COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF LEAF POWDER OF ERYTHRINA SENEGALENSIS DC ON SITOPHILUS ZEAMAIS MOTSCHULSKY AND PERCENTAGE GERMINATION OF TREATED MAIZE GRAINS

Abstract

The comparative study of effects of different concentrations (g) of leaf powder of Erythrina senegalensis on maize weevil (Sitophylus zeamais Motschulsky) and percentage germination of treated grains at 336 hours (14 days) was carried out. Mortality and % mortality of weevils increased with time of exposure, up to 336 hours after treatment (HAT). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) on these parameters indicated significant difference (P0.05) in % germination at 72 and 120 hours after planting (HAP), and significant difference (P<0.05) at 96 HAP, indicating the effectiveness of the leaf powder of Erythrina senegalenses as a good potential seed-dressing option, thus ensuring a sustainable preservation of planting stock with an eco-friendly strategy.

Keywords

• erythrina senegalensis
• maize weevils
• mortality
• grain perforation
• germination