This document summarizes research on using physic nut (Jatropha curcas) oil as a protectant against field insect pests of cowpea. In 2002 field trials, physic nut oil reduced infestation of thrips and bugs on cowpea flowers and increased cowpea seed yields, comparable to effects of the insecticide deltamethrin. Follow-up trials in 2009 confirmed these effects were due to the physic nut oil, not adjuvants. The research suggests physic nut oil has potential as a biopesticide for integrated pest management of cowpea in Sudano-Sahelian cropping systems.
6. An Open Access Journal published by ICRISAT
Woltering L, Pasternak D and Ndjeunga J. 2011. The producers in West Africa. Irrigation and Drainage
African Market Garden: the development of an integrated 60:613â621.
horticultural production system for smallholder
SAT eJournal â ejournal.icrisat.org -6- December 2011 â Volume 9