Developing an Indigenous Biological Control Program for Maruca vitrata (Bean Pod Borer) in Cowpea Production Systems of North Central Nigeria Using Native Parasitoid Augmentation

Maruca vitrata is among the most damaging pests of cowpea flowers and pods in Nigeria, with conventional chemical control being largely inadequate due to the pest's endophytic feeding habits and the rapid flowering of commercial varieties. Augmentative biological control using native larval parasitoids represents an original intervention concept not currently operationalized in Nigerian cowpea farming. This study develops an indigenous biological control program for M. vitrata through systematic parasitoid surveys, mass rearing optimization, and field augmentation trials in North Central Nigeria. Parasitoid surveys will be conducted across 100 cowpea farms in Kwara, Kogi, and Niger states to document native larval parasitoid species, their phenology, and geographic distribution. Promising parasitoid species will be assessed for mass rearing compatibility under insectary conditions, and rearing protocols optimized for cost-effective production. Field augmentation trials will release mass-reared parasitoids at graduated rates on experimental farms and measure M. vitrata larval parasitism, pod damage, and grain yield outcomes. Economic analysis will project the viability of a decentralized parasitoid production model for smallholder deployment. This research makes an original contribution by creating the first evidence base for a M. vitrata biocontrol program in Nigeria, advancing theoretical and applied perspectives on augmentative biocontrol in tropical legume systems. Keywords: Maruca vitrata, biological control, parasitoid augmentation, cowpea, North Central Nigeria