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A Report On Vigna Unguiculata

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Introduction Vigna unguiculata is a common subtropic secondary crop utilized for sustenance amongst populations. Also referred to as the cowpea, this commodity holds great value in tropical Third World nations such as Nigeria since it serves as an inexpensive resource which provides protein and energy (Dauost, 1986). Therefore, it is essential that this crop remains prevalent in today’s agricultural world. Unfortunately, Vigna unguiculata faces a large amount of predation from multiple species, one of which is the bean beetle Callosobruchus maculatus. This pest, along with others, leads to crop failure and a complete loss in the resource for potentially an entire agricultural season. Callosobruchus maculatus, a plant-feeding insect, compromises the integrity of Vigna unguiculata populations by using either this plant or other dry-bean species as a location to reproduce and lay eggs (Tuda, 2006). Numerous methods to combat this agricultural problem have been tested and observed. One study suggested artificially selecting certain Vigna unguiculata with key enzymes to hinder the growth of Callosobruchus maculatus eggs within the beans (Filho, 1991). However, a definite correlation has not been discovered and more studies are required. Other investigations utilized the implementation of various oils, which functioned as a natural pesticide against Callosobruchus maculatus. Research conducted by R. Rajapakse, professor of veterinary parasitology at the University of

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