Oviposition decision in cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) among different cowpea Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp.) cultivars
DOI:36108/NJE/3102/03.0121
SANI, Z., MAJEED, Q., IBRAHIM, N. D. and ABDULLAHI, K.;
Nig. J. Ent. 30: 145-156 (2013)
ABSTRACT: The preferred cowpea seed quality that determine the decision by female cowpea weevil, C. maculatus (Fabricius) ‘to oviposit’ or ‘not to’ have been previously investigated, these qualities are essential for the success of weevil population. Previous findings suggested that female cowpea weevil evaluate not only the physical qualities of host seed but also its composition. From the laboratory studies on the oviposition preference of cowpea weevil to seven cowpea (V. unguiculata) cultivars reared under ambient environmental conditions, we determined the percentage oviposition preference of 42.9 %, 26.3 %,13.7%, 10.3 %,4.0 %, 1.7 % and 1.1 % in cultivars Dan’ila, Danmisira, Ba’adare, Kanannado, Dan’arba’in Bahaushe and Danbaga at 24 hours post exposure respectively. The overall study on the preference and performance of C. maculatus revealed that the likelihood of a female C. maculatus to oviposit on which particular seed host is restricted to its ability to assess only the physical properties of the seed substrate, and that in an array of oviposition markers female cowpea weevil will prefer to oviposit on smaller cowpea seeds with smooth coats even when larger seeds with rough coats are available and less populated.
Keywords: Oviposition, Decision, Cowpea weevil,