Protective Bioactivity of Moringa (Moringa Oleifera Lam.) Seed Oil against Callosobrochus Maculatus (F.) Infestation in Stored Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp.)

Protection of grains against infestation and damage by diverse storage insect pests is an age long practice, as it ensures availability of agricultural produce and guarantees food security. This study assessed the protective bioactivity of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) seed oil (MSO) against infestation by Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) in stored cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.). Ten gram grains of three cowpea varieties (Borno brown, Gwalam and Banjara) were treated with four doses (0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 ml) of MSO in three replicates, along with un-treated check. Data obtained on the number of eggs laid, adults emerged (F1) and severity of damage were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mean separation at 5% probability level was performed using the Least Significant Difference (LSD). Results indicated statistical significance (P