Management of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (M.) using indigenous plant extracts at medium altitude hills of Meghalaya

Abstract

Different indigenous plant products in the form of plant powders (dust) were evaluated at different doses for management of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (M.) under laboratory conditions at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya. The plants included Persian lilac (Melia azaderach), lantana (Lantana camera), nishinda (Vitex negundo), Datura species, papaya (Carica papaya), Eupatorium odoratum, tulsi (Ocimum spp.) and goat weed (Ageratum conyzoides). Amongst different plant powders, lantana powder proved to be most effective followed by melia leaf powder @ 5g/100g grain. Highest adult cumulative mortality (100 %) was observed in grains treated with lantana powder and the least mortality was obtained in tulsi treated grains. The lowest grain damage was recorded in maize grains treated with lantana leaf powder treatment and was at statistically at par with melia treated grains (P < 0.05). The highest weight loss was recorded in tulsi leaf powder (6.19 %) which was statistically at par with Eupatorium treated grains (5.70 %). All the plant powders were found superior over control treatment.