International Journal of Medicinal Plants Research ISSN 2169-303X Vol. 2 (2), pp. 032-036, April, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Evaluation of some medicinal plant extracts used in the control of Sitophilus zeamais
S. T. Arannilewa1*, T. Ekrakene2 and J. O. Akinneye1
1Food Storage Technology Programme, Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Nigeria.
2Basic Science Department, Benson Idahosa University, P.M.B 1100, Benin City, Nigeria.
*Corresponding authors E-mail: [email protected].
Accepted 02 April, 2014
Abstract
The petroleum ether extract of four medicinal plants; Aristolochia ringens (Vahl), Allium sativum (L), Ficus exasperata (L) and Garcinia kola (H), were evaluated as grain protectant against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Mots) in the laboratory at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% (w/v) concentrations. Parameters assessed were adult mortality, rate of adult emergence, grain damage effect and weevil peforation index (WPI). There was increase in adult mortality with days of exposure in all concentrations. Ar. ringens followed by Al. sativum were most potent both in adult mortality and adult emergence. This study reveals Ar. ringens to be a potent bioinsecticide for protecting maize grains from S. zeamais infestation and damage. The details of the bioassay procedure used and the results obtained are reported.
Key words: Medicinal plants, bioinsecticide, Aristolochia ringens, Sitophilus zeamais, weevil perforation index.