Variation in reproductive and developmental parameters of Callosobruchus maculatus (F) reared on ten Botswana cowpea landraces

Abstract

A study was conducted on ten Botswana cowpea landraces to evaluate their resistance to the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus (F) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). The variations in reproductive and developmental parameters were used to evaluate the landraces for resistance against C. maculatus under laboratory conditions. The landraces B339, B383, B013-F and B261-B had significant lower percentage adult emergence and oviposition than the landraces B001-B, B055, B109-C and B154. The landraces B339, B383, B013-F and B261-B also significantly prolonged developmental period of beetles. The reduction in oviposition, beetle emergence and prolonged developmental period by these landraces indicate inherent level of resistance against C. maculatus.

Key words: Landrace, Callosobruchus maculatus, resistance, developmental period, Botswana.