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INTRODUCTION
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is cultivated throughout the world due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory quality. It is a rich source of vitamins B, C, K, Magnesium, Potassium and vitamin A (Bloach, 1994). Biotic stress particularly the insect pest (red pumpkin beetles and fruit flies) significantly affect quality and production of cucumber (Sharma et al, 2016 a). Being a major pest, 30-100% yield loss has been reported due to red pumpkin beetle, Aulacophora foveicollis (Lucas) (Rashid et al., 2016). The adult beetles damage plant leaf by making irregular holes and also wipe out young cotyledons and flowers (Butani and Jotwani, 1984). Crop at seedling stage is most susceptible stage which rigorously affects young and tender leaves. The grubs live in the soil causes injury to the roots (Maniruzzaman, 1981).
Fruit fly Bactocera cucurbitae, (Tephritidae: Diptera) is another the major insect pest throughout Pakistan. Fruit fly alone causes damage to the extent of 70% - 80% in cucurbits. The white maggots that hatch insides the fruits cause deformity, rotting, and dropping. Flies are most active after summer rains (June) and the rainy season (July - August) (Ramjan and Kumar, 2007).
In order to manage the earlier mentioned insect pest, many control measures have been adopted but the farmers solely depend on synthetic insecticide. The indiscriminate use of synthetic insecticides causes numerous health and environmental problems (Desmarchelier, 1985; Fishwick, 1988). To find an eco friendly control methods, many plants extract such as neem oil, basil oil, bakayan extract, and water pepper extract may be used effectively against major insect pest of cucumber as they are economical, easily available and eco-friendly (Heyde and Saxena, 1984).
Neem, (Azadirachta indica), neem oil has been used against more than 500 species of insects (Koul and Wahab 2004). Neem oil significantly reduced aphids and squash bug adults, nymphs and egg masses in various cucurbits (Edelson et. al. 1998). Based on its efficacy it is one of the non-pesticidal management strategy, providing a natural substitute to conventional pesticides. Neem acts as an anti-feed ant, repellent and oviposition deterrent protecting the crop from destruction (Dube, 1989).
Essential oil of basil (Ocimum basilicum) have antifungal and insect-repelling qualities against aphids, cucumber beetles, squash bugs and other insect pest (Dube, 1989). Basilicum essential oil gave superior...