Evaluation of different plant powders as seed protectants against rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica Stainton

Abstract

The present study was aimed to develop the eco-friendly and economic approaches to keep the stored food grains free from insect attack would be using the plant products as grain protectants. In the context of biological control as an alternative to chemical control, under laboratory conditions, different plant powders viz., dharakkernel and leaf (Melia azadirach L.), neem kernel and leaf (Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss), karanj kernel (Pongamia glabra), aak leaf (Calotropis procera Br.), datura leaf (Datura alba Nees.), citrus leaf (Citrus lemon L.), podina leaf (Mentha arvensis) and tulsi leaf (Ocimum sanctum L.) were compared, at three rate of application (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 g per 100 g seeds), as protectants against infestation of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) seeds by the storage pest Corcyra cephalonica Stainton. The larval period of test insect got progressively increased with the increase in dose level of different plant powders. The maximum (77.83%) and minimum (37.83%) reduction in adult emergence was observed in dharak kernel powder and tulsi leaf powder, respectively. The test insect developed on seeds treated with dharak kernel powder laid significantly (P? 0.5) minimum number of eggs (80.33 eggs/ female) followed by neem kernel powder (85.66 eggs/female). The dharak and neem kernel powders were found most effective in reducing the longevity of male (3.96 and 5.13 days) and female adults (4.63 and 4.97 days), respectively. The results suggest that these materials tested have the potential in the development of post-harvest protection technology against, C. cephalonica, the major pest of stored grains.