EFFECT OF PLANT EXTRACTS ON PEST POPULATION AND YIELD OF BITTER GOURD (MOMORDICA CHARANTIA) IN MARDAN

Abstract

This study, conducted at AWKUM Mardan in 2022, evaluated the effectiveness of various plant extracts on controlling aphids, whiteflies, and thrips in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) cultivation. Treatments included Cypermethrin, Azadirachta indica (Neem), Parthenium hysterophorus (Parthenium), Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus), and an untreated control, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that both Cypermethrin and botanical extracts significantly reduced pest populations and improved yield. Cypermethrin was the most effective, recording the lowest pest counts (0.88 aphids, 0.90 whiteflies, 0.93 thrips per leaf) and highest yield (24.80 kg). Among botanicals, Azadirachta indica was most effective in reducing pests and enhancing yield, followed by Eucalyptus globulus and Parthenium hysterophorus. The control group had the highest pest populations and lowest yield (10.81 kg). The findings suggest that Azadirachta indica is a viable botanical alternative for pest management in bitter gourd and can be integrated into IPM strategies.