INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF Secamone afzelii (SCHULT) K. SCHUM POWDER IN THE CONTROL OF Stiphilous zeamais (MOTS) (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)

Abstract

Maize seeds are highly susceptible to beetles attack and every year this insect causes great loss in storage. This study investigated the efficacy of the insecticidal properties of Secamone afzelii plants powder against Sitophilus zeamais. Four application rates i.e. 0.5g/20g, 1.0g/20g, 1.5g/20g and 2.0g/20g of maize seeds were tested under ambient laboratory conditions. Mortality of adult insects at 48 hours and 15 days post treatment, adult emergence, adult exit holes and percentage weight loss in each treatment were compared with those of control. Amongst the various treatments tested application rate of 2.0g/20g seeds was observed to significantly (P< 0.05) suppress adult emergence and adult exit holes and percentage weight loss were significantly reduced at all levels of application.