Biocidal Effect of Allium sativum (Garlic) and Monodora myristica (African Nutmeg) On Callosobruchus maculatus (Bean Weevil)

Abstract

Pests are estimated to ruin remarkable amount of the world's annual food crop supply before and after harvest, thus necessitating control measures that are proactive, economical, and safe. Consequently, the objective of this paper is to investigate the biocidal effect of Allium Sativum (Garlic) and Monodora Myristica (African Nutmeg) on Callosobruchus Maculatus (Bean Weevil) using appropriate standard techniques. Results obtained show that Pulverised A. sativum alone had the highest repellency after 24 hours exposure to C. maculatus, while grains treated with one part A. sativum, two parts M. myristica had the lowest repellency over the same time frame. Similar pattern was observed in mortality trials as C. maculatus incurred total mortality with A. sativum alone quicker than others. Allium sativum without any combinations with M. myristica was the most effective for use as a repellent and fumigant. Consequently, its use should be encouraged as a pest deterrent, while further studies should be carried out to ascertain its long term effectiveness as a pest control.

Keywords

• Sustainable agriculture; food security; beans; cowpea production; post-harvest losses; bean weevil; biopesticides; garlic