Effects of Plant Materials on Damage and Germination of Cowpea Seeds Stored on Small Farms
DOI:36108/NJE/2002/91.0121
OKONKWO EGO.U. and OKOYE W.I.
ABSTRACT: On-farm experiments were carried out in Ibadan on stored cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) to evaluate the effectiveness of post-harvest treatments designed for the control of Callosobruchus maculatus F and adoptability by small farmers Two treatments effectively reduced C. maculatus damage. Dennettia tripetala Baker f. and Piper guineense Schum and Thonn. essential oil extracts at 5ml/5kg seeds effectively reduced seed damage to 10% and 12.5% compared to 43% and 90% seed damage on cowpea treated with Permethrin dust (2.5ppm) and untreated control respectively, 6 months after treatment. Treatments, which successfully controlled bruchids in on-farm experiments, were evaluated to determine effects on germination. Germination was determined by trials planted in sand. Germination was not significantly (P > 0.05) changed by storage treatments. Analysis of bruchid damage on seed quality showed a decrease in germination related to the number of emergence holes The promise for small-farmer adoption of these successful treatments is evaluated.