Comparative Evaluation of Selected Botanical Powders for the Control of Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) Under Laboratory Conditions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v14i5.1272-1279.8550Keywords:
Botanicals, Pest Management, Storage, Weevil, nepalAbstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major staple crop in Nepal; yet, its storage is highly vulnerable to the maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais), which cause significant post-harvest losses through grain damage and weight loss. Farmers frequently employ synthetic pesticides to control storage pests, but they are associated with health risks, environmental concerns, and higher costs. The study was conducted in a laboratory setting at Gokuleshwor Agriculture and Animal Science College, Baitadi, to assess the performance of readily available botanicals as eco-friendly alternatives against maize weevils. Six botanicals (Piper nigrum, Eucalyptus globulus, Melia azedarach, Artemisia vulgaris, Cinnamomum camphora, and Acorus calamus) were examined at three different concentrations (1%, 2%, and 4%) using a two-factorial CRD (Completely Randomized Design) with three replications. Observations were recorded on adult mortality, weight loss % and grain damage %, where weight loss % and grain damage % were observed on 10 and 50 days after treatment (DAT) and adult mortality was measured on 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days after treatment (DAT). Results revealed that A. calamus and P. nigrum were highly effective, causing nearly complete mortality (100% and 96.67%, respectively), with the lowest grain damage and weight loss. In contrast, E. globulus, M. azedarach, and A. vulgaris were less effective. Additionally, the study indicated that higher concentrations, especially 4%, produced superior results than lower concentrations. These findings imply that A. calamus and P. nigrum possess strong potential as sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic chemicals for maize storage pest management. However, as the experiment was performed under controlled laboratory conditions, further research is required under farmer-level storage systems to validate and promote large-scale application.
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