Pyroligneous Acid Controls Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Increases Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L., Walp)] Productivity
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: The aphid Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a major pest of cowpea crops [Vigna unguiculata (L., Walp.)]. Adults and nymphs feed on leaves, stems, flowers, and pods, leading to a reduction in plant productivity. Botanical insecticides can be an alternative for the control of A. craccivora, but studies under field conditions are necessary to evaluate these substances. We assessed the mortality of A. craccivora in cowpea crops for two seasons (dry and wet) using pyroligneous acid in three concentrations (2, 4 and 6 mL/L). Water was used as the control. Crop productivity was also evaluated. We performed the experiment using a completely randomized block design with four replications. Pyroligneous acid at 4 and 6 mL/L caused higher mortalities (p < 0.0001) and productivity was higher in plots sprayed with pyroligneous acid at these concentrations in both experimental seasons (p < 0.0001). In summary, pyroligneous acid controls A. craccivora and increases cowpea productivity.
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3178024595