Comparative Evaluation of the Root Powder of Lonchocarpus Cyanescens for the Control of Sitophilus Zeamais (Motschulsky) in Maize and Wheat

Abstract

The root powder of Lonchocarpus cyanescens was evaluated under ambient laboratory conditions for its insecticidal properties against adult Sitophilus zeamais on maize and wheat grains. The root powders of L. cyanescens were applied separately on maize and wheat grains in the concentrations of 0g (Control), 10g, 15g, 20g, 25g, and 30g respectively. Daily mortality count of adult S. zeamais was recorded for 3weeks and numbers of dead S. zeamais obtained from each concentration and the control were compared. The data were statistically analysed and results reported. In both grains, all concentrations of Lonchocarpus cyanescens recorded higher mortality than the control. The root powder application at 30g concentration gave the highest mortality of S. zeamais while lowest mortality of S. zeamais was recorded in maize and wheat grains treated with 10g concentration during the exposure period. Statistically, grains treated with root powders were significantly (P<0.05) different from the control in adult mortality. The root powder of L. cyanescens could be used as protectants in the storage of maize and wheat grains.