EFFECT OF SEPTIC WEED (Senna occidentalis) AND AFRICAN MAHOGAMY (Khaya senegalensis) LEAF POWDER ON THE MORTALITY OF COWPEA BEETLES (Callosobruchus Maculatus) UNDER COWPEA STORAGE IN BAUCHI ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the insecticidal potential of Senna occidentalis and Khaya senegalensis leaf powders on the mortality of cowpea beetles (Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius) during storage of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in Bauchi environment. It is a staple legume crop in Nigeria due to its high protein content and economic value. This study sought eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides using locally available botanical powders. The experiment was carried out in the Agronomy Laboratory of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) comprising three treatments replicated three times. The treatments were as follows: 10 g of Senna occidentalis leaf powder mixed with 200 g of cowpea grains (Treatment 1), 10 g of Khaya senegalensis leaf powder with 200 g of cowpea (Treatment 2), and an untreated control with no botanical application (Treatment 3). Each treatment was infested with 10 adult C. maculatus beetles and observed weekly for a period of six weeks. Data be more effective, achieving near-total beetle mortality by the sixth week and showing the lowest seed damage. In contrast, the untreated control recorded the highest insect survival and seed perforation, highlighting the importance of pest control measures during cowpea storage. The study concludes that Khaya senegalensis and Senna occidentalis leaf powders are effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternatives for managing C. maculatus infestation in stored cowpea. Their use can significantly reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security among smallholder farmers. It is recommended that farmers adopt these botanicals as part of integrated pest management strategies and that further studies be conducted to evaluate their long-term effects, optimal dosages, and combination efficacy under field conditions.