| dc.description.abstract | Insect pests are a major problem in cowpea production. Synthetic pesticides are used to control;
however, are non-friendly to human and diversity of organisms. These negative effects raise
farmers' interest in botanical pesticides due to less harmful effects on the ecosystem. Tephrosia
vogelii extracts, rabbit urine, and sunflower oil were assessed for synergistic effects against
cowpea field’s insectpest’s including aphids, pod borer, leaf miner, and beneficial insects. The
ingredients were combined in ratio of 10% (w/v) Tephrosia Vogelii (T), 50% (v/v) rabbit urine
(U), and 10% (v/v) of sunflower oil (O), while unsprayed plots and synthetic pesticide (Lambda-
cyhalothrin 2.5 EC) were control negative and positive, respectively. The experiment was laid
down in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Spraying was done
weekly where abundances for insects were recorded a day before next schedule. Results showed
significant difference P≤0.001 in insect pest counts between treatments. The positive control
exhibited smaller mean number (4.3 ± 0.3 d, 4.7±0.3 a and 5.0±0.6 a), followed by combined
formulation OUT at a mean (11.0 ± 0.6 c, 8.0±0.6 b, and 4.3±0.3 a) for aphid, leaf miner, and pod
borer respectively compared to negative control and individual ingredients (O, U and T)
evidencing synergy. The results also indicated the combined formulation (Oil, rabbit urine and
Tephrosia) OUT showed comparable yield of (846.1 kg/ha) with control positive (794.6 kg/ha)
while uncombine formulation and negative control showed lower yield of 520.6 kg/ha, 611.1
(kg/ha), 662.2 kg/ha, and 483.3 kg/ha respectively. Based on the results, OUT-formulation
exhibits synergy for managing cowpea’s insectpest’s, however study on cost-benefit is
recommended. | en_US |
