Abstract:

Laboratory study was conducted at Plant Protection Department/ College of Agriculture and Forestry/ University of Mosul, Iraq, during 2021, to investigate the bioactivity of powders from Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (seed) (Fabaceae), Oleander, Nerium oleander L. (leave) (Apocynaceae) and Coriander, Coriandrum sativum L. (seed) (Apiaceae) against the reproduction and damage of Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) on cowpea seed (Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp), based on the rate of egg-laying performance, the emergence of the adult, the percentage of decrease in the first generation, seed damage, weight loss of cowpea seed, weevil perforation index (WPI)% and the percentage of germination of seeds infected by this insect. The powders were incorporated at rates 0.0 (control), 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 g/10 g cowpea seeds. Results of this studies revealed that C. sativum at concentration 1.0g/10g seed had significantly negative effects on C. maculatus for all parameters measured. T. foenum-graecum and N. oleander also showed significant effects but with less effect. The results indicate that these botanical powders have the potential to protect cowpea seeds from cowpea weevils damage compared to when the seeds stored unprotected. They should, therefore, be included in pest management strategies for C. maculatus in grains stored on-farm in rural tropical and subtropical regions.

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