Evaluation of the efficacy of protectants against cowpea bruchids (Callosobruchus maculatus (F.)) on cowpea seeds (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

Abstract

A laboratory experiment of a completely randomised design and replicated four times evaluated the effectiveness to control the bruchid, <i>Callosobruchus maculatus</i> in cowpea by the synthetic insecticide Actellic dust, and by the natural protectants ash, coconut oil, powdered cloves and black pepper. The data collected included the number of damaged and undamaged seeds, weight of damaged and undamaged seeds and the number of live and dead bruchids. Seeds treated with Actellic dust and black pepper powder had significantly low percentages of damaged seeds. Black pepper powder and coconut oil showed good potential in protecting cowpea against bruchid damage.