Relationship between Cowpea Crop Phenology and Field Infestation by the Legume Pod Borer, Maruca testulalis1

Abstract

The onset and fluctuation of Maruca infestation on cowpea terminal shoots, flower buds, flowers, and pods was studied under field conditions. Four cowpea cultivars—IFE BROWN, VITA-5, VITA-3, and TVu 946—were used in the study. Infestation started in the terminal shoots around 21 days after planting but later spread to the reproductive parts as these were produced by the plant. The highest infestation was found in flowers > flower buds > terminal shoots > pods. TVu 946 consistently had the lowest number of larvae, and VITA-3 had the highest. It is suggested that TVu 946 may possess a low level of resistance that could be utilized in plant breeding programs.