Authors:
Issa TRAORE
, Karim DAGNO
, Assitan DAOU
, Abdoulaye G DIALLO
, Bouya TRAORE
, Amadou H
BABANA
, Amadou K COULIBALY
, Bakary SAGARA
, Abou TOGOLA
, Adama DIALLO
, Bocar
DIALLO
, Fily DEMBELE
and Awa BAMBA, Mali
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Abstract:
Cowpea Vigna unguiculata L. Walpers (Fabaceae) is one of the main seed legumes produced and
consumed in the world and particularly in West Africa precisely in Mali. In Mali, the cultivation
of sorghum and cowpea in association occupies an important place in agriculture and contributes
to achieving food and nutritional security in the country. Cowpea is an important source of
vegetable protein. This crop is faced with many biotic (insects) and abiotic (drought) problems.
The attack of pests (insects) can completely reduce the production of cowpea. Most farmers use
chemicals to reduce these pests. While these chemicals (insecticides) have a negative impact on
human health and that of the ecosystem. Aphids (Aphis craccivora) and Marucas (Maruca
vitrata) can cause yield losses of up to 80%. Finding alternatives to synthetic pesticides is
therefore a major challenge for the design of cropping systems. The study was carried out at the
Sotuba agronomic research station for two years. Three varieties of cowpea (Sangaranka,
djiguifa and Ghana Shoba) were planted in split plot in pure culture and in association with
sorghum (Tiandougou coura). Three (3) products (Azadiracta indica and Cassia nigricans leaf,
Carapa procera oil) and two controls (optimal K and without treatment) were used against Aphis
craccivora and Maruca vitrata of cowpea. Observations focused on the number of Maruca vitrata
and Aphis craccivora colonies before and after each treatment, the weight (pod, grain, haulm).
The data was analyzed with GENSTAT Release 12.1 of the 12th edition of 2012. Zarama(Cassia
nigricans) extract was the most effective among the others after the first treatment on Aphis and
Maruca with a count average of 1.44 and 1.33 respectively of these two insects. The best grain
yield was recorded in the same Sangaraka variety (1623 kg.ha-1) by treatment with Neem extract
(Azadiracta indica), i.e. an increase of 8.1%.
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