Oviposition deterrence and ovicidal properties of some plant powders against Callosobruchus maculatus in stored cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds

SUMMARY Powders made from 15 plant species were tested in the laboratory against C. maculatus on stored cowpea seeds. Fewest eggs were laid on seeds mixed with Nicotiana tabacum powder. Few eggs were also laid on seeds mixed with powders obtained from Erythrophleum suaveolens and Ocimum gratissimum. N. tabacum powder, followed by E. suaveolens powder, was the most effective in reducing egg hatch.