Control of Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Using Organic Powders

Abstract

This study was conducted in the Entomology Laboratory of the Biological Sciences Department, Umaru Musa Yar'adua University, Katsina, Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the impact of organic powders on the cowpea beetle. The experiment was conducted using three different organic powders: wood ash, pepper, and goat droppings. Three treatments were applied to the cowpea seeds. At doses of 0.5g, 1.0 g, 2.0 g, 3.0 g, and 4.0 g, treatments one, two, and three received pepper, wood ash, and goat dropping powders, respectively. Each experimental group included a control (no treatment applied). Results of the study revealed significant difference (P<0.05) between the different doses of the organic powders, resulting in to significant effect (P<0.05) of adult mean mortality of C. maculatus. However, the findings of the study showed that there was significant adult emergence in the control groups. There was no significant difference (P>0.005) in weight loss of the cowpea seeds treated with organic powders. The only weight loss observed was recorded in the control groups. The study concluded that pepper, wood ash and goat droppings powders were effective in controlling C. maculatus, with pepper powder achieving a high level of insecticidal activity against C. maculatus. The study recommends further studies on the effects of these organic powders on non-target organisms to improve their safety for human consumption.