Bio-insecticidal potentials of testa powder of melon, Citrullus vulgaris Schrad for reducing infestation of maize grains by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motsch

Abstract

The bio-insecticidal potentials of testa powder of melon, Citrullus vulgaris for reducing infestation of maize grains by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais was investigated. Maize mixed with testa powder of melon, Citrullus vulgaris at the dosage rates of 0.5g, 1.0g, 1.5g, 2.0g, 2.5g and 3.0g per 50g of maize was infested with five males and five females of S. zeamais for twenty-eight days. Melon testa powder significantly reduced the oviposition and natality of S. zeamais (P < 0.05), but did not significantly increase the mortality (P > 0.05). Testa powder of melon seed could therefore be used as a grain protectant in storage pest management systems.

Keywords: Bio-insecticidal potentials, Citrullus vulgaris, Sitophilus zeamais, maize grains