Cassia tora (L.) Seeds, An Alternative Host to Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic.) Infestation: A Preliminary Research Note

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Abstract

An investigation was carried out in the laboratory of the Department of Microbiology, Federal University Dutsin-Ma to identify and evaluate the effect of an insect pest attack on the proximate composition of Cassia tora L. in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria. A laboratory culture of naturally infested seeds of C. tora was kept at 20-25°C ± 2°C and 70 % relative humidity in a plastic cup measuring 8.80 cm (outside lid diameter) cut at the centre (5.80 cm inner diameter) to complete metamorphosis. The emerged adult was taken to Insect Museum, Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for identification at the. The result of the identification revealed it as Callosobruchus subinnotatus Pic. [Coleoptera: Bruchidae]. The insect is widely known to be a primary pest of Bambara nut, Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdcourt. The insect is reported in this research as an alternative host in periods when Bambara nut is not available. Therefore, farmers in the area should observe adequate farm sanitation by keeping their farms devoid of Cassia tora weeds to eliminate likely hibernation sites.