Bioactivity of vegetable powders on biological parameters of Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae) in Vigna unguiculata

Abstract

Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is widely distributed in the world, being one of the most important crops in the Brazilian semiarid. Grains, however, are commonly damaged by the larvae of Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabr.), causing quantitative and qualitative losses. Thus, the study aimed to determine the potential reduction of eggs, adult emergence and population growth of this pest. The vegetable powders used were: Eucalyptus urophylla S T Blake × tereticornis Smith; E. brassiana S T Blake; E. urophylla × E. tereticornis × E. pellita; and of Azadirachta indica A. Juss; Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi and Rosmarinus officinalis L. All of the powders reduced C. maculatus oviposition, adult emergence and the population growth when compared to control at all the concentrations used. The most effective powders were the hybrid of E. brassiana (clone 25), E. urophylla × E. tereticornis (clone 101), S. terebinthifolius and A. indica.

Keywords

• Cowpea crop
• Cowpea weevil
• Pest control
• Stored grain insects