Studies on the efficacy of black soap and kerosene mixture on the control of pod sucking bugs (Clavigralla tomentosicollis stal.) on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp)

Field experiment testing of various concentrations (2, 4, 6 and 8% vol/vol) of an aqueous black soap and kerosene as a control for pod damage by Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stal. indicated that the 8% concentration was the most effective in reducing pod injury and increasing the yield of seed in 'Dan- Sokoto' cowpeas. None of the treatments significantly reduced the abundance of the pod sucking insects on the plants. Application of 8% concentration should therefore be considered for recommendation as a control to cowpea growers.