Abstract
The insecticidal effects of stem bark powder of Azadirachta indica and leaf powder of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on weevils of stored maize grains was carried out. Four levels: 5.0g, 10.0g, 15.0g and 20.0g of each of the vegetative parts (as treatments) and 0.0g as control were replicated four (4) times, making 36 plots (bottles). These were represented as 36 bottles (kilner jars) each containing 100g of maize, arranged in two separate sets of 16 bottles for each of the vegetative parts. The remaining 4 served as the control, at 0.0g levels. Stem bark powder of Azadirachta indica 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0g were introduced into the first set. While the leaf powder of Eucalyptus at 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0g were introduced into the second set, followed by vigorous shaking. 30 young adult maize weevils were carefully introduced into each of the bottles and covered with a perforated lid lined with muslin mesh (1.0mm). The bottles and its contents were arranged in a Completely Randomize Design (CRD) for 336 hours (14 days) and 432 hours (18 days) for Eucalyptus and Neem respectively. 10 healthy grains per replicate were sown into polythene pots containing uniform potting mixture of top soil, river sand and cow dung in a ratio of 1:1:1 at the end of the trail. Parameters assessed include mortality, % mortality weight loss, perforation and perforation index (for the insecticidal experiment) and % germination, for the post trail experiments. Result obtained showed a progressive increase in mortality and % mortality, with analysis of variance (ANOVA) not significantly different (P>0.05) at 48 hours after treatment (HAT), but significant (P<0.05) between 96 and 432 HAT. Weight loss, perforation and perforation index were inversely related to the concentrations of the two powder sources, in which cases, the ANOVA of these parameters showed significant different (P<0.05). The % germination obtained did not show much variation despite the significant difference indicated by the ANOVA, thus revealing the preservation potentials of the plant powders.
Highlights
Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of [15-20] meters (49-66ft), and rarely 3540meters (115-131ft) it is evergreen, but in severe drought it may shed most or most of its leaves. the branches are wide and spreading, the fairly dense crown is roundish and may reach a diameter of [20-25] meters (66-82ft). the Neem tree is very similar in appearance to its relative, the chinaberry (Melia azedarach)
According to Radha, (2014) the attack of maize weevils may start in the mature crop when the moisture content (MC) of the grain had fallen to 18-20%
The objective of this work is to examine the insecticidal effects of stem bark powder of Azadirachta indica and leaf powder of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on weevils of stored maize grains
Summary
Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of [15-20] meters (49-66ft), and rarely 3540meters (115-131ft) it is evergreen, but in severe drought it may shed most or most of its leaves. the branches are wide and spreading, the fairly dense crown is roundish and may reach a diameter of [20-25] meters (66-82ft). the Neem tree is very similar in appearance to its relative, the chinaberry (Melia azedarach). An individual flower is 5-6milimeters (0.20-0.24 in) long and [8,9,10,11] millimeters (0.31-0.43in) wide. Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) is a tree of the genus Eucalyptus. It is familiar and usually seen along water courses right across inland Australia. Maize (Zea mays) is one of the major cereal crop produced worldwide. It is a staple food in many countries throughout Africa, Latin America and Asia. Despite the importance and uses of maize in Nigeria, it is attacked by various field and storage pest. Maize weevil (Sitophiluszeamays) is a major pest that attack stored maize grains in tropics and temperate regions of the world (Sagheeret al., 2013; Adedire 2001). The objective of this work is to examine the insecticidal effects of stem bark powder of Azadirachta indica and leaf powder of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on weevils of stored maize grains
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