Evaluation of Biopesticide Potential of Rabbit Urine in the Control of Spodoptera frugiperda Larvae in Maize Cultivation
Lambert Niyoyitungiye *
Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burundi, Bujumbura, P.O. Box. 2700, Burundi, Centre for Research in Natural and Environmental Sciences (CRNSE), Faculty of Sciences, University of Burundi, Bujumbura, P.O. Box. 2700, Burundi, Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Rural Development Programme, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Philbert Mbonayo
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Fabrice Kana
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Rural Development Programme, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Jean Soleil Rivuzimana
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Levis Nshimirimana
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Food Security and Human Nutrition Programme, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
Diomède Ndayisenga
Centre for Research in Agriculture and Rural Development (CERADER), University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi and Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Rural Development Programme, University of Ngozi, P.O Box 137, Ngozi, Burundi.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The fall armyworm caterpillars (Spodoptera frugiperda larvae) poses a major threat to maize production in Burundi, where maize is a staple crop for food security. The repeated use of chemical pesticides leads to health and environmental risks, prompting the search for ecological alternatives. Among these, rabbit urine is gaining increasing interest as a biopesticide.
An experimental study was conducted in Cankuzo (Burundi) between January and June 2024 to evaluate the effect of rabbit urine against the fall armyworm. Four treatments were tested: control without urine (T0), urine diluted tenfold (T1), urine diluted fivefold (T2), and undiluted urine (T3). The urine was sprayed three times at two-week intervals, starting from the appearance of the first infestations.
The results show that urine treatments, particularly the undiluted one (T3), significantly reduced the number of caterpillars and plant damage. Treatment T3 recorded the lowest infestation rate (31.5% of plants attacked) and the highest caterpillar mortality (85 dead), compared to only 2 dead caterpillars in the control treatment. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference between the urine treatments and the control without urine (p < 0.05).
Undiluted rabbit urine has repellent and insecticidal properties against the fall armyworm. It enhances plant resistance and could be a sustainable and accessible solution for small-scale farmers. For optimal effectiveness, it is recommended to apply undiluted urine at least three times, starting from the detection of the first caterpillar attacks.
Keywords: Rabbit urine, biopesticide, fall armyworm, maize