Effect of Lantana camara l. Essential oil: a natural solution for managing stored grain insects

Abstract

Grain production increases annually, yet stored grain pests pose a persistent challenge to agriculture. While pesticides have traditionally been the primary solution, their improper and widespread use has led to the development of resistance in some pests, rendering them ineffective. Consequently, essential oils have emerged as a promising alternative to address this issue. In this research, the insecticidal and repellent properties of essential oil extracted from L. camara were assessed against significant stored grain pests viz., Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil), (rice weevil), Rhyzopertha dominica (dhal beetle), and Carpophilus dimidiatus (peanut beetle), aiming to determine its potential as a viable method for safeguarding stored grains against the most prevalent pests. The results were promising, however, the underlying mechanism of action have not yet been fully understood. Allocating resources towards researching alternative methods of pest control can significantly enhance sustainable agricultural practices.