Effect of groundnut oil in protecting stored cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) from attack by cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus)

Abstract

The effect of groundnut oil was evaluated in the laboratory against Callosobruchus maculatus by admixing 1.5ml, 3.0ml and 5.0ml with 50g of grains to assess progeny development, damage caused, insect mortality and effect on grain germination. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomized design and data generated were subjected to analysis of variance while means were separated using DMRT. Results obtained showed groundnut oil significantly (P<0.05) reducing damage caused and inhibiting progeny emergence at 20ml treatment level while adult mortality was significantly affected at 10ml treatment level. The oil did not affect the germinating ability of the seeds and the potential of groundnut oil as stored cowpea protectant against C. maculatus infestation is discussed.

Keywords: Callosobruchus, groundnut oil, mortality, progeny development, stored cowpea