Comparative efficacies of three insecticidal materials and steam treatment for protection of Bambara groundnut against Callosobruchus maculates (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Abstract

The efficacy of four protectants, actellic, neem seed oil, neem kernel oil, and hydrothermal treatment (steam), for protection of two varieties of Bambara groundnuts, namely Jabajaba and Piele Balgu, against Callosobruchus maculates were assessed using grain damage, progeny production, and seed viability assays. Bambara groundnut seeds treated with actellic, steam or neem seed oil significantly reduced seed damage and the number of F1 progeny produced by C. maculates compared to the untreated seeds. All the dry seeds treated with steam did not germinate when kept in moist filter paper in Petri dishes for 5 days, indicating that steam should not be applied to seeds destined for propagation. Resource-poor farmers can use neem seed oil or steam treatment to protect Bambara groundnut against infestation by C. maculates in storage.

Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 37 2004: 33-42