Efficacy of Azadirachtine and Allium Sativa Powder as Biopesticides of Beans Weevil (Callosobrunchus Maculatus) In Store Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Abstract

In Nigeria, the loss that occur after harvest of food crop/produce can be considered as a major parameter
of food insecurity. Azadirachtine (from Azadirachta indica tree) and Allium sativa (Garlic bulbs) are
tested as biopesticides to explore the effectiveness of dry residues in control of beans weevil and extended
life span of the produce during storing. A 3x3 factorial experiment was design in a Complete Randomized
Design (CRD) with two replicated. The result of the study indicated that all the treatment has shown high
repellence against beans weevils at different treatment rate (5,10,15gm) throughout the period of the
research. However, there was no significance difference between 5, 10, and 15 grains for all the
treatments including Azadirachtine, Allium sativa and combination of Azadirachtine and Allium sativa
powders. The beans weevil mortality rate during 48 days of treatment with different amounts of
Azadirachtine and Allium sativa powders shows high mortality rate of Callasobrunchus maculatus
compared to the control. However, there was significant mortality rate recorded for each treatment during
48 days of storage. The highest mean mortality rate was recorded for Azadirachtine powder than the
Allium sativa powder, and combination of Azadirachtine and Allium sativa powders. Therefore, this
research concluded that Azadirachtine and Allium sativa powders can be used as effective insect
repellents.