Efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf powder against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae) on stored cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Cowpea is a very important grain legume that serves as a source of dietary protein for human consumption, however the grain is widely infested by a number storage insect pests among which Callosobruchus maculatus is a primary field to store pest causing considerably great losses to farmers. Laboratory study was conducted to assess the efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf powder, used as protectant against C. maculatus F. infesting stored cowpea. The bioassays were conducte d at six levels of concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 2.0 g/20g seed) of test plant leaf powder and the untreated control (0g/20 g seed). All the different levels of concentrations considerably reduced oviposition and emergence of F1 progeny compa red to the control. The mortality of the cowpea beetles was assessed at two days after infestation (2 DAI), 4 DAI, 6 DAI and 7 DAI and the results indicated that the mortality increased with increasing amount of M. oleifera leaf powder, with concentration of 2.0g /20g seed has significantly higher (p > 0.05) mortality compared to the control. Also, different level concentrations significantly protected the seeds in relation to seed damage and seed weight loss caused by C. maculatus compared to the control. ( Ojo J. A., Olunloyo A. A. and Akanni E. O. Efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf powder against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae) on stored cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) . Researcher 2013;5( 12 ): 240 - 244 ). (ISSN: 1553 - 9865). http://www.sciencepub.net/researcher . 34