Effects of Apichi and Ash Broth, Applied Alone and in Combination, on Pest Damage and Yield of Guinea Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Vegetable production faces numerous constraints, particularly insect pests, which substantially reduce crop yields. To address this problem, many farmers rely on synthetic pesticides, often unregistered, thereby posing serious risks to human and animal health as well as to the environment. This situation highlights the need for effective alternative pest management strategies. In this context, the present study was conducted to improve the productivity of Guinea sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) through the use of two botanical pesticides in the commune of Loumbila, Burkina Faso. The experiment was established using a randomised complete block design with four treatments: T0 (untreated control), T1 (Apichi), T2 (ash broth), and T3 (Apichi + ash broth), with four replicates. The efficacy of the two botanical products was evaluated based on vegetative growth parameters, pest infestation intensity (number of damaged leaves), and leaf yield. The results showed that the combined treatment (T3) was the most effective in controlling sorrel pests. At 28 and 35 days after sowing (DAS), T3 recorded the lowest levels of pest damage, with averages of 12.70 and 16.75 damaged leaves, respectively, compared with 18.70 and 27.70 damaged leaves in the untreated control (T0). Regarding leaf yield, T3 produced the highest value (2.78 kg m-2), followed by T2 (2.53 kg m-2), T1 (1.89 kg m-2), and T0 (0.50 kg m-2). These findings suggest that the combination of Apichi and ash broth represents a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides for sustainable Guinea sorrel production.