Efficacy of selected seed oils against the longevity of cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculates (F.)

Abstract

Oil extracts from seeds of neem, cotton, groundnut castor, and desert dates were evaluated for efficacy against the longevity of cowpea weevils Callosobruchus maculatus. The oils, straight or in mixtures were admixed with seeds of two varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) at doses of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0ml/50g seed and fed to the weevils in petri dishes. Results showed that longevity among the weevils was indirectly proportional to the dosage of oil used. There were significant differences (P<0.05) between the oil treatments and the control. Neem seed oil application, straight or in mixtures, was more effective than that of other oils.


Key words: Callosobruchus maculates; longevity;, treated cowpeas; oil extracts


Moor J. Agric. Res. Vol.4(1) 2003: 100-105