Evaluation of selected botanicals for the management of maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) on maize (Zea mays L.) grain under laboratory condition in Gabilay District, Somaliland

Abstract

One of the most reliable crops in the research region is maize. However, a variety of post-harvest insect pests like Sitophilus zeamais and Angoumois grain moths pose a hazard to the cultivation and storage of maize. Hence, a laboratory experiment was conducted in Gabilay District Somaliland in 2021 to assess selected botanicals effectiveness against maize weevil. The treatments of consisted of six botanicals namely neem seed, neem leaves, garlic, lantana, ginger, and pepper tree leaves at 50 g/kg of each were evaluated. Malathion 5% dust at 0.05 g/kg as standard check and the control/untreated check/were included for comparison. The Experiment was designed in a Completely Randomized Design and replicated three times, All the botanical powders were more effective than the control by causing high insect mortality, by lowering grain damage, weight loss, and emergence of F1 progeny. Neem seed and Garlic showed 100% adult mortality, which had a similar effect to Malathion 5% dust. Neem seeds produced the lowest F1 offspring, followed by garlic. Neem seeds and garlic had the least amount of seed damage among the botanicals (0%) and (4%), respectively. The control/untreated check/resulted in the most seed damage (45%). Similarly, the highest weight loss among the botanicals was recorded on the control check, Ginger and Pepper tree 11%, 5%, and 4% respectively. The ability of seeds to germinate was unaffected by the botanicals. A conclusion, neem seed and garlic leaves are the most effective treatment against maize weevil.