Credits: Biovision-Infonet
(c) Clemson University – USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org
The pod weevil (Piezotrachelus varius or Apion varium). Its a common pest of cowpeas in West Africa. Generally 13-26% of the pods are damaged. Losses of seeds up to 92% have been reported in Nigeria. The shiny black weevils bore holes in fresh green cowpea pods and lay eggs into the pods. The grubs feed on the seeds and pupate within the pods.
What to do:
- Ensure grains are dried to 12% moisture content prior to storage
- Use improved storage structures