EFFECT OF CRUDE  AQUEOUS AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF MORINGA (Moringa oleifera) AGAINST COWPEA WEEVILS (Callosobruchus maculatus) IN STORED COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata) IN LOKOJA, KOGI STATE

Abstract Background:This study investigated the effect of crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera against Callosobruchus maculatus (cowpea weevil) on stored Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea).The pesticidal activity of Moringa oleifera extracts on Callosobruchus maculatus was evaluated at concentrations of 500, 1000, and 1500g/L. The cold Maceration method was employed in this study. The mortality rate of the weevils was monitored after 24, 48, and 72 hours of bioassay. The mortalities recorded were subjected to ANOVA. The differences between the two extracts were significantly different at P = 0.05. Results:The inference drawn from this study showed that the crude aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera was not effective against Callosobruchus maculatus on stored cowpea, while the Ethanolic extract showed a significant effect on Callosobruchus maculatus because of the high mortality recorded in the third concentration. Conclusion:Therefore, Moringa leaf extract is recommended to be used as an alternative to synthetic pesticides for the control of Cowpea weevil, and further research is needed to test the activity of the plant on non-target.