The effect of leaf extracts as biopesticide was conducted from December 2023 to February 2024 at the Jerry D’ Agri Integrated Farm at Barangay Bannawag, Aurora, Isabela to determine the effect against insect pest to open-pollinated tomato variety. The study was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and six types of leaf extracts as treatments applied as foliar sprays. Their efficacy was tested among the insects prevalent in the area like common cutworms, white flies, and spider mites. Results of the study indicated that the application of papaya leaf extract positively influenced plant vigor specifically at 30 days after transplanting while uniform growth was noted at later stages of the plants. Despite its insect-repellent properties, papaya leaf extract application significantly reduced non-marketable fruits per plant, highlighting its effectiveness as a pest management control scheme. Most importantly, papaya leaf extract not only minimized fruit damage due to insects but also contributed to increased fruit length and yield per hectare. Its integration into Integrated Pest Management programs for tomato cultivation is recommended, emphasizing its dual benefits in minimizing insect damage and plant health promotion. Further validation on a larger scale and across diverse geographical locations is suggested to corroborate these findings. Ultimately, the study promotes the adoption of papaya leaf extract as a sustainable solution for enhancing tomato cultivation through effective pest management and improved plant vitality.
