PERFORMANCES OF MINT LEAVES (MENTHA SPP) AND ONION (ALLIUM CEPA) EXTRACTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF COWPEA WEEVIL (CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS), (FABRICIUS, BIRCHIDEA).

The study examined the Performance of mint leaves (mentha spp) and onion (allium cepa) extracts in the management of cowpea weevil (callosobruchus maculatus), (fabricius, birchidea). The aim of this study is to evaluate the performances of mint leaf (Mentha spp.) and onion (Allium cepa) extracts in the management of cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus), while the specific objectives are to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of mint leaf extract against (Callosobruchus maculatus) on stored cowpea grains, to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of onion extract against (Callosobruchus maculatus) on stored cowpea grains, to assess the combined effect of mint leaf and onion extracts on (Callosobruchus maculatus) on stored cowpea grains and to assess the impact of mint leaf and onion extracts on the quality of stored cowpea grains. This study assess the effectiveness of mint leaf (Mentha spp.) and onion (Allium cepa) extracts in controlling cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) and their effects on grain quality. Mint leaves and onions from Bayero University’s Botanical Garden were processed into ethanol–water extracts using standard methods. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications was used. Treatments included a control, mint extract, onion extract, and combined extracts at 2, 4, and 6 ml levels. Each treatment was applied to 100 g of cowpea grains, and 50 adult weevils were introduced for oviposition under laboratory conditions.Insect mortality, oviposition, larval emergence, and grain quality were monitored. Mortality was recorded at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA (GLM, SAS 2003), with means separated by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% significance. The study found that mint and onion extracts—especially when combined at higher concentrations—effectively controlled Callosobruchus maculatus by increasing adult mortality, reducing emergence, and minimizing grain damage, leading to the conclusion that these botanicals are viable eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides, and therefore it is recommended that farmers adopt them (preferably in combined, higher-dose applications) and that extension services promote their proper use for improved cowpea storage protection.