Impact of Pesticides Malathion and Sevin on Growth of Snake Cucumber (Cucumis melo L. var. Flexuosus) and Soil

摘要

This study was conducted at the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology Farm to evaluate the impact of Malathion, an organophosphate insecticide, and Sevin, a carbamate insecticide, on the growth of snake cucumber and soil. The results revealed that both Malathion and Sevin had significant negative effects on cucumber growth (plant height, leaf number and shoot fresh and dry weight) at all doses used compared to control. However, the recommended dose showed the lowest negative effect compared to both lower and higher doses used. Both pesticides had also negative effects on the soil as they reduced both soil nitrogen (by 36%) and phosphorus (by 20%) contents as well as its CEC. They also increased soil aggregate and salinity. Malathion showed the greater impact on growth compared to Sevin. However, it could be recommended that for use of both pesticides on cucumber not more than the recommended dose should be applied.