Evaluation Of Jatropha Curcas Lam. Extracts In The Control Of Some Field Insect Pests Of Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata

This study was conducted at the Department of Crop Science and Technology Research farm, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, during 2010 cropping season. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design. The plant extracts were tested at four rates (0.00, 1.00, 2.00 and 3.00 ml/ plot), and Pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic 25 E. C) at the rates of 1.25, 2.50 and 3.75 ml/ plot. The plant extracts were mixed with 300 ml of water, and Actellic 25 E. C was mixed with 1 litre of water. Result of the experiment indicated that J. curcas seed oil together with Actellic 25 .E. C. reduced the number of tested insect pests (Aphids crassivora, Maruca testulalis and Megalurothrips sjostedti). Number of pods produced were increased significantly together with total grain yield/ plot compared with the untreated plots. Result on germination test showed that the treatment materials had no significant effect on the viability of cowpea seeds after three months of storage. Generally, the results indicated that the seed oil of Jatropha curcas gave significant protection of cowpea seeds against field insect pests of cowpea. They also increased pod number and total grain yield more than the root extracts.