Farmers’ perceptions on causes of seed beetle infestation in stored cowpea in Ghana

Abstract

The seed beetle (Callosobrucus maculatus F.), a highly destructive insect pest, causes significant damage to stored cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) grain and other grain legumes. This study aimed to document perceptions from cowpea producers about the causes of seed beetle infestation and the available control options in Ghana. The Relative Importance Index ranking score was used to identify the most significant causes that lead to seed beetle infestation and control measures against the seed beetle. The study used multi-stage and purposive sampling methods to select 170 respondents from Ghana’s in the Guinea Savannah, Sudan Savannah, Forest-Savannah Transition and Semi-Deciduous rainforest zones. The Relative Importance Index ranking analysis identified delayed harvesting, high moisture content of seeds at harvest, improper post-harvest storage, improper storage facilities and conditions; and delayed threshing, as the major factors contributing to seed beetle infestation. Synthetic pesticides were the most used treatment option against beetles in stored cowpea with Phostoxin tablet emerging as the predominant (85.0%) insecticide used. These findings are valuable information for the development of sustainable control strategies against beetle infestation in stored cowpea.