Evaluating the Effectiveness of Garlic (Allium sativum) in Controlling Aphids (Aphis gossypii) in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Production in Zvimba District, Mashonaland West
Abstract: This study evaluated the efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) extract as a biopesticide for the control of aphids (Aphis gossypii) and its effects on crop growth, development, and marketable yield in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production. The objectives were to determine the effects of different concentrations of garlic extract on plant height, aphid population, leaf damage, and marketable yield, assessing its potential as an environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides. The field experiment was conducted in Ward 17 of Zvimba District, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments and three replications. The treatments evaluated were 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% (w/v) crude aqueous garlic extract, a positive chemical control (flubendiamide, Belt 480 SC at 0.1 mL/L), and an untreated negative control. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the 5% significance level using GenStat. Garlic extract concentration significantly influenced plant height, aphid population, leaf damage, days to flowering, and marketable yield (P
Keywords: Allium sativum, Aphis gossypii, biopesticide, integrated pest management, Solanum lycopersicum
How to Cite?: Moreblessing Mugovi, Rumbidzai D. Katsaruware-Chapoto, "Evaluating the Effectiveness of Garlic (Allium sativum) in Controlling Aphids (Aphis gossypii) in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Production in Zvimba District, Mashonaland West", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1458-1461, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26930214632, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26930214632