author(s)
Amal Kamal Sulaiman and Hiro Mohamed Obaid

abstract
This study included the uses of certain inert powders on the South cowpea beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus). The adult and third larval stages were exposed to six inert components, comprised of three manufactured types (Etapolget, silica gel and caulenet) and three natural types (Diatomic soil, ninivite rock and gypsum (CaSo₄.2H₂O)). The inert powders were sprinkled on filter paper at concentrations of 2, 4, 6 g/m² and put in Petri dishes, the adult and larval stages were exposed to the inert dusts for three days. The results showed that the adult insects were more affected than the larval stage. The highest mortality rate of the adult was 99.99% for etapolget and silica gel at concentration of 6 g /m², followed by ninivite powder with mortality rate of 95.4%. The effect of the other used inert powders were ranged from moderate to weak. The highest mortality rate of the third larval stages were also for etapolget followed by silica gel with a mortality rate of 47.5% at a concentration of 6 g/m². Very few effects have been observed with the other powders. The conclusion is that the etapolget and silica gel are virtuous for protection of stored cowpea, therefor we recommend using it as an alternative to insecticides.