MAJOR INSECT PESTS OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) AND THEIR MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Abstract

A field study was carried out in the farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, during March to June, 2009 to investigate the major insect pests of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and to explore the suitable practice(s) for their management. Among the treated plots, the lowest incidences of bean aphid and jassid were observed in T1 (Neem oil treated plot @ 3 ml/L of water) at different days after sowing whereas the higher incidences was found in T6 ( Furadan 5G @ 5 g/Plot.) For management of thrips and pod borer, T1 (Neem oil @ 3 ml/L of water) as well as T2 (NSKE @ 5 ml/L of water) demonstrated the highest performance whereas T5 (Dursban 20EC @ 2 ml/L of water) showed the lowest performance under the present study. Yield and yield performance against different insect pests were significantly influenced by different treatments. Highest number of healthy pods (480.33)/4m2 was obtained in T1 (Neem oil treated plot) where the lowest (263.67)/4m2 in T5 ( Dursban 20 EC treated plot). The highest percent of pods weight (78.32%) was obtained with T1 (Neem oil treated plot) treatment while the lowest percent of pods weight (69.21%) was obtained with T4 (Marshal 20 EC treated plot) considering percent infestation of pods by number and weight