The African Root and Tuber Scale (ARTS) Stictococcus vayssierei R. is a formidable enemy to cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) production, responsible for production losses ranging from 60 to 100% in plantations if strong measures are not taken to control its spread. To improve the production of this commodity, a study was carried out to reduce the number of root scale insects, and their effects on cassava production in the field. The present study test the insecticidal activity of aqueous and organic extracts of Thevetia peruviana seeds against Stictococcus vayssierei. The cassava varieties TMS 92/0057 (improved) and Miboutou (local) as well as five treatments (T0= control, T1= aqueous extract, T2= methanol extract, T3= acetone extract and T4= BASTION-SUPER chemical insecticide) were used in a split-plot design with four replicates. Growth parameters, number of live and dead root scale insects per plant and yield were evaluated. The results show that the highest number of live root scale insects per plant is observed on Miboutou variety (125 ARTS/P) in control plots than on the 92/0057 variety in plots treated with aqueous extract (84.13 ARTS/P). The lowest yield of fresh tubers is observed in control plots of the Miboutou variety (11.50 t ha-1). Highest yields are observed in 92/0057 variety in plots treated with acetone extract (15.20 t ha-1) and the Miboutou variety in plots treated with synthetic insecticide (15.05 t ha-1). Thevetia peruviana seeds, through their repressive effect against cassava root scale, would indicate an insecticide potential.
















