also significantly (P=0.05) increased germination and  survival counts 2 weeks after transplanting (WAT), leaf number per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and yield in both experiments. As regards to varietal effects, black beauty significantly (P=0.05) had reduced number of leaf abscission, flower abortion disease incidence and disease severity, and also significantly (P=0.05) increase survival counts 2 WAT, fruit weight per plant and yield. It was therefore recommended that neem seed extract be used as alternative to synthetic inorganic chemicals in combination with black beauty eggplant variety for the management of fungal diseases in eggplant.