Evaluation of Farmers' Attitude Changes Toward the Utilization of Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica) Botanical Pesticide for Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda) Control in Maize Cultivation in Parbuluan District

Benediktus M. Sihombing, Elrisa Ramadhani; Gusti Setiavani

Abstract


The infestation of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the major constraints in maize cultivation, causing significant reductions in crop productivity. The use of neem leaf (Azadirachta indica) botanical pesticide has emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative for pest control; however, its adoption among farmers remains relatively low. Therefore, extension activities are needed to improve farmers' attitudes toward the utilization of this botanical pesticide. This study aimed to determine the percentage of change in farmers' attitudes before and after extension activities regarding the use of neem leaf botanical pesticide for controlling fall armyworm in maize cultivation in Parbuluan District. The study was conducted from February to May 2026 using a quantitative descriptive method. The respondents consisted of 33 farmers who were members of the Unggul Farmer Group and the Dalihan Natolu Farmer Group. Extension activities were carried out through method demonstrations and farm visits, supported by folder media and real objects. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire to measure farmers' attitudes before and after the extension program. The extension materials were developed based on research findings indicating that a botanical pesticide formulation consisting of 40% neem leaf extract combined with 20% soursop leaf extract was the recommended treatment for controlling fall armyworm. The results showed that the percentage of farmers' attitudes increased from 28.03% before the extension activities to 86.00% after the extension activities. This improvement indicates that the extension program was effective in fostering positive farmer attitudes toward the utilization of botanical pesticides as an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative for pest management in maize cultivation.

Keywords


botanical pesticide, extension evaluation, fall armyworm, farmers' attitudes, maize, neem leaf.

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v59.1.8347

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