Maruca Vitrata Fabricius Research Articles

Assessing Pigeonpea Genotypes for Resistance against Maruca vitrata Fabricius and its Sustainable Management through Biorationals

Background: The spotted pod borer (SPB), Maruca vitrata Fabricius is a key insect pest of major legume crop i.e. pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan in India and semi-arid tropics. Identifying a SPB resistant genotype will help in sustainable management of SPB and in attaining nutritional security. The SPB has developed insecticide resistance to most of the chemical insecticide like Organophosphorous group of insecticides and also it is expanding its geographic limits. These factors are the driving forces for identifying tolerant genotypes for its sustainable management along with a suitable biorational. Methods: Forty seven pigeonpea genotypes were screened during kharif 2015 to 2017 at ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur based on percent pod damage and Pest Resistance Susceptibility Rating (PRSR) under insecticide free condition. The 4 biorationals were tested against SPB in ICPL 87 along with untreated control in Randomised Block Design. Further the SPB molecular identity was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of partial Cox 1 gene amplified from M. vitrata adult. Results: Two indeterminate genotypes (Pusa2001 and Pusa33) as SPB resistant based on lowest mean pest resistance susceptibility rating (PRSR 1.7) The next best genotypes were a determinate (AL-15) and indeterminate genotype (LRG-30) with a PRSR of 2.0. The highest PRSR (6.0) was recorded from the ICPL 87, a susceptible check in the present experiment. Spinosad 45SC has recorded significantly lowest mean pod damage (6.67%) and highest mean yield (4.36kg/35m2) compared to 4 other treatments in the field efficacy trial. The phylogenetic analysis of Cox 1 gene from Kanpur population (KY559101) with 19 other M. vitrata populations in India revealed that it is more similar to Raichur population (KT070892) and it confirms M. vitrata has same ancestral homology in India.

Parasitoid complex of legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on different pulses

The spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius is an important herbivore of major pulses and vegetable legumes in India and the chemical pesticides are major contributors for its management. In order to have an idea on other alternative management tools, the present studies were carried out on the availability of parasitoids and its genetic variation. Totally, four larval parasitoids viz., Bassus sp., Trathala flavoorbitalis Cameron, Phanerotoma hendecasisella Cameron and an undetermined Braconid wasp were recorded on M. vitrata larva. The occurrence of P. hendecasisella was reported for the first time from Tamil Nadu, India. The Bassus sp. was found to be dominant with the parasitism of 3.0 to 12.7% in different pulses and total parasitism of four parasitoids was maximum in pigeonpea (16.1 %). Total parasitism had a positive relationship with number of webbings on cowpea. The larval parasitoids Bassus sp. and braconid wasp (undetermined) yielded specific fragments (~800 bp) with mitochondrial COI primer. Presence of Wolbachia was confirmed in all four larval parasitoids with the amplicons size between 600 and 650 bp. Present study clearly indicated the close proximity of Bassus sp. on M. vitrata than other parasitoids studied. Hence, it gives way for further insights on suitability, mass culturing and development for sustainable management of this insect pest.

Development and validation of integrated pest management modules against spotted pod borer Maruca vitrata Fabricius on garden bean Lablab purpureus var. typicus (L.)

To reduce the detrimental effect of insecticides, an effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module is necessary for the eco-friendly management of Maruca vitrata in garden bean ecosystem. Two field trials were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of different insecticides and botanicals against M. vitrata on Lablab purpureus var. typicus. Two seasons field evaluation of insecticides revealed that chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC was the most effective treatment to control the pest recorded 0.11 and 0.36 larva/plant in two seasons, respectively after two rounds of spray followed by flubendiamide 20 WG (0.46 and 0.92 larva/ plant) and emamectin benzoate 5 SG (0.50 and 0.95 larva/plant). Among botanicals tested, commercial neem formulation and 5% Ageratina adenophora recorded the least larval count of 1.64 & 1.05 larva/plant and 2.24 & 1.45 larva/plant in two seasons, respectively. IPM modules were developed with three effective insecticides (chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, flubendiamide 20 WG and emamectin benzoate 5 SG), two effective botanicals (commercial neem formulation 1500 ppm and 5% A. adenophora) along with the pheromone trap for validation. All the IPM modules were equally effective in managing M. vitrata population on L. purpureus and recorded a significantly (at 5 %) lower larval population than the farmer’s practice. The residues of chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide and emamectin benzoate reached below the detectable level at the time of harvest. The population reduction of predatory coccinellids and spiders was also lower in IPM modules than in farmer’s practice. An increased benefit cost (1.95 to 1.99) ratio was observed in IPM modules.

Assessing lethal doses of the baculovirus MaviMNPV and the effect of its combination with neem oil on the survival of Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larval stages in laboratory

Assessing lethal doses of the baculovirus MaviMNPV and the effect of its combination with neem oil on the survival of Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larval stages in laboratory

Temporal and age-related variations in calling and mating patterns of the Indian population of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Maruca vitrata is an important pantropical and polyphagous insect pest of grain legumes. The adult emergence pattern and temporal variations in the calling and mating behaviour of M. vitrata across ages were studied. Observations revealed that adult emergence was not influenced significantly by sex, but by the time of the day. Calling activity is a strong determinant of male mating success in insects. An age-dependent female calling pattern was observed. Females seldom called on their day of emergence, calling percentage was low to nil in the first four hours of scotophase but reached a peak in the fifth hour. The calling patterns of females of different ages were similar except that there were two peaks of calling for 3 and 4 days old females. Like calling, the mating pattern was also age-dependent, i.e. M. vitrata mating frequency was maximum at 3-days of age and thereafter decreased gradually with age. The highest mating frequency (30.83%) was observed at 2200 h for 3-day-old moths. The current study revealed that age dependant and distinct patterns in female calling, synchronous male responsiveness leading to mating in M. vitrata. The output of the study could be utilized in various aspects of M. vitrata semiochemical based research.

Infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes against the legume pod-borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius, infesting pigeon pea.

The legume pod-borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) (LPB), is an important insect pest of pigeon pea. Chemical pesticides are generally employed to manage this pest, but because of the soil residue issues and other environmental hazards associated with their use, biopesticides are also in demand. Another benign alternative is to use entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) to manage this vital pest. In the present study, the infectivity of ten native EPNs was evaluated against LPB by assessing their penetration and production in the LPB. The effectiveness of the promising EPNs against second-, third- and fourth-instar LPB larvae was also studied. Heterorhabditis sp. (Indian Agricultural Research Institute-Entomopathogenic Nematodes Rashid Pervez (IARI-EPN RP) 06) and Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08) were found to be most pathogenic to LPB, resulting in about 100% mortality within 72 h, followed by Steinernema sp. (IARI-EPN RP 03 and 09). Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 04) was found to be the least pathogenic to LPB larva with 67% mortality. Maximum penetration was exhibited by Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06) followed by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08), whereas the lowest rate of penetration was exhibited by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 01). The highest rate of production was observed with Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08), followed by Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 04 and 10). Among the tested instars of the LPB larvae, second-instar larvae were more susceptible to EPNs, followed by third- and fourth-instar larvae. The results indicate that Heterorhabditis sp. (IARI-EPN RP 06) and Oscheius sp. (IARI-EPN RP 08) have a good potential to the manage LPB.

Eco-friendly management of the pod borers Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) and Lampides boeticus (L.) of yard long bean under field conditions

Investigations on management of pod borers [Maruca vitrata (Fabricius), Lampides boeticus (L.)] of yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) under field conditions revealed that Spinosad 45 SC followed by Bt formulation 2× 108 cfu/ml and Beauveria bassiana @ 107 spores/ml of water were the most effective treatments in preventing pod borer infestation as well as controlling number of pod borer larvae.

Biochemical Factors Associated with Resistance to Spotted Pod Borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) in Green Gram

Background: Legume pod borer or spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata is one of the serious insect pest to the green gram, which causes damage mainly at the reproductive phase of the crop growth. The larvae of spotted pod borer are known to cause damage by webbing the leaves, bud, flower and pods together and feed from inside on them. Due to its webbing nature, it is very difficult to enter inside by natural enemies and chemicals cannot directly reach inside webbing. Host plant resistance to insect pests is an economically and ecologically preferred alternative as compared to other pest management tactics, particularly the synthetic pesticides. The present investigation was undertaken to examine the role of certain bio-chemical constituents of the immature pods of green gram in the expression of damage by the spotted pod borer. Methods: The experiments on screening were conducted during the kharif 2014 and 2015 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, (U.P.) to define the occurrence of M. vitrata on 20 promising varieties/genotypes of green gram. Pods were collected at the immature stage from different varieties/genotypes and biochemical constituents such as total soluble sugar, total chlorophyll, protein were estimated. Result: The maximum protein content was found in genotype IPM 306-6 (36.17 mg/g) and minimum in genotype PM-5 (20.53 mg/g). Highest total sugar content was reported from genotype ML 1256 (16.71 mg/g) and lowest total sugar content was recorded in PM-5 (10.94 mg/g).The phenol content in genotype PM-5 (9.00 mg/g) was significantly higher than others whereas, the minimum phenol content was reported in IPM 306-6 (5.14 mg/g). The higher amount of total chlorophyll content found in genotype IPM 306-6 (3.22 mg/g) and lowest in PM-5 (1.85 mg/g). The significant and positive correlation was observed between M. vitrata larval population, pod damage and protein (r=0.954** and r=0.952**, respectively) and total sugar content (r=0.986** and r=0.986**, respectively) and total chlorophyll content (r=0.994** and r=0.993**, respectively) in immature pods, while, the significant and negative correlation was found between phenol (r= -0.916** and r= -0.919**, respectively).

Seasonal Abundance of Spotted Pod Borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius in Early Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and its Management through Farmscaping in Uttar Pradesh

Field experiments were carried out in pigeonpea during Kharif 2014 to Kharif 2017 for Maruca vitrata Fabricius management through farmscaping approach with 7 different border crops (5 leguminous crops; 2 non-leguminous crops) and a sole crop. The M. vitrata larval webbing per plant was lowest and per cent decrease in webbing/plant over sole crop was highest in sorghum (2.05 and 60.95) as border crop followed by pearl millet (3.29 and 37.39). The highest mean number of Coccinella septumpunctata per plant (0.77), Cheilomenes sexmaculata per plant (0.85/plant) and spiders (0.76/plant) was recorded from sorghum as border crop with pigeonpea. The highest percent increase in above said natural enemies over sole crop was also recorded from sorghum as border crop treatment (755.6, 844.4 and 660). The highest pigeonpea yield (730.72 kg/ha) and per cent yield gain (65.81%) was also recorded with sorghum treatment. Among 5 weather parameters tested, day length (1.53) and relative humidity (-0.12) were found to influence the M. vitrata population significantly and its incidence was recorded from 41st SMW to 47th SMW.

English

The present study assessed the effectiveness of the entomopathogen fungus Beauveria bassiana in comparison with neem oil combined with the baculovirus MaviMNPV and a synthetic insecticide deltamethrin for the control of Maruca vitrata Fabricius under field conditions. The trial was conducted in six villages at Glazoue and Djakotomey, two districts in Benin. Four treatments consisting of (1) untreated control, (2) neem + MaviMNPV, (3) B. bassiana and (4) deltamethrin were arranged in a complete randomized block design with three replicates. Reproductive organs of cowpea plants were sampled for estimating population of M. vitrata. In spite of the importance between-field variations observed, bio-pesticides significantly reduced the population density of M. vitrata as well as its damage level. Similarly, grain yields were improved in sprayed cowpea compared to the untreated control, regardless of the experimental zone. In Glazoue, yields ranged from 724.06 ± 5.04 kg/ha (deltamethrin) to 933.03 ± 8.7 kg/ha (B. bassiana). In Djakotomey, 649.1±4.7, 611.07±5.1, 583.19±4.04 and 217.11±3.9 kg/ha were recorded for deltamethrin, B. bassiana, neem + baculovirus, and untreated control, respectively. The possibilities of the using bio-pesticides as efficient IPM components in cowpea are discussed. Key words: Cowpea pests, bio-pesticides, Beauveria bassiana, neem, baculovirus MaviMNPV, deltamethrin.

Novel Insecticides for the Management of Pod Borer Complex in Pigeonpea Crop

The bioefficacy of novel insecticides against pod borer complex comprising Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in pigeonpea was evaluated in multi location research trials during kharif 2016 to 2018. The data on efficacy of different insecticides against pod borer complex averaged at all the locations revealed that the application of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 150 ml ha-1 followed by flubendiamide 480 SC @ 125 ml ha-1 registered significantly the lowest pest population and cumulative pod damage. These treatments registered significantly highest grain yield along with highest net returns over untreated control, thus, indicating their superiority over rest of the treatments.

Radiation biology of a serious tropical pigeon pea pest, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and potential of radiation mediated ‘inherited (F1) sterility technique’ for the pest suppression

Purpose: The impact of gamma radiation on the reproductive biology of the spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabr.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) was ascertained to explore the potential of the radio-genetic ‘Inherited (F1) Sterility’ technique (modified Sterile Insect technique) to control this serious pigeonpea pest in India.Materials and methods: Radio-biological investigations involved dose–response studies, at a range of 100–250 Gy, with respect to radiation induced adverse effects on reproductive behavior in substerilized parent (P1) moths, inheritance of sterility and associated metamorphic disruption in F1 progeny. The reproductive competence of P1 male moths and their F1 progeny was evaluated by ascertaining the survival, mating success, sperm transfer and amphimixis of gametes from irradiated male parents and their F1 progeny. Daily ovipositional and egg fertility profile were evaluated as crucial parameters for simulation modeling for this radio-genetic technique.Results: Radiation-induced check in insemination rate and sterility in P1 and F1 generation had a positive correlation with gamma dose. The metamorphic adverse effects in F1 progeny of substerilized P1 males were influenced by P1 irradiation. A higher dose of 200 Gy that resulted in 21.1% fertility in parent cross (P1♂x N♀) could form only 14.4% F1 adults that were all malformed. A gamma dose of 150 Gy (administered to P1 males) could be considered as a suitable dose for F1 sterility, that induced 57.4% control of reproduction in parent generation, followed by 72–85% control of reproduction in F1 progeny involved in three crosses -F1♂xN♀, N♂xF1♀, F1♂xF1♀. Daily fertility profile of the eggs laid indicated a marked reduction on 4th day onwards during the ovipositional span in P1 and F1 generation. High degree of mating competitiveness value (CV) was noticed for 150 Gy irradiated male P1 moths (0.78–0.93), and their F1 male progeny (0.70–0.89), released in different sex ratios in the field cages having untreated moths. Reduced relative damage to the pigeon pea plants by the released F1 progeny in the field cages was observed in comparison to control.Conclusion: The present study indicated the potential use of a dose of 150 Gy to apply the ‘F1 sterility’ technique for parabiological suppression of the pigeon pea pod borer. The present findings and reproductive performance of the irradiated moths in F2 generation along with other compatible biorational pest control tactics (that are in progress), might help in formulating an effective integrated pest management module, including the F1 sterility technique as an integral component.

Effects of Maruca vitrata multi-nucleopolyhedrovirus and neem oil, Azadirachta indica Juss on the eggs of the cowpea pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., is the most cultivated and consumed legume in West Africa and is typically attacked by several insect pests, including Maruca vitrata, leading to reduced yields. This study assessed under laboratory conditions the efficacy of neem oil and M. vitrata multi-nucleopolyhedrovirus (MaviMNPV) against M. vitrata eggs as alternatives to second generation pesticides. Hatching and mortality rates after biopesticide application of neem oil, MaviMNPV, and the two in combination reduced the egg viability by 89%, 84% and 91%, respectively. Moreover, the combination of MaviMNPV and neem oil induced 100% mortality among the hatched larvae, compared to 60% and 100% alone, respectively. Implications for using these biopesticides are discussed within an integrated pest management (IPM) context.

Relative abundance, population dynamics and damage potential of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) on early pigeonpea in Punjab

The present study was carried out to study the relative seasonal abundance and damage potential of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fab. in pigeonpea for three consecutive seasons. The highest number of Maruca larval population as well as webbings per plant was recorded during 40th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) during the three seasons, coinciding with the peak flowering stage of pigeonpea. The pod damage due to M. vitrata during different years (2015 to 2017) ranged from 19.50–24.50%, indicating the key pest status of this pod borer species in the region. Non-significant correlation was observed between the weather parameters and larval population of M. vitrata as well as number of webbings per plant. Out of three weather parameters analyzed, maximum temperature was found to exert significant influence on Maruca incidence.

Cultivar and insecticide spraying time effects on cowpea insect pests and grain yield in northern Ghana

Insecticide application is the recommended practice for control of insect pests on cowpea (Vigna unquiculata (L) Walp). However, these have negative effects on humans and the environment, apart from being costly for resource-poor farmers. This study aimed at identifying appropriate combinations of cultivar and insecticide spraying times for the management of economically important insect pests of cowpea in northern Ghana. The study was conducted in two successive rainy seasons at two locations situated in the Sudan and Guinea Savannah zones of northern Ghana. The experimental layout was a complete randomized split plot design with main-plots consisting of different numbers and timing of insecticide application and sub-plots consisting of 6 different cowpea cultivars. Data collected included insect pest abundances, components of yield and yield. Thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom), legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata Fabricius) and a complex of pod-sucking bugs (PSBs) were the dominant insect pests. Their abundance and damage were not significantly different between the untreated control and cowpea sprayed once at 50% flowering stage. In contrast, protecting cowpea with either two (i.e., flower bud initiation and early podding) or three rounds of insecticide sprays (i.e., bud initiation, 50% flowering and 50% podding) significantly lowered insect pest abundance and increased grain yield. Apart from the farmer's cultivar which was susceptible to pest attacks, the improved ones showed variable levels of tolerance to the different pest categories. Combining at least two rounds of insecticide sprays with any improved variety suppressed pest populations and increase cowpea grain yield.

The legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), an important insect pest of cowpea: a review emphasizing West Africa

The legume pod borer Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a pantropical insect pest of legumes. In West Africa M. vitrata is the most devastating insect pest of cowpea, a food crop providing much-needed, inexpensive protein to farmers and consumers. Various approaches to controlling this pest have been tried, including cultural management, host plant resistance and use of synthetic and botanical pesticides, all with limited success. In this review we present information on the distribution, morphology, molecular characteristics, behavior and host plants of M. vitrata. We give especial attention to innovative management tactics being developed for West Africa, including genetically engineered Bt cowpea, new biopesticides and use of exotic parasitoids. We discuss research needs for enhancing integrated pest management (IPM) for M. vitrata in Africa.

Efficacy and economics of certain insecticides and biopesticides against spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) on green gram

Efficacy and economics of certain insecticides and biopesticides against spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) on green gram

The parasitic fly Nemorilla maculosa exploits host‐plant volatiles to locate the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata

AbstractNemorilla maculosa Meigen (Diptera: Tachinidae) is a solitary endoparasitoid of the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a key pest of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Fabaceae) in Africa. A colony of N. maculosa, introduced for experimental purposes from Taiwan to the laboratories of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Benin, was used for our studies. Olfactory reponses of N. maculosa to leaves of infested or uninfested cowpea and yellow peabush, Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Pers. (Fabaceae), and to M. vitrata larvae were evaluated in a four‐arm olfactometer. For all combinations of odor sources, responses between naïve and oviposition‐experienced female flies did not differ. Nemorilla maculosa females were attracted by odors from uninfested leaves of yellow peabush and flowers of cowpea when compared with clean air, and they were attracted to plants damaged by M. vitrata with larvae removed. However, the female fly did not discriminate between odors from infested and uninfested plants. The parasitic fly N. maculosa proved well able to use volatile compounds from various host plants (peabush and cowpea) to locate its host, with a more pronounced attraction by the combination of host larvae and infested host plant parts. These findings are discussed in light of the prospective use of N. maculosa as a biological control agent against the legume pod borer.

Pigeonpea genotypes affect the growth, food utilization and nutritional indices of spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Laboratory evaluation of 11 pigeonpea genotypes for resistance to spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius was conducted from the beginning of third instar to the pre-pupal stage of the insect on flowers of these pigeonpea genotypes. The nutritional indices such as CI (consumption index), AD (approximate digestibility), ECI (efficiency of conversion of ingested food) and ECD (efficiency of conversion of digested food) were worked out. Larval weight gain was significantly the highest on MN 1 (67.16 mg) and the lowest on AL 1747 (20.45 mg). Total weight of food consumed per larva was significantly the highest on MN 1 (119.16 mg) and the lowest on AL 1747 (56.16 mg). The relative growth rate was the lowest on AL 1747 (118.89%) and the highest on MN 1 (373.11%). Third instar larvae reared on MN 1 showed significantly the highest ECD and AD values (71.55 and 79.65%, respectively) compared with other genotypes. Significantly the lowest value of ECD and AD was observed in AL 1747 (54.71 and 66.96%, respectively). The highest (56.77%) and the lowest (36.51%) ECI of third instar larvae were recorded in MN 1 and AL 1747, respectively. Of the 11 genotypes tested, MN 1 was the most nutritive whereas, AL 1747 was the least nutritive than the others for M. vitrata larvae.

Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) [Lepidoptera: Pyralidae] larval population dynamics as affected by intra-row spacing, sowing dates and biopesticides on cowpea

The objective of the research was to test the effect of sowing dates, intra-row spacing and biopesticides on the larval population dynamics of M. vitrata in Samaru, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out with biopesticides (B0; control, B1; Neem seeds kernel extract (NKE), B2; Maruca vitrata Multi-nucleopolyhedrosis virus (MaviMNPV) suspension and B3; Cyper diforce (30 g cypermethrin + 250 g dimethoate). The result at 10 WAS showed that varying sowing dates to SD3 significantly (P=.01) reduced mean population of M. vitrata larva in sampled flowers in all the years and the combine. MaviMNPV was effective in reducing pod borer populations (7.22, 6.11 and 6.67) better than NKE (10.19, 5.74 and 7.96) and Cyper diforce (7.41, 8.89 and 8.15). The control significantly recorded the highest mean (11.67, 12.59 and 12.13) population in all the years and the combined. Similarly, varying sowing dates to SD3 significantly reduced mean population (5.56, 5.00 and 5.28) of M. vitrata in cowpea pods sampled 10 WAS better than SD1 and SD2. Statistically similar effect of biopesticides was observed on mean population of M. vitrata, however, the control recorded the highest mean (22.59 and 13.89) in 2015 cropping season and the combined. High cowpea grain yield was obtained in SD2 (337.85, 689.10 and 800.66 kg ha-1) even though statistically similar with SD3 (244.89, 618.10 and 639.68 kg ha-1). Cyper diforce treated plots gave the highest yield of 394.56, 887.69 and 976.51 kg ha-1 during 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons and combine but was statistically at far (P=.01) with NKE and MaviMNPV. The interaction of SD2 and Cyper diforce gave the highest grain yield. The effect of sowing at SD2 and insecticide spray will give a better control of M. vitrata for an increased yield of cowpea in the study area.