Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 26: 1640 -1646. Published February 9, 2010.
Degradation and residual effects of endosulfan on soil chemical properties and root- knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita populations in cocoa plantation in Ibadan, Nigeria
Aikpokpodion*^ P.E , Lajide **L.,Ogunlade *M.O, Ipinmoroti *R.,Orisajo *S.,Iloyanomon C.I*. and Fademi O*
*Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria P.M.B.5244, Ibadan, Nigeria; **Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author: paulaikpokpodion2@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the degradation of endosulfan in Ibadan soil and to evaluate the effect of the recommended rate (0.25% a.i) of the insecticide (endosulfan 35EC) on some soil chemical properties and plant parasitic nematode (M. incognita) population in a cocoa plantation.
Methodology and results: Soil samples were collected on monthly basis from one of the cocoa plantations of Cocoa research Institute of Nigeria for six months after the second application of the insecticide (endosulfan).Samples were analyzed chemically according to standard procedure; nematode population was determined according to Whitehead & Hemming (1965) and pesticide residue in soil was determined as described by Luisa et al. (2004). Result showed that application of endosulfan 35EC significantly increased the acidity, magnesium and iron content of the treated soil, reduced the concentration of calcium, potassium, and sodium in the treated soil. An average of 3.91µg/g soil of endosulfan was present as residue in the soil six months after application. There was 85% population reduction of nematode as a result of endosulfan application.
Conclusion and application of findings: Endosulfan is moderately persistent in Ibadan soil, toxic to M.incognita and hinders availability of some soil nutrients. Alternative insecticides that are biodegradable and environmental friendly should be sought for the control of Cocoa pests.
Key words: Endosulfan, degradation , M.incognita, Salhbergela singularis, Cacao.
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