Influence of Different Plant Powders as Grain Protectants on Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Stored Wheat.

ABSTRACT: Sitophilus oryzae (L.) is the most widespread and destructive insect of stored wheat throughout the world. The main aim of the study was to find ecofriendly alternatives to chemical fumigants and synthetic insecticides for the control of weevils in stored wheat. The leaf powder of Ageratum conyzoides proved to be the best treatment against the weevil that resulted in maximum mean cumulative mortality (96.67%), the lowest monthly population increase (18.33), and the least grain damage (12.61%) and weight loss (1.75%) during 6 months of storage. The next best treatments were the drupe powder of Melia azedarach, followed by Vitex negundo and Ocimum sanctum. A. conyzoides, Melia azedarach, and O. sanctum were found effective even 3 months after preparation. The leaf powder of Murraya koenigii resulted into the lowest mean cumulative adult mortality (14.23%), the highest monthly population increase (132.78), and the highest grain damage (47.50%) and weight loss (11.07%), thus proving to be the least effective.