In vivo evaluation of two essential oil based botanical formulations (EOBBFs) for the use against stored product pathogens and pests, Aspergillus species and Callosobruchus species (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Abstract Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy of two essential oil based botanical formulations (EOBBFs) made from 1, 5 and 10% concentrations of Chenopodium ambrosioides and Clausena pentaphylla essential oils for the storage of pigeon pea seeds. C. ambrosioides and C. pentaphylla oils were formulated as bioproduct A and B respectively. During in vivo evaluation of both bioproducts against the fungi ( Aspergillus flavus , A. niger , A. ochraceus and A. terreus ) of pigeon pea seeds for six months; bioproduct A was more potent than bioproduct B, with 85.2–96.4% percent protection of seeds from fungal contamination. When Callosobruchus chinensis and C. maculatus adults were exposed to bioproducts A and B for 72 h (28 ± 2 °C and 75 ± 5% r.h.), significant mortality ( P C. chinensis and C. maculatus in treated pigeon pea seeds. Furthermore, in vivo fumigant efficacy tests against these insects on pigeon pea seeds revealed that both bioproducts significantly protected 1 kg of seeds for up to six months. Both EOBBF enhanced feeding deterrency and so reduced the seed damage as well as weight loss in fumigated seed samples. Both EOBBFs were non-phytotoxic regarding the germination of pigeon pea seeds. Sensory evaluation revealed that appearance, tenderness, flavour, taste, colour and overall acceptability were significantly higher in fumigated seeds than non-fumigated ones after 6 months of storage. It was concluded that after multilocation field trials, the bioproducts may be formulated and commercialized as substitutes for synthetic fumigants for safe storage of pigeon pea seeds and other food commodities.