A lecturer in the Department of Crop and Environmental Protection at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Oyo State, Dr. Adeola Odewole, has highlighted the benefits Nigerian farmers could derive from exploring plant extracts as insecticides.
Odewole, on Monday, told newsmen in Ilorin that plant extracts have shown significant promise as alternatives to synthetic insecticides.
“Plant extracts have shown significant promise as alternatives to synthetic insecticides,” she said, justifying that “these extracts are environmentally sustainable, biodegradable, and leave no harmful residues in soil, water, or food.”
She explained that plants such as ginger, sunflower, fish bean, African black pepper, cloves, and citrus possess potent pesticidal properties, which are readily available and cost-effective for smallholder farmers.
She noted that proper formulation of these extracts ensures their efficacy against pests while preserving beneficial organisms and the overall ecological balance.
The expert lamented that farmers often use chemical insecticides without adequate knowledge of their consequences.
According to her, chemical insecticides are used on vegetables consumed daily, such as cucumber, okra, cabbage, and amaranths.
“Some farmers rely on chemical insecticides because they do not have an alternative to insect pest infestation control.
“This indiscriminate usage has resulted in environmental pollution, food contamination, health risks for farmers and consumers, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant pests,” she said.
Odewole, who is also a postdoctoral researcher in the Management and Conservation of Natural and Agrarian Resources at the Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil, observed that the adverse effects are profound and multifaceted.
She said, “Both farmers and consumers are exposed to chemical residues.
“This residue usually leads to health challenges such as skin disorders, respiratory illnesses, and long-term health complications.
“It also degrades ecosystems and harms beneficial organisms, including pollinators essential for crop production.”
Odewole warned that prolonged use of chemical insecticides could lead to resistance in pest populations, adding that this could force farmers to increase dosages, perpetuating the cycle of dependence.
According to her, an experiment conducted on harvested cucumber fruits from different markets in the five local government areas of Ogbomoso showed high chemical residues in some areas compared with the European Union Maximum Residue Limits (EU MRLs) standard.
“The values indicate that the public is exposed to the health risks of pesticide residues through cucumber consumption in parts of the study area,” she warned.
The agric expert noted that after petroleum, agriculture is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, with vegetable farming serving as a critical source of livelihood for countless local farmers.
She, however, pointed out that unregulated and excessive use of chemical insecticides poses significant risks to the sector’s sustainability.
She, therefore, called on policymakers to establish regulations that limit the overuse of chemical pesticides and incentivize sustainable methods.
Odewole also urged extension officers and agricultural organizations to provide farmers with training, resources, and technical support.
“Scientists must continue to research and validate innovative solutions and empower farmers with knowledge and tools for transforming pest control practices and achieving long-term agricultural sustainability.
“By adopting safer and more innovative pest management practices, we can protect human health, preserve the environment, and secure food safety,” she said.
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