Cowpea resistance and bioactivity of two diatomaceous earths against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on three cowpea varieties

The bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) is the most important pest of stored cowpea in tropical climates. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the susceptibility of three cowpea varieties and the bioactivity of SilicoSec® and FossilShield® against this insect pest under ambient laboratory conditions at the contents 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 g/kg of cowpea. The Dobie susceptibility index for cowpea genotypes was estimated to compare their relative tolerance to this insect pest. Adult mortality was assessed after 1, 2, 4 and 6 days of exposure followed by the evaluation of the F1 progeny. Population increase, percentage seed damage and weight loss were assessed after three months of storage. The results showed that the CRPS and TN5-78 varieties were highly susceptible to C. maculatus, while Lori variety was moderately susceptible to the weevil. SilicoSec® and FossilShield® caused a significant and increasing bruchid mortality according to the dose rates and periods of exposure. Malathion 5% caused complete mortality after one day exposure time. SilicoSec® was more effective than FossilShield® on the three varieties of cowpea. The greatest dose of SilicoSec® and FossilShield® (2 g/kg) caused 100% mortality on all three varieties; 4 days of exposure in the Lori variety was the shortest exposure time leading to complete mortality. Regarding LD50 and LD95 values, it was observed that C. maculatus adults are more susceptible to SilicoSec® than to FossilShield®.The two formulations of diatomaceous earth (1.5 g/kg) reduced the F1 progeny by more than 70%, and produced less than 10% of seed damage and weight loss for the three varieties of cowpea. The varietal resistance and the use of diatomaceous earth against C. maculatus in storage could represent an alternative to Malagrain® for the protection of the cowpea. © 2021