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Pests and diseases pose a major threat to agricultural crop yields, impacting both field cultivation and

storage. The extensive application of synthetic pesticides has given rise to numerous challenges,
including the development of pest resistance and the pollution of crucial natural elements such as water,
air, and soil. (A.L. Souto, et. Al, 2021)

According to S. M. Zaka, et. Al, 2019, cereals serve as a primary food source in numerous countries and
are cultivated on extensive land areas; however, a substantial portion of the yield is lost to pests. To
mitigate these losses, a considerable amount of pesticides is employed, posing environmental and health
risks. Despite ongoing discussions about discontinuing these chemicals, they continue to be widely
utilized. An alternative approach to control insect pests in storage facilities involves the use of botanicals.
The cowpea weevil, scientifically known as Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius), stands as the
predominant postharvest insect pest affecting cowpeas across tropical regions, leading to approximately
70% infestation within a six-month storage period. Historically, control measures have primarily involved
the application of synthetic chemicals. (Omotoso, S. E., Akinpelu, B. A., & Soyelu, O. J. 2020). However,
the escalating concerns about the safety of chemical pesticides have prompted thorough investigations,
leading to a heightened focus on bio-pesticides for disease management and their application in
agriculture. (U.I. George, E. H. Edim, and E. E. Edet. 2016) Therefore, To enhance the effectiveness of
crop production and address food crises sustainably while prioritizing consumer health, opting for plant-
derived pesticides presents a green alternative to their synthetic counterparts. These alternatives are not
only cost-effective and biodegradable but also environmentally friendly, acting through various specific
mechanisms, thereby minimizing potential hazards to both humans and the ecosystem. (A.L. Souto, et.
Al, 2021)

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