The study evaluated the efficacies of four novel indigenous biopesticides in managing cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) pests and nematode disease. The trial laid out in a split-plot arrangement in Randomized Complete Block Design, was carried out on a field undergoing organic conversion at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The main plot comprised four biopesticides made from ginger (Zingiber officinale), garlic (Allium sativum), onion (Allium cepa), neem (Azadirachta indica) oil and black soap in different compositions and applied at four rates; 0 ml, 100 ml, 125 ml or 150 ml in 16 L of water. Foliar and soil application methods were adopted bi-weekly between 06.30 hrs and 07.30 hours (GMT+1), from 3 Weeks After Planting (WAP). Neem organic fertilizer was applied to the base of the crop in a ring form at 3 - 4 WAP. Data were collected on vine length, number of leaves, number of damaged leaves, type of insects, total number of insects, and number of infected plants at 4, 6 and 8 WAP. At maturity, data were collected on fruit weight, number of fruits and root-knot disease assessment. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance and the means separated using New Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of probability. The results showed that insect populations were reduced by 69.7-80.4% in plots treated with Biopesticide 183 and 184 at 150 ml/16 L of water compared with unsprayed plot (0-10.7%). Biopesticides 183 and 184 at 150 ml reduced insect leaf damage by 46.5% compared with the unsprayed plot. Root-knot disease was reduced by 41.6-52.9% in plots treated with Biopesticide 183 and 184 at 150 ml compared with unsprayed plots (0-9.53%). Based on the efficacies of two Biopesticides 183 and 184 against pests and diseases, there is the need for on farm assessment to verify their potencies on farmers’ plots for adoption.

Keywords: Insect pests, Phytonematode, Plant-based pesticides, Soil sprays, Sustainable agriculture