Effect of Artemisia annua Extracts on Lettuce Cultivation in Saïoua, Ivory Coast
N’gonian Kouadio Serge *
Laboratory for Agricultural Production Improvement, Department of Agroforestry and Plant Physiology / Agrophysiology, Jean Lorougnon Guede University, Daloa. P.O. Box 001111 Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire.
Aka Borel Junior Kévin
Laboratory of Environment, Climate, Health, Engineering and Sustainable Development, Institute of Agropastoral Management, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, P.O. Box 1328, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire.
Yobouet Konan Elie
Laboratory for Agricultural Production Improvement, Agroforestry Department, Jean Lorougnon Guede University, Daloa. P.O. Box 150 Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire.
Boye Mambé Auguste-Denise
Laboratory for Agricultural Production Improvement, Agroforestry Department, Jean Lorougnon Guede University, Daloa. P.O. Box 150 Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Lettuce production in Saïoua is constrained by pest pressure and frequent dependence on synthetic inputs.
Aims: This study evaluated the effect of Artemisia annua L. extracts on the growth and yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in Saïoua, with the aim of proposing a sustainable agroecological alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides.
Study Design: The trial was established on 100 m² using a Fisher block design with 15 experimental units (12 plants per unit). Five treatments, each replicated three times, were compared: untreated control (Tm), aqueous extract of Artemisia annua (Te), Artemisia powder (Po), Artemisia residues (Re), and the chemical insecticide TOP LAMBDA 25 EC (So).
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Saïoua (Châteaux neighbourhood), Ivory Coast. The nursery phase lasted 21 days, followed by field monitoring until harvest (30 days).
Methodology: The plants were transplanted at a spacing of 40 cm × 40 cm. Agronomic parameters (number of leaves, height, and spread) and production parameters (yield) were measured and then analysed using ANOVA and the Newman-Keuls and Tukey tests (p < 0.05) in the R software package.
Results: The aqueous extract produced the highest observed agronomic values, with 5.12 ± 1.54 leaves/plant, a height of 7.65 cm, and a spread of 9.84 ± 2.85 cm, compared with 2.24 leaves, 3.74 cm, and 5.08 cm for the control. In terms of yield, the aqueous extract recorded the highest observed value (60 g/m²), compared with the chemical insecticide (50 g/m²) and the control (20 g/m²). Strong positive correlations (R = 0.9580–0.9927) were observed among the growth variables.
Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Artemisia annua combines biopesticidal and biofertilising properties that stimulate lettuce growth. It represents an effective and environmentally friendly organic alternative for vegetable growers in Saïoua.
Keywords: Lactuca sativa, Artemisia annua, Agroecology, Biofertilizer, Biopesticide