FARMERS PERCEPTION AND MANAGEMENT OF GRAIN LEGUMES STORAGE INSECT PESTS IN MAIDUGURI, NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

²Degri, M.M, ¹Mshelia, J.S and ²Amina S.S

¹Department of Agronomy, Federal University Kashare, Gombe State, Nigeria

²Department of Crop Protection, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

E-mail: mikedegri@gmail.com, michaelmd4peace@hotmail.com

Abstract: A survey research was carried out in Maiduguri Metropolis between January – April, 2011 to assess farmers’ perception and management of grain Legume storage insect pests. The survey used open–ended structured questionnaires and oral interview to obtain this information from the farmers. The results showed that the most important grain legumes grown in Maiduguri include cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp) groundnut (Arachis hypogeal L.) and Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdcourt) and that the common grain legumes insect pests that infest cowpea and groundnut in Maiduguri were cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus and groundnut borer Caryedon serratus. These farmers used mostly bags, sacks, Rhumbus, jerry canes and drums for storing their legumes. The result also showed that the farmers used botanical products like chilli pepper powder, wood ash, Bitter leaf powder, bitter melon powder and neem seed oil for storing their grain legumes and synthetic insecticides like Actellic dust, Aluminium phosphide (phostoxin) and Atellic EC for controlling stored grain legume insect pests. The survey result indicated that these botanical products and synthetic insecticides were effective against the grain legumes insect pests for storage period. Farmers are recommended to use good storage facilities, practice good sanitary measure in their store to reduce losses and to handle both the botanical and synthetic protectants with care to avoid poisoning.