THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SEED DRESSING CHEMICAL (MONOCROWN) AND PALM BUNCH ASH IN CONTROLLING CROWS AND RODENTS IN MELON SEED FARMING
Abstract
This research was conducted to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of seed dressing
chemical (monocrown) and palm bunch ash in controlling crows and rodents in melon
(Citrulluscolocynthis) seed farming. The study was carried out at the Federal College of
Education (Technical), Umunze, and aimed to provide practical, affordable, and environmentally
friendly solutions to pest attacks, specifically from crows and rodents that hinder melon
production. A total of three treatments were used: untreated control, chemical seed dressing, and
palm bunch ash. Parameters evaluated include germination rates, and damage rates due to crows
and rodents. Results showed that palm bunch ash achieved the highest germination rate (85%)
and the lowest damage rate (15%), significantly outperforming seed dressing chemicals, which
recorded a germination rate of 53.13% and damage rate of 46.86%. The control plot (no
treatment) showed the poorest results, with a germination rate of 50% and a high damage rate of
50%.The study concludes that palm bunch ash is significantly more effective in controlling
crows and rodents in melon seed farming than chemical seed dressing. The study recommends
the adoption of palm bunch ash as an eco-friendly, accessible, and cost-effective pest control
method, especially for resource-constrained farmers
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.