Field investigation on the management of pod bugs in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) using eco-friendly insecticides was carried out during the kharif season in 2018 at dry land farm, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati. The results revealed that neem seed kernel extract, NSKE @ 5 percent was found to be the most effective in reducing pod bugs population with highest mean percent reduction over the control (65.0%), lowest percent pod damage (39.57%), seed damage (27.33%), highest hundred-grain weight (12.0gm) and the highest grain yield (933 kgha-1) followed by spinosad @ 0.2 ml/l and neem oil @ 0.5 percent. Therefore, it might be suggested that NSKE @ 5 percent can be applied for the better management of pod bugs in cowpea.
Author(s) Details:
Raghu Prasad
Department of Entomology, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Rajesh
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Undi, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, India.
S.R. Koteswara Rao
Department of Entomology, Agricultural College Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Ramana Murthy
Department of Statistics and Computer Applications, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Recent Global Research Developments in Managing Pod Bugs in Cowpea with Eco-Friendly Insecticides
1. Interaction Between Pod Age and Position on Damage to Cowpea by Pod-Sucking Bugs:
Researchers investigated the relationship between pod age, pod position, and damage caused by different pod bug species in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata).
Coreids (Clavigralla tomentosicollis and Riptortus dentipes) caused significant damage to young pods, while Anoplocnemis curvipes and Aspavia armigera exhibited minor feeding activity.
Percent seed damage decreased with pod age, with the critical stage for pod bug infestation occurring when pods were about eight days old.
Clavigralla tomentosicollis and R. dentipes caused more damage to pods within the leaf canopy, whereas A. curvipes preferred pods growing above the leaf canopy.
Overall, cowpea genotypes with a short flowering period and pods held above the leaf canopy offer promise for managing pod-sucking pests [1] .
2. Eco-Friendly Management Strategies Against Pod Borer Complex of Cowpea:
Flubendiamide was found to be effective in managing the larval population of pod borers, including Maruca vitrata and Lampides boeticus, when applied at fortnightly intervals starting from flowering [2] .
3. Seasonal Incidence of Pod Bugs in Cowpea:
Pod-sucking bugs are significant intruders during the post-flowering phase of cowpea.
These bugs feed by desapping the juice from developing pods, affecting both the quantity and quality of the produce [3] .
4. Host Plant Resistance to Insect Pests of Cowpea:
Host plant resistance is an environmentally friendly and sustainable pest management option.
Researchers have explored cowpea resistance to various insect pests, including pod-sucking bugs [4] .
References
- Koona P, Osisanya EO, Jackai LEN, Tamo M, Tonye J, Ngeve JM. Interaction between pod age and position on damage to cowpea Vigna unguiculata by hemipteran pod-sucking bugs. Bulletin of Entomological Research. 2001;91(6):453-459. doi:10.1079/BER2001125
- Subhasree, S., & Mathew, M. P. (2014). Eco-friendly management strategies against pod borer complex of cowpea, vigna unguiculata var. Sesquipedalis (L) Verdcourt. Indian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Life Sciences, 4(4), 1-5.
- Prasad, C. R., Rajesh, A., Rao, S. K., & Murthy, B. R. (2021). Seasonal incidence of pod bugs in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in dry land eco-system. J Pharm Innov, 10(5), 154-158.
- Pod sucking bugs of cowpea
https://plantwiseplusknowledgebank.org/doi/pdf/10.1079/pwkb.20167801446
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