Efficiency of Foliar Fertilizers and Growth Regulators on Cowpea Productivity and Control of Cowpea Weevil, Callosobruchus Maculatus (coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, is an important food and forage legume worldwide. The cowpea weevil is a major cowpea pest that causes damage both in the field and during storage. This study investigated the effects of some foliar treatments, including three foliar fertilizers (Ca, K, B) and two growth regulators (mepiquat chloride (MC) and forchlorfenuron (CPPU) on the cowpea yield and its components. Furthermore, evaluating the susceptibility and resistance of cowpea seeds resulting from the previous treatments against the C. maculatus insect. The results showed that all foliar sprays had significant effects on yield and its components in both seasons compared with the control. The highest yield was achieved by CPPU treatment, followed by K treatment, and the lowest yield was achieved by MC treatment. The results of the free-choice and no-choice tests revealed that cowpea seeds treated with MC treatment were the most susceptible to C. maculatus attack. At the same time, cowpea seeds treated with K and CPPU treatments showed their resistance to infestation by the same insect. Foliar application of K and CPPU treatments could be used in integrated pest management programs to reduce the risk of pesticides to human health and increase crop production.