Evaluation of plant seed oils and bitter leaf powder for their repellency and control of cowpea beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in stored cowpea

Evaluation of plant seed oils and bitter leaf powder for their repellency and control of cowpea beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in stored cowpea

2014

E09623

The insecticidal properties of African nutmeg oil, moringa seed oil and bitter leaf powder on Callosobruchus maculatus infesting cowpea were tested in the Agricultural Biology Laboratory, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. There were three levels of African nutmeg oil (0.15, 0.3 and 0.45 ml/50g cowpea), moringa seed oil (0.75, 1.5 and 2.25ml/50g cowpea), bitter leaf powder (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0g/50 cowpea) including two checks (Aluminium phosphide and Permethrin 2.0g/50g cowpea) and untreated control. Treatments were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design and replicated three times. Two pairs of insects were introduced into each treatment and mortality was recorded for seven days. Results show that insect mortality was 100% on the 1st day in seed treated with 0.15ml and 0.45ml/50g cowpea of African nutmeg oil and 0.75ml and 2.25ml/50g cowpea of moringa seed oil. The loss of viability in African nutmeg oil was highest (93.3%) which may be due to certain compounds that inhibited germination. The toxicity of bitter leaf powder was dose dependent with higher treatment of 3.0g/50g cowpea seed having highest mortality after the oil. Moringa seed oil has the highest repellency percentage of 56.7% in 0.6ml. It is hereby concluded that 0.75ml of African nutmeg oil can give good control of the pest (C. maculatus) on cowpea.

3(8):370-375, RESEARCH JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

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