Relationship between planting dates and damage by the legume pod‐borer, Maruca testulalis (Geyer) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp in Nigeria

Abstract

The relationship between planting dates and damage by the legume pod‐borer, Maruca testulalis (Geyer) was investigated in successively planted cowpea during July and August, 1993 and 1994. The population tended to build up in the course of the sowing periods in both years. The number of flowers and pods infested were more in cowpea planted in August than in July in both years. Grain yield also decreased significantly in late‐planted than in early‐planted cowpea. Planting cowpea within the first and second week of July would reduce damage by the pod‐borer.

Keywords:

• Maruca testulalis
• planting dates
• damage
• yield

Notes

Author for correspondence.

Present address: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi, Kenya.