Evaluation of the potential of some local spices as stored grain protectants against the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais Mots (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Udo, I.O.
Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management 9(1): 165-168
2005
Document Number: 260072
Five local spices (Piper guineense, Allium sativum, Afromomum melequata, Xylopia aethiopica and Tetrapleura tetraptera) were evaluated in the laboratory for their ability to protect stored maize against infestation by S. zeamais. Ground products of the spices were applied as direct admixtures at concentration levels of 1 and 5% to assess for mortality, progeny emergence, damage and repellency. At 1 and 5% concentrations, P. guineense caused significant mortality of weevils. A. melequata and P. guineense were strongly repellent to the weevils while the other 3 spices showed moderate repellent activity. There was a significant reduction in damage caused by the weevils with less damage recorded on grains treated with P. guineense, A. sativum and T. tetrapleura. Progeny production was also significantly influenced by P. guineense than the other 4 spices and the control. The possible protectant potentials of the 5 spices are also discussed.