Assessment of phytotoxicity of selected botanical insecticides on treated cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seed

Abstract Background Synthetic insecticides employed in seed treatment are often phytotoxic, especially at slightest misapplications. Cowpea is mainly attacked by Callosobruchus maculatus . It established that azadirachtin, myristicin and α-humulene based (botanical insecticides) eco-friendly have activity against C. thus considered ideal candidates research efforts targeted developing plant options for protecting cowpea attack. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate toxicity selected botanical on treated ( Vigna unguiculata ) seed. Results Electrical conductivity leachate obtained from with significantly P < 0.05) lower than recorded chlorpyrifos. Malondialdehyde levels cultivars; SAMPEA 11 12 higher However, malondialdehyde 14 azadirachtin were not > different reported Less 50% embryo recovered unstained contrary observation made dressed Conclusion This reveals similarity as well variation varietal sensitivity phytoxicity among various cultivars studied implying a farmer’s choice protection would strictly depend involved.