ISSN 2167-0447
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 14 (8), pp. 001-006, August, 2024. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Effectiveness of Protective Agents Against Maize Weevils (Sitophilus zeamais) and Larger Grain Borers (Prostphanus truncatus) in Stored Maize
1Loth S. Mulungu, 2mgeta T. Kubala, 1ginethon G. Mhamphi, 3Robert Misangu and 3maulid W. Mwatawala
1Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3110, Morogoro, Tanzania.
2Mombo Irrigation Scheme, P.O. Box 157, Mombo, Korogwe, Tanzania.
3Department of Crop Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3005, Morogoro, Tanzania.
Accepted 20 April, 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of natural available protectants to control S. zeamais and P. truncatus in stored maize grains. Results showed a reduction on live insects during maize storage in all protectants as opposed to no pesticides application. The pyrethrum flower powder and Actellic Super Dust were the most effective in killing both S. zeamais and P. truncatus followed by goat dung ash. Maize grains treated with goat dung ash indicated low weight loss, while maize grains treated with Sodium bicarbonate had high weight loss. It could be concluded that pyrethrum flower and goat dung ash are more effective in controlling S. zeamais and P. truncatus infestation. The efficacy of pyrethrum and goat dung as the powders in protecting stored maize grains against storage pests were validated in the present study. In general, all natural protectants used in this study have shown potentiality in the control P. truncatus and S. zeamais as they are more effective compared to no pesticide application treatment.
Key words: Prostephanus truncatus, protectants, Sitophilus zeamais, seed weight loss, seed damage.