The impact of insecticide usage in cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.), productivity in Mokwa, Niger state, Nigeria

Abstract

A checklist of indigenous pests of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) at Mokwa, Niger state, Nigeria, and their relative abundance were reported. The impacts of two most commonly used insecticides in the locality, i.e. Dimethoate and Cypermethrin, on cowpea productivity were elucidated. Thirteen insect species were listed, three of which were prominent at the seedling and prereproductive stages. These include: - Ootheca mutabilis, Empoasca dolichi and Medythia quarterna. Maruca testulalis, Riptortus dentipes, Megalurothrips sjostedti and Clavigralla tomentosicollis were most prominent in the reproductive stage. Cowpea productivity tripled with the use of insecticides, but the vegetative condition of the plants was better in the screened treatments. The cost benefit analysis of each protectant was carried out and the prospect and problems of each discussed.