Effect of weeds on colonization of cowpea by Aphis craccivora Koch (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its major predators in Nigeria

Abstract

Insect colonization of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata in contiguous weedy and weed‐free plots was monitored in the early and late seasons of 1986 in Akure, Nigeria. The cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch preferentially invaded weed‐free plots and developed higher densities thereon. Numbers of predatory coccinellid and syrphid larvae were higher in weedy plots despite lower aphid densities.

Keywords:

• Aphis craccivora
• cowpea
• predators
• weeds