Bioactivity of plant extracts from caatinga on cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)

ABSTRACT Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an economically and nutritionally important crop. However, cowpeas are subject to attack by insect pests that reduce the quality nutritional value of grains during storage. The use plant-based products as alternative control has been highlighted for their low toxicity on environment human health. This study aimed evaluate bioactivity different plant extracts cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus). A completely randomized design was adopted with seven treatments six replicates. consisted from plants, namely Morus nigra, Anadenanthera macrocarpa, Dysphania ambrosioides, Moringa oleifera, Ziziphus joazeiro, Licania rigida saline solution (NaCl) 0.15 M control. Survival probability, oviposition, adult emergence were evaluated. showed effects C. maculatus, D. ambrosioides extract being most lethal bean weevil. A. macrocarpa repellency against weevil; ambroisoides, Z. L. interfered oviposition females; M. oleifera joazeiro decreased male female maculatus.