The approximate composition of cowpea (Vignaunguiculata (L.) Walp) grains preserved with solutions of Moringa (Moringaoleifera) seed oils and neem (Azadirachtaindica A.Juss)

Abstract

The availability, cost, safety, efficacy, and quality of bioinsecticides are the main reasons small-scale farmers utilize them to manage storage insect pests. The proximate composition of the treated grains is unknown, despite the fact that neem-moringa seed oil mixes have satisfactorily preserved cowpea grains for up to 270 days. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the approximate composition of cowpea grains that had been stored for 270 days after being treated with neem-moringa oil mixes. Cowpea was treated with theoil mixes in ratios of 1: 3 and 1: 2 neem:moringa at concentrations of 2.5 μl/g and 5.0 μl/g of cowpea grains. in the conclusion of each 90-day period, proximate composition data was gathered and statistically analyzed. The findings demonstrated that, in contrast to previous treatments, treating cowpea grains with a ratio of 1:3/2.5 and 5.0 μl/g mixture of neem-moringa seed oils had no discernible (P<0.05) impact on the proximate composition of cowpea even after 270 days of storage. According to the study's findings, a neem-moringa seed oil mixture at a ratio of 1:3/5.0μl/gg performed best in terms of its impacts on the proximate composition of the kept cowpea grains. As a result, it is advised to preserve cowpea grains for the greatest possible nutritional benefits.