Cowpea production is limited by predation from several insect pests, including Maruca vitrata (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) as one of the most destructive. The present study aimed to assess the pesticidal effect of neem oil and the baculovirus MaviMNPV (separately and in combination) on M. vitrata under laboratory conditions. Eight treatments in a 4-replicate randomized block design (including control) were assessed at each of the five M. vitrata larval stages. Neem oil induced larval mortality ranging from 41.50 ± 2.50% to 97.08 ± 2.00%, with the lower values in L4 and L5, while MaviMNPV induced larval mortality varying from 15 ± 0.63% to 100 ± 00% (depending on larval stages). Used in combination, induced larval mortality was higher still (from 28.33 ± 4.40% to 100 ± 00%), suggesting a synergistic or additive action. Cox regression also indicated that MaviMNPV larval mortality was dose-dependent when applied at large stages L1, L2, and L3.

https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42690-022-00734-5

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Kindozandji Augustinhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5030-0883

Elie Dannonhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-7323-6212

Manuele Tamòhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5863-7421

https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42690-022-00734-5

Plant Production and Health

Agronomy; Cowpea; Food Security; Grain Legumes; Pests of Plants; Plant Breeding; Plant Health; Plant Production

Cowpeas; Neem Oil; Maruca Vitrata

Africa; West Africa

Benin (Dahomey)

Headquarters and Western Africa Hub

International Journal of Tropical Insect Science