Guizotia Abyssinica Cass Research Articles

Influence of culture media and environmental factors on mycelial growth and sporulation of Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler causing leaf blight disease of niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) cass)

Alternaria altermata is isolated from naturally infected niger leaf for their morphological characteristics, mycelia growth and sporulation, spore germination in different culture media and environmental conditions. RMA was best for both growth and sporulation. Excellent sporulation was observed ion PCA. PDB supported best growth among the liquid media tested. Highest mycelia dry weight was recorded at 28°C and pH 6.5. Among several carbon sources tested, Mannitol showed optimum growth and sporulation while peptone produced maximum growth among the tested organic nitrogen sources. The present study will help to maintain the fungus in the laboratory condition for preparation of inoculums for different studies related to the control measures of the pathogen.

Genotype by Environment Interaction (G x E) and Grain Yield Stability Analysis of Ethiopian Linseed and Niger Seed Varieties

General Background : Niger seed [( Guizotia abyssinica (L.F.) Cass.), 2n = 30] and Linseed [( Linum usitatissimum L.), n=15] are indigenous oil crops of Ethiopia. Over many years, there are a few Linseed and Niger seed varieties developed and released through intensive breeding and genetics research program in Ethiopia. However, whether these varieties are stable, adaptable to the environments of Western Ethiopia and similar agro-ecologies are not clear. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to (i) assess genotype by environment interaction (G x E) and (ii) identify stable and adaptable Linseed and Niger seed varieties for specific and wide adaptions. Materials and methods : All Niger seed and Linseed released varieties of Ethiopia between the years 1984 and 2008 were tested for multi-locations and years. Independent experiments of linseed and Niger seed varieties were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated three times. Eight varieties of Linseed with one local variety were evaluated at Arjo, Gute and Shambu locations. In addition, five Niger seed varieties including one local variety were tested at Bako, Gute and Shambu locations. Summary of the result and application of the findings: The seed yields ranged between 0.898 tons ha-1 and 1.575 tons/ha for Linseed and between 0.600 tons ha-1 and 0.690 tons ha-1 for Niger seed. Analysis of variance using additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) model revealed significant differences (pG0.01) for genotype, environment, genotype x environment interaction and interaction principal component (IPCA1) for Linseed, while only environment was found to be significantly different for Niger seed. Based on AMMI analysis, Kulumsa-1 was the best yielding, stable and widely adapted, while CI-1525 and Berene were high yielding but unstable and specifically adapted Linseed varieties to high yielding environments. Belay 96, Chilalo, Tole and CI-1652 were moderately stable and adapted to high yielding environments. Among Niger seed varieties, Shambu-1 and Esete-1 had comparable seed yield with moderately stable for the tested environments whereas Kuyu and local variety were unstable and not adopted to the testing environments. Key words/phrases: Adapted variety, Additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), Genotype x environment (G x E) interaction, Stable variety

Influence of osmotic stress, physicochemical factors and nitrogen supplements on embryogenesis and plantlet formation in Guizotia abyssinica Cass. (Niger)

An efficient protocol for somatic embryogenesis was developed for the edible oilseed crop Guizotia abyssinica Cass. (cv. IGP 76). Induction and proliferation of callus was achieved from cotyledonary explants on MS medium amended with 1.5 mg l−1 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 0.5 mg l−1 naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Several auxin/cytokinin combinations, physical conditions, osmotic stresses and supplementary components, viz., amino acids and casein hydrolysate were tested for induction of embryogenic callus. Higher frequency of embryogenic calli (73.7 %) and somatic embryos per culture (22) were observed on MS + 1.5 mg l−1 BA + 0.5 mg l−1 NAA + 0.5 % NaCl. Histological analyses showed typical globular and other stages of embryo development. The MS medium lacking growth regulators was best for the maximum germination of embryos (53.4 %) and formation of plantlets (65.4 %). Regenerated plantlets were acclimatized and transferred to the field with 62 % survival rate.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and economics of niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.

Field experiment was conducted on niger cv. Utkal Niger 150 (ONS-150) at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), Semiliguda, Koraput, Odisha during kharif season for three years (2008-10) under rainfed condition to find out the effect of bio-fertilizers and green manuring integrated with chemical fertilizers on growth and yield of niger. Results revealed that application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer integrated with Azotobacter and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) recorded the highest seed yield of 405 kg/ha with net monetary return of ` 4083/ha and B:C ratio of 1.50 followed by recommended dose of fertilizer alone 386 kg/ha with net monetary return of ` 3650/ha and B:C ratio of 1.45. Application of 50% recommended dose of fertilizer + Azotobacter + PSB recorded seed yield of 370 kg/ha with net monetary return of ` 3313/ha and B:C ratio of 1.42.

Effect of Foliar Sprays on Seed Yield and Economics of Niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass

Field experiments were conducted on niger cv.GA.10 (Deomali) in red sandy to clay loam soils of RRTTS, Semiliguda, Koraput (Odisha) during kharif seasons of 2008, 2009 & 2010 to find out suitable combination of soil and foliar application of nutrients (urea and di-ammonium phosphate) for maximizing growth and seed yield. Nine treatments consisting with different nutrient management were tested in randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that, foliar applications of Urea and DAP gave better performance regarding growth and yield attributes. Highest seed yield (417.2 kg/ha), net monetary return (Rs. 4247.00/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (1.51), recorded with application of 100% RDF + foliar application of 2% Urea twice at flowering and capitula formation stage (T4) followed by T5 (RDF + foliar spraying of 2% DAP twice at flowering and capitula formation stage) i.e. seed yield 387.7 kg/ha, net monetary return Rs. 3277.00/ha and benefit-cost ratio 1.39.

Lipid Classes and Subclasses of Cold‐Pressed and Solvent‐Extracted Oils from Commercial Indian Niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.) Seed

AbstractLipid classes and subclasses of cold‐pressed and solvent‐extracted (hexane and ethanol) oils from commercially available niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.) seeds were investigated. The oil yield of niger seeds obtained by cold pressing was 28.3 g/100 g while by hexane and ethanol extractions was 38.3 and 29.7 g/100 g respectively. The lipid classification of the extracted niger seed oils showed neutral lipids (65.9–95.5 %), glycolipids (2.7–24.6 %) and phospholipids (1.8–9.5 %). The acylglycerol composition of neutral lipids of extracted niger seed oils showed triacylglycerols (76.9–91.6 %), diacylglycerols (3.9–7.3 %) and monoacylglycerols (0.6–2.5 %). The fatty acid composition of tri‐, di‐, and monoacylglycerols of extracted niger seed oils showed linoleic acid (66.7–71.6 %) as the major fatty acid. The triacylglycerol composition of neutral lipids of extracted niger seed oils showed trilinolein (39.2–40.3 %) as the major triacylglycerol. The extracted niger seed oils contained 1289.9–6215.8 ppm of total phytosterols with β‐sitosterol (41.9–43.7 %) as the major phytosterol. Acylated steryl glucoside (39.5–52.2 %) was the major glycolipid in extracted niger seed oils. Phosphatidylcholine (49.6 and 47.9 %) was the major phospholipid in cold‐pressed and hexane‐extracted niger seed oils and phosphatidylethanolamine (57.1 %) was the major phospholipid in ethanol‐extracted niger seed oil. This is probably the first report on the variations in lipid classes and subclasses of Indian niger seed oil as affected by different modes of oil extraction.

Growth, physiological, and biochemical responses in relation to salinity tolerance for In Vitro selection in oil seed crop Guizotia abyssinica Cass.

The calli cultures of Guizotia abyssinica (niger) cultivars IGP 76 and GA 10 were exposed to different levels of salt treatments (0, 30, 60, and 90 mM NaCl), in order to evaluate growth, physiological, and biochemical responses. A significant decrease in relative growth rate and tissue water content of GA 10 calli than IGP 76 under salt-stress conditions was associated with higher sodium ion accumulation. Osmotic adjustment revealed by the osmolytes (proline, glycine betaine, and total soluble sugars) accumulation was significantly higher in IGP 76 salt-stressed calli as compared to GA 10. The sustained growth and better survival of IGP 76 calli was correlated with lower malondialdehyde content and increased superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase activities and higher α-tocopherol content in comparison to GA 10. The higher osmolytes accumulation and presence of better antioxidant system suggested superior adaptation of IGP 76 calli on salt-containing medium for prolonged periods in comparison to GA 10. The regeneration frequency, organogenesis, and acclimatization response of the plants derived from salt-adapted calli was comparatively lower than the plants derived from control calli of IGP 76. The growth, physiological, and biochemical characterization of the salt-tolerant regenerated plants exposed to stepwise long-term 90 mM NaCl treatment revealed no significant changes in comparison to the control. Thus, our results suggests the development of an efficient protocol for in vitro selection and production of salt-tolerant plants in self-incompatible crop, niger, and an alternative to traditional breeding programs to increase the abiotic stress tolerance.

Germination behaviour of Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. (niger) as influenced by some special treatments

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the germination behaviour of Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. (Asteraceae) commonly known as Ramtil (H) and Niger (E). It is an important oil-yielding plant, known for its medicinal as well as commercial value and special treatments. Design/methodology/approach: Various phyto-hormones and NPK were used to determine the germination profile of the species. Findings: The seed germination increased after pre-sowing treatments and a remarkable increase in germination percentage was recorded. The findings reveal that maximum germination percentage (90%) was noticed in phytohormones and NPK treatments; germination percentage was comparatively poor in dark conditions and sand. Originality/value: The species is endangered and will disappear from the Indian sub-continent very soon, therefore the need to increase the germination profile and to increase the productivity of the plant is a great challenge.

Effect of Extraction Solvent on Oil and Bioactives Composition of Commercial Indian Niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.) Seed

AbstractCommercially available niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.) seed was investigated to evaluate the effect of extraction solvent on oil and bioactives composition. For this purpose, niger seeds were subjected to solvent extraction using solvents of different polarity, viz., hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, methanol and ethanol. The oil content of niger seeds obtained after extraction with solvents of different polarities was in the range of 31.8–41.3 g/100 g. The extracted oil was characterized by the following parameters: color (40.0–95.0 Lovibond units), free fatty acids (3.6–12.3 g/100 g), peroxide value (3.2–7.8 mequiv O2/kg), iodine value (137.6–140.3 cg I2/g), saponification value (177.3–185.9 mg KOH/g) and unsaponifiable matter (1.3–4.3 g/100 g). Among fatty acids, linoleic acid (69.4–73.2 %) was the major fatty acid and trilinolein (31.2–33.4 %) was the major triacylglycerol. The composition of bioactive molecules was 171.9–345.8 ppm of total tocopherols; 247.1–2,647.7 ppm of total phenolics; 1,249.6–6,309.3 ppm of total sterols and 18.9–181.0 ppm of total carotenoids. Among the tocopherols, α‐tocopherol was the major component with 154–276 ppm. Of the total phenolics, vanillic acid with 176–1,709 ppm was the major phenolic compound in the oil extracted using different solvents. Ethanol‐extracted oil showed a 13.9‐fold better oxidative stability and a higher radical scavenging activity (IC50 value of 9.2 mg/mL) compared to hexane‐extracted oil (IC50 value of 40.3 mg/mL). This is probably the first report of its kind on solvent extractability of bioactives of niger seed.

Partial replacement of dried Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit leaves for noug (Guizotia abyssinica) (L.f.) Cass. seed cake in the diet of highland sheep fed on wheat straw

This study investigated the effect of replacing noug (Guizotia abyssinica) (L.f.) Cass. seed cake by dried Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit leaves on feed intake, live weight gain, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance of highland sheep in Tigray Region in northern Ethiopia. Twenty intact yearling male highland sheep weighing 16.9 ± 1.62 kg were used in a randomized complete block design and included the following four treatments: T1 (control, wheat straw ad libitum + 200 g noug seed cake (NSC) + 150 g wheat bran (WB)); T2 (wheat straw ad libitum + 170 g NSC + 44.3 g dried L. leucocephala (DLL) + 150 g WB); T3 (wheat straw ad libitum + 140 g NSC + 87.3 g DLL + 150 g WB); and T4 (wheat straw ad libitum + 110 g NSC + 130.2 g DLL + 150 g WB). Sheep fed on T4 diet consumed higher total dry matter (658 g/head/day) and recorded the highest average daily weight gain (59 g/head/day). Sheep fed on T4 diet had higher dry matter (61 %), organic matter (63 %), and crude protein (75 %) digestibility values than the other treatments. Sheep fed on T3 diet demonstrated higher feed conversion ratio (11.93) than sheep kept on the other treatments. All sheep exhibited positive nitrogen balance, with the highest nitrogen retention being measured in T4 (12 g/head/day). It is concluded that partially replacing NSC by DLL can improve total dry matter intake, digestibility of nutrients, and body weight gain in highland sheep fed on wheat straw as the basal diet.

Functional Properties, Nutritional Value, and Industrial Applications of Niger Oilseeds (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.)

Non-conventional seeds are being considered as novel food because their constituents have unique chemical properties and may augment the supply of nutritional and functional products. Niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) seed and its crude oil have been widely used in traditional nutritional and medicinal applications. Consequently, niger seed has been extensively studied for its nutritional value, biological activities, and antioxidative properties. In consideration of their potential utilization, detailed knowledge on the composition of niger oilseeds is of major importance. The diversity of applications to which niger seed can be put gives this oilseed great industrial importance. This review summarizes the nutritional value, functional properties, and industrical applications of niger seeds.

Germinação, biometria de sementes e morfologia de plântulas de Guizotia abyssinica Cass

O niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) é uma herbácea anual com potencial para produção de biodiesel, porém com poucas informações referentes à qualidade de suas sementes. Com isso, objetivou-se determinar as temperaturas e substratos para a germinação e desenvolvimento inicial de plântulas, além de caracterizar morfologicamente as sementes e plântulas. Foram determinados o peso de mil sementes, grau de umidade, massa, comprimento, largura e espessura das sementes. No teste de germinação foram utilizadas quatro temperaturas constantes sob luz branca constante (15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C e 30 °C) e uma temperatura alternada (20-30 °C) sob regime de 10 horas de escuro e 14 horas de luz branca para a temperatura mais elevada e dois substratos (entre papel e sobre papel). Foram determinadas as curvas de embebição das sementes, a germinação, o índice de velocidade de germinação, o tempo médio de germinação e o comprimento e massa seca de plântulas. As sementes de niger possuem dimensões semelhantes entre si, média de 4,54 mm de comprimento, 1,39 mm de largura, 1,15 mm de espessura e 0,0043 g de peso. As temperaturas 20-30 °C e 25 °C e ambos os substratos testados são eficientes para a condução do teste de germinação em sementes de niger.

Differential growth, physiological and biochemical responses of niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) cultivars to water-deficit (drought) stress

The present study demonstrates the effect of polyethylene glycol-8000 (PEG) and percent field capacity (FC%)-induced water-deficit stress on growth, water status, productivity and various biochemical parameters in Guizotia abyssinica Cass. cultivars (IGP 76, GA 10, No. 71 and IGPN 2004) at seedling and maturity stages of the plant. Cultivar GA 10 showed higher, IGP 76 and No. 71 moderate, and IGPN 2004 least reduction in percent seed germination given PEG stress treatments (0, 10 and 20%). A similar pattern was observed for decreased growth and water content of the seedlings and plants of the cultivars exposed to both kinds of water-deficit stresses. The productivity (number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitula and 1,000-seed weight) and total chlorophyll content of cultivar IGPN 2004 was significantly higher in comparison to other cultivars given different FC% treatments (100, 80 and 60%). Significantly higher accumulation of proline, glycine betaine and total soluble sugars and lower damage to membrane lipids under increased water-deficit stress (i.e., at 80 and 60% FC) conditions in cultivar IGPN 2004 suggested its more tolerance capacity to water-deficit stress in comparison to other cultivars. Besides, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase) partially demonstrated variations in the tolerance of the cultivars to water-deficit stress. The results suggest that cultivar IGPN 2004 could be considered as more tolerant, and IGP 76 and No. 71 as moderately tolerant, whereas GA 10 was more sensitive to water-deficit stress.

Population genetics of self-incompatibility and developing self-compatible genotypes in niger (Guizotia abyssinica)

Niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass. (Asteraceae) is a strictly self-incompatible crop species with a sporophytic self-incompatibility mechanism. This characteristic presents a number of difficulties in plant improvement programs. The objective of this study was to determine the number and distribution of S-alleles in Ethiopian niger populations and to identify and develop self-compatible genotypes with various associated advantages. Several aspects of self-incompatibility in niger were compared in self- and cross-pollination experiments in which seed-set was considered to be a measure of compatibility. Our results indicate the presence of a minimum of ten self-incompatibility alleles and one self-compatibility allele at the S-locus in niger. Most of these alleles behave differently in the pollen and pistil. About two-thirds of the allelic interactions in both the pollen and pistil were dominant/recessive, and one-third were codominant. The reciprocal cross-pollinations (RCPs) resulted in progeny with similar levels of compatibility within and among populations because of a wide distribution of S-alleles in the populations and, consequently, low population differentiation at the S-locus. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that only 2% of the total genetic variation at the S-locus differentiates the populations. In conclusion, self-compatible genotypes from the Ethiopian niger gene pool have been identified and developed for the first time.

Developing high oleic acid in Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. by plant breeding

AbstractOleic acid content was increased from approximately 5–11% to 80–86% in Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass. materials from Ethiopia after repeated selection and breeding. Achenes collected from Ethiopia were screened for elevated oleic acid content by half seed technique. The starting materials for breeding were nine plants selected from among 272 seeds analysed and having an average oleic acid content of approximately 21% which is considered to be high compared with the 5–11% reported earlier for niger materials of Ethiopian origin. It was observed that the oleic acid content steadily increased after each round of selection and breeding. The percent oleic acid in the seed oil increased to an average of 35.2% and 53.4% after the first and second round of breeding, respectively and ultimately to over 80% after the third round of breeding. It was also observed that the percent oleic acid in the oil stabilizes and the plants breed true when the oleic acid content in the parental seeds was above 79%.

The effects of gamma and ethylmethanesulphonate treatments on agronomical traits of Niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.).

Seeds of niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) cultivar N-71 were exposed to different doses of gamma rays ranging from 0 -152 Gy and varying concentration of ethyl methanesulphonate ranging from 0 - 104 mM. Variations in the percentage of germination and survival, plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, leaf width, number of primary branches, capitulum size, head size, number of ray florets/capitulum, number of disc florets/capitulum, number of capitula/plant, number of seeds/capitulum, seed yield/plant, 1000 seed weight were recorded in the M1 and M2 generations. Plants showed decreased growth with increased dose and concentration of the mutagens. There were dose and concentration related effects of the mutagenic treatments on quantitative traits resulting in reduction in traits such as germination and survival percentages, plant height, leaf length and width, number of primary branches and 1000 seeds weight, but increases in number of capitula/plant, number of seeds/capitulum and seed yield/plant was observed in 52 and 78 mM treated M2 generated plants. Improved oil content was found in gamma ray treated (38, 114, and 152 Gy) M2 plants and also in 78 mM EMS treated M2 plants. Early flowering was found in gamma (76 Gy) treated M2plants. Key words: Gamma ray, ethyl methanesulphonate, niger, agronomical trait, M1generation, M2 generation.

The effects of gamma and ethylmethanesulphonate treatments on agronomical traits of Niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.).

Seeds of niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) cultivar N-71 were exposed to different doses of gamma rays ranging from 0 -152 Gy and varying concentration of ethyl methanesulphonate ranging from 0 - 104 mM. Variations in the percentage of germination and survival, plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, leaf width, number of primary branches, capitulum size, head size, number of ray florets/capitulum, number of disc florets/capitulum, number of capitula/plant, number of seeds/capitulum, seed yield/plant, 1000 seed weight were recorded in the M1 and M2 generations. Plants showed decreased growth with increased dose and concentration of the mutagens. There were dose and concentration related effects of the mutagenic treatments on quantitative traits resulting in reduction in traits such as germination and survival percentages, plant height, leaf length and width, number of primary branches and 1000 seeds weight, but increases in number of capitula/plant, number of seeds/capitulum and seed yield/plant was observed in 52 and 78 mM treated M2 generated plants. Improved oil content was found in gamma ray treated (38, 114, and 152 Gy) M2 plants and also in 78 mM EMS treated M2 plants. Early flowering was found in gamma (76 Gy) treated M2plants. Key words: Gamma ray, ethyl methanesulphonate, niger, agronomical trait, M1generation, M2 generation.

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from cell suspension culture of niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.)

Somatic embryogenesis was achieved from cell suspension cultures of niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.). Initially, friable embryogenic calluses were induced from cotyledonary leaves of niger on Murashige and Skoog (MS) agar medium containing 5 μM 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.5 μM kinetin (KIN). Cell suspension cultures were established by using embryogenic calluses in MS liquid medium containing 5 μM 2,4-D and 0.5 μM KIN. Initiation of somatic embryogenesis and development up to globular stage from embryogenic cell clumps occurred in the liquid medium itself. Thereafter embryogenic cell aggregates were transferred to MS agar medium supplemented with 3 μM KIN for embryo differentiation, whereas maturation of somatic embryos occurred in MS agar medium containing 10 μM abscisic acid.

Weather relations on floral phenology and autogamy in niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass] under North- western Himalayas

Weather relations on floral phenology and autogamy in niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass] under North- western Himalayas

A comparison of alternative plant mixes for conservation bio-control by native beneficial arthropods in vegetable cropping systems in Queensland Australia

Cucurbit crops host a range of serious sap-sucking insect pests, including silverleaf whitefly (SLW) and aphids, which potentially represent considerable risk to the Australian horticulture industry. These pests are extremely polyphagous with a wide host range. Chemical control is made difficult due to resistance and pollution, and other side-effects are associated with insecticide use. Consequently, there is much interest in maximising the role of biological control in the management of these sap-sucking insect pests. This study aimed to evaluate companion cropping alongside cucurbit crops in a tropical setting as a means to increase the populations of beneficial insects and spiders so as to control the major sap-sucking insect pests. The population of beneficial and harmful insects, with a focus on SLW and aphids, and other invertebrates were sampled weekly on four different crops which could be used for habitat manipulation: Goodbug Mix (GBM; a proprietary seed mixture including self-sowing annual and perennial herbaceous flower species); lablab (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet); lucerne (Medicago sativa L.); and niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.). Lablab hosted the highest numbers of beneficial insects (larvae and adults of lacewing (Mallada signata (Schneider)), ladybird beetles (Coccinella transversalis Fabricius) and spiders) while GBM hosted the highest numbers of European bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus) and spiders. Lucerne and niger showed little promise in hosting beneficial insects, but lucerne hosted significantly more spiders (double the numbers) than niger. Lucerne hosted sig-nificantly more of the harmful insect species of aphids (Aphis gossypii (Glover)) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer)) and heliothis (Heliothis armigera Hübner). Niger hosted significantly more vegetable weevils (Listroderes difficillis (Germar)) than the other three species. Therefore, lablab and GBM appear to be viable options to grow within cucurbits or as field boundary crops to attract and increase beneficial insects and spiders for the control of sap-sucking insect pests. Use of these bio-control strategies affords the opportunity to minimise pesticide usage and the risks associated with pollution.