Methanolic extract of Lophira alata was evaluated for its efficacy as contact and fumigant insecticides on cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus in the laboratory at ambient tropical conditions of temperature and relative humidity. The plant powder tested was applied at rates 0.0 (control), 2.0 g and 3.0 g / 20 g of cowpea seeds either directly for contact with the insect pest or in plastic containers to assess its fumigant toxicity. Results of contact toxicity assay showed that powders of L. alata was effective against the adult C. maculatus causing 90 % mortality (4.00 ± 0.57) within 2 days of application at 3.0 g / 20 g of cowpea seeds as compared with 90 % mortality (5.38 ± 0.50) recorded on day 4 of 2.0 g concentration application. The results of fumigant assays showed that L. alata had the highest insecticidal activity causing 95 % mortality of C. maculatus within 4 days of application at rate 3.0 g / 20g of cowpea seeds in contrast to 80 % mortality recorded in 96 hrs of 2.0g concentration application. The phytochemical screening of the plant revealed alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, phytosterols, tannis, flavonoids and terpenoids while reducing sugar was absent. This study showed that the tested plant product is toxic to cowpea bruchid and the powders can be mixed with cowpea seeds to prevent hatching of the eggs thereby helping in their management.
Callosobruchus maculatus, Lophira alata, Fumigant, Cowpea, Insecticidal
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