Plants such as garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) have been reported in

their ability to insects’ repulse. The best example is the Cole crops that grown next to onion and

garlic with less prone to attacks of insect pests. Onion and garlic plants were released aromas

from the leaves and excretions also from the roots. Their aromas and excretions discouraged

attacks of insects and are therefore considered as plants of insect repellent. Both Garlic (Allium

sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) are quite prevalent food products broadly used in different

world cultures (Debra and Misheck, 2014).

According to Katsaruware et al. (2014), Cultural methods can be implemented to reduce

the problems that have been caused by indiscriminate use of insecticides. An experiment was

carried to determine the ability of onion and garlic to reduce pest problems when intercropped

with cabbages.

According to Shri (2010) Onions, a potent antioxidant is one of the richest sources of flavonoids

and organosulphur compounds such as anthocyanin. Garlic and onion extracts have been

reported to possess anti-carcinogenic activity. They are reported to have significant anti-

mutagenic activities in the bladder, brain, breast, colon, lung, ovary, and stomach cancers. Both

have antimicrobial activity including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, and antiviral

actions. These also show cardiovascular effect which includes anti-hypertensive, antiplatelet and

antithrombotic action. Both possess higher antioxidant level effect. Garlic and onion also show

immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic and neuroprotective activity. Along with garlic, Allium cepa or

onion possesses anti-mutagenic, antimicrobial, and high antioxidant properties because of its

flavonoids and organosulphur compounds.

 Studies have been carried out on some plants such as garlic, Allium sativum and Ocimum

basilicum that have semiochemical properties (Senthil-Nathan et al., 2005). These plants are

sometimes used as border plants to repel insects from cultivated crop.

Natural pesticides are pesticides that are made by other organisms usually for their own

defense, or are derived from a natural source such as a mineral or plant. There are now many

natural pesticides available to homeowners and gardeners that cover most pest control needs.

Natural pesticides are generally much safer to use and pose less risk to the environment than

conventional synthetic (man-made) pesticides. While some natural pesticides are highly toxic

most are actually much safer and more eco-friendly than conventional pesticides. Since they are

also very effective natural pesticides should your first choice for most home and garden pest

control needs. (Living with Bugs, 2004)

Said and Itulya (2003) indicated that the odor from onion is able to repel diamond black

moth from settling on cabbage when in an intercrop. Garlic and onion produce a pungent

alliaceous compound, allyl epropyl disulphide, which is responsible for its pest repellent

attribute.

In the 20th century an increasing number of pesticides, based on biocidal molecules, were

the means for a substantial increase in food and fibre production and quality. Because of health

and environmental concerns continued extensive use of such molecules is intensively debated

and substitutes are often urgently required. Beside crop plant resistance, various biological

control methods based on natural pest suppressing organisms are regarded as main alternatives.

Gerhardson, B. (2002). Plant pathology & biocontrol unit. Biological substitutes for pesticides

(Volume 20, Pages 338-343).

 Despite its crucial role in the development of the national economy, farmers are faced

with insect pest and disease outbreak which is a major production constraint. They lead to crop

loss hence have an adverse effect on tomato production. Some of the common tomato diseases

comprise of mildew, blight, leaf spots and wilt. Examples of tomato pests include cutworm, leaf

miners, nematodes, bollworms, spider mites, whiteflies and aphids (Desneux et al., 2010; Mueke,

2014; Sigei et al., 2014). Consequently, various pest management methods can be used to

minimize crop loss and improve yields. Some of the crop protection methods consist of

mechanical control, planned crop rotation, biological control, cultural control and pesticide use.

However, small-scale farmers heavily rely on pesticides to combat pest problem which has the

potential to destroy non-target organisms, negatively affect human health and the environment

(Waiganjo et al., 2006; Macharia, 2009).

Organic farming is the practice of not using chemicals, unnatural or synthetic fertilizers,

genetically modified organisms (GMOs), antibiotics, growth hormones, or agrochemicals. It

instead focuses on the use of natural sources of nutrients such as compost, crop residues, manure,

and natural methods of weed and pest control. Organic farming promotes crop rotation and

encourages a balanced relationship between the crops and any beneficial organisms in the soil or

surrounding ecosystems. All the waste and nutrients produced on an organic farm can be

recycled back into the soil (Behera, K.K. 2012).

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