Influence of insecticide spray regime and weed management methods on growth and yield of cowpea

ABSTRACT Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) production in Nigeria is limited mainly due to weed and insect infestations. The effects of insecticide spray regime and weed control on the productivity of cowpea were evaluated in the early and late seasons of 2020. Two insecticide sprays produced increased growth and yield in the late cropping season. However, in the early cropping season, optimum growth and yield of cowpea were obtained with four insecticide sprays. Regardless of the cropping season, preemergence (PRE) application of metolachlor or propaben plus manual weeding (MW) provided 71–80% reduction in weed density and biomass and resulted in cowpea growth and yields similar to the weed-free control. In the late season, two MWs resulted in cowpea growth and yield similar to the weed-free control. However, in the early season treatment, two MWs resulted in 51% lower yield than the weed-free control. The results showed that four insecticide sprays in the early cropping season or two insecticidal sprays in the late cropping season integrated with metolachlor or propaben application plus MW improved the productivity of cowpea.