Influence of different plant powders as grain protectants on Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in stored wheat

Sitophilus oryzae (L.) is the most widespread and destructive insect-pest of stored wheat throughout the world. The main aim of the study was to find ecofriendly alternatives to the chemical fumigants and synthetic insecticides for the control of weevil in stored wheat. The leaf powder of Ageratum conyzoides proved to be the best treatment against the weevil which resulted into maximum mean cumulative mortality (96.67%), the lowest monthly population increase (18.33) and the least grain damage (12.61%) and weight loss (1.75%) during six months of storage. The next best treatments were the drupe powder of Melia azedarach followed by Vitex negundo and Ocimum sanctum . A. conyzoides, M. azedarach and O. sanctum were found effective even after three months of their preparation. The leaf powder of Murraya koenigii resulted into the lowest mean cumulative adult mortality (14.23%), the highest monthly population increase (132.78), highest grain damage (47.50%) and weight loss (11.07%) and thus, proved to be the least effective.

Keywords: Ageratum conyzoides; Sitophilus oryzae; botanicals; damage; plant powders; wheat.