Effect of Some Plants Powders in the Control of Sitophilus zeamais Motsch (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Infestation on Maize Grains

Studies were carried out to determine the efficacy of three plant materials (Nicotiana tabacum, Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale) against Sitophilus zeamais, an insect infesting Maize (Zea mays) (L). Powders of Nicotiana tabacum, Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale from 0.5g-2.0g/50g of grains, were tested and compared to the synthetic conventional insecticide, Coopex (0.25g) against S. zeamais (Motsch.) under laboratory conditions (28-32°C and 65-70% r.h.). In all trials, percentage mortality among adult of S. zeamais reared on maize treated with the powders of N. tabacum was observed to be high (100%). The last two plant materials Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale recoded 85-95 % mortality within same period These percentage mortality among adults were significantly (p<0.05) different from the untreated (control). Thus, all the plant materials were found to significantly affect the survival of the S. zeamais at different concentration rates. Effect of plant powder on the emergence of adult S. zeamais was significantly (p<0.05) different and reduced the F progeny emergence. The objective of this research is to taste the efficacy of this plant powders 1 in an area which has not been fully exploited.