The use of some plant materials against Cowpea weevil (Callosobruchusmaculatus)

Description

The use of some plant materials against Cowpea weevil (Callosobruchusmaculatus).

Abstract

A research was conducted to assess the insecticidal potential of the powders from Citrus sinensis(Sweet orange) and Capsicum annuum L. (Chilli) as protectants of cowpea (Vignaunguiculata) against Callosobruchusmaculatus during storage. The powders were obtained as described by Asawalan and Arukwe (2004). Uninfested cowpea seeds were sterilized for two (2) weeks to kill prior infestation. 50g of sterilized cowpea in plastic containers were treated with 1g, 2g and 3g of chilli and orange powders respectively. These were then infested with five (5) adult weevils comprising three (3) females and two (2) males obtained from the insect culture. Highest mortality was recorded on cowpea treated with 3g chilli powder with a mean of 5.00 (33.33%) and cowpea treated with 2g and 3g orange peel powder respectively. Few eggs were laid on cowpea treated with chilli powder and orange peel powder with mean of 18.00 and 7.33 respectively compared to the control 11.33- 20.67. Highest percentage emergence was recorded on cowpea treated with 3g chili powder (72.57%) and the lowest percentage emergence was recorded on cowpea treated with 1g orange peel powder (22.78%)