Effect of Herbicides, seed dressing chemicals and spray regimes on germination, insect infestation and yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp)

摘要

A field experiment was conducted in Samaru-Zaria located between latitudes11010? and 10054?N and longitudes 07038? and 07044?E within the guinea Savanna zone of North central Nigeria. The effect of seed treatment chemicals (Apron Star? 24WP, 20% w/w Thiamethoxoams, 20% w/w Metalaxyl-M and 20% w/w Difeno- conazole) and four spray regimes (5 days, 7 days, 10 days and 14 days after sowing) on the germination, insect infestation and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) (SAMPEA-7) were investigated during the 2006/2007 rainy season. The experiment comprised of five treatments replicated four times in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The result obtained showed that seeds dressed with Apron Star? recorded higher germination counts (35 seedlings) compared to the undressed seeds, which had the least estimates (26.75 seedlings) and lower yields (366.7kg/ha). The SAMPEA-7 seeds dressed and protected with Cypermethrin and Dimethoate for the control of field insect pests gave significant (p<0.05) grain yield per ha under 7 days (1387.50kg/ha) and 10 days (1208.30kg/ha) spray regimes. Farmers could therefore adopt either the 7 or 10 days spray regimes in the zone.