FORMULATION OF A LOCUST LOTION CONCENTRATE FOR GRASSHOPPER CONTROL

An emulsion concentrate (locust lotion) containing 20% v/v neem oil an d 40% w/v aqueous extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera L. was found to be most stable when subjected to viscosity measurement, creaming rate de termination, droplet size analysis and accelerated stability tests. Th e emulsion supported the growth of microorganisms which was prevented by a combination of 0.2% w/v methylparaben and 0.1% w/v propylparaben. Octylgallate, 0.1% w/v was added as an antioxidant to prevent the oxi dation of neem oil in the locust lotion concentrate. The recommended u se concentration for protection of cassava Manihot esculenta Crantz fr om damage by grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus L. was 1.8-2.2%. At 2.5 %, locust lotion was phytotoxic to cassava.