A Comparative Analysis of the Use of Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage Bags, Sealed Jericans, Azaradirachta Indica (Neem) and Actellic in Cowpee Preservation

Abstract

The research work made a comparative analysis between four different methods of preserving cowpea grains for the purpose of determining the most effective. Two purposes and two research questions guided the study. Materials such as dry clean cowpea grains, Purdue improved cowpea storage (PICS) bags, Jerican with lid, Dried leaves of Azaradirachta Indica (NEEM), Actellic (storage chemical), sacks, weighing balance and string/twine. The study was conducted using five different methods which include the use of Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage  (PICS) bags; use of Jerican with lid; use of dried leaves of Azaradirachta Indica; Spraying cowpea grains with diluted Actellic before bagging and bagging dry clean cowpea grains directly without any treatment. The five different set up were kept under the same condition. The use of Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) bags and sealed Jerican proves to be the most effective methods. They both recorded 100% effectiveness as the same weight 50kg was maintained at the pre and post experimental period. This was followed by the use of Azaradirachta Indica leaves with 95.12% and the use of diluted Actellic with 91.22% respectively. The control method recorded the least weight percentage of 49.44. Useful recommendations such as the need for massive production of Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) bags for distribution to farmers at subsidized rates, need for sponsoring of extension workers/agents for induction training/conferences by both the state and federal governments and use of campaign medium to encourage farmers to make use of sealed containers like Jericans, clay pots among others were proffered.

Keywords: Comparative Analysis, Purdue, Azaradirachta Indica, Actellic and Preservation