The parasitoids Dinarmus basalis Rond. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) and Eupelmus vuilleti Crwf. (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) develop mainly on relatively old larvae and pupae of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) found in cowpea seeds. Therefore, it is possible to consider biological control against C. maculatus using these natural enemies. The intrinsic rates of increase for C. maculatus and the two parasitoids were determined during the dry season in the sub-humid area of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, from January to July 1995. Functional response was also analysed for D. basalis and E. vuilleti. At the beginning of the dry season, the cowpea weevil and both its natural enemy species had limited intrinsic rates of increase, attributed to the relatively low temperatures and low relative humidity thatprevail during this period. In March, when temperature and relative humidity began to rise, conditions were optimum for their reproduction and development. Dinarmus basalis showed the higher intrinsic rates of increase and parasitism through the study period. Analysis of the functional response revealed that fecundity and potential for parasitism of both parasitoids were density-related and varied with climatic conditions. However, D. basalis showed a more efficient response. This study has shown that the variations of climatic conditions such as temperature and relative humidity during the dry season significantly influence the development and reproduction of C. maculatus and its parasitoids. Dinarmus basalis appeared to be the better biological agent in controlling C. maculatus.

The suitability of some plant products (leaf powders and volatile oils) in protecting cowpea seeds from attack by Callosobruchus maculatus F. during storage was evaluated at a range of 0.5–4 g powder and 0.5–30μ1 for oils. Oils of the plants studied: Lantana camara L., Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf., Eugenia uniflora L. and Lippia adoensis Hoschst. were more potent than their respective powders in reducing or inhibiting oviposition and adult emergence. Effectiveness of the oils as protectants for stored cowpea in decreasing order is: L. adoensis = C. citratus > L. camara and E. uniflora. Only the powdered leaves of E. uniflora and L. adoensis were effective in providing a high level of bruchid control. However, dressing with all the oils and powder of E. uniflora left the seeds fresh at 54 days after treatment. The significance of these findings in protecting cowpea against the storage pest is discussed.