Groundnut oil application and varietal resistance for control of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) in cowpea grain in The Gambia

Abstract

The use of groundnut oil and steam treatment were compared with pirimiphos‐methyl treatment for control of Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in stored cowpea grain in The Gambia, West Africa. One susceptible and two bruchid‐resistant varieties were compared under the different treatments. Steaming the cowpeas offered no permanent protection although it may be an effective sanitation technique. When used in conjunction with a bruchid‐resistant variety, groundnut oil appears nearly as effective as pirimiphos‐methyl applied to a local, non‐resistant variety and the combination could offer a simple, effective method for protection of cowpea grain in similar regions.

Keywords:

• West Africa
• cowpea weevil
• Vigna unguiculata (L.)
• Insecta
• groundnut oil
• The Gambia