An experiment to examine the effects of different plant spacings on cowpea insect numbers and yields was undertaken at two sites in Nigeria. Two varieties, viz. Tvx 3236 and IT84E-1-108 were planted under field conditions at three different plant spacings. Plant spacing did not affect the number of Ootheca beetles, pod-borers, flower thrips and pod sucking bugs. Yield differences were not significant for the spacing regimes and there were no interactions between spacings and insect numbers for yields. Thus, plant spacing may not be an important control tactic in the management of the key cowpea insect pests in Nigeria.
