Bioactivity of selected plant powders against Prostephanus truncatus (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) in stored maize grains

Abstract

Crude powders of Azadirachta indica, Lantana camara, and Tephrosia vogelii, each at six concentrations (0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, and 10% w/w), and Actellic SuperTM 2% dust were evaluated for repellence anti-feeding and toxicity to adult Prostephanus truncatus. Treatments were laid out in a completely randomised design with four replicates. Results showed that powders were strongly repellent (PR values 73.0-90.0%) and caused 46.2-52.2 and 69.7-85.6% reductions in grain damage and F1 progeny, respectively. Results showed that powders were weakly toxic to P. truncatus causing 40% kill 21 days after treatment compared to 100% kill by Actellic SuperTM2% dust 5 DAT. The findings are discussed in the context of their relevance for integrated pest management options in smallholder agriculture.

Keywords

• azadirachta indica
• lantana camara
• tephrosia vogelii
• botanicals