A study of population abundance, development of the southern cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, (Coleoptera:Bruchidae) in Wasit Province

Abstract

The cowpea beetle is a widespread insect and a major pest of legumes, both in the field and in storage, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, and indeed wherever legumes are grown or stored. The aim of study was estimate of population abundance, development of the southern cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, in Wasit Province. The percentage of infestation varied according to weather conditions. Different types of insect pests were found. It was found that population of insects increase with increasing humidity and decreasing temperatures, while multiple infestations were found, including (Bruchus rufimanus Boh, Liriomyza trifolii.