Efficacy of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) leaf powder in protecting stored maize grains against maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.)

Abstract

study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) leaf powders in protecting maize grains against maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch) infestation. Test insects (S. zeasmais) were introduced into maize seeds treated with sesame powder at four different concentrations (2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0g/20g of maize) and a control. The experiment was laid out in a Complet Randomized Design with three replications. The treated seeds were stored in plastic containers for a period of one month. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance, with Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test used to separate significant means. The result obtained revealed significant difference (P≤0.05) in the efficacy of the powders in protecting maize seeds
against the insect pests. The result showed that 8.0g of the powders is more effective in the control of the insects. The effect is concentration dependent, increase with increase in concentration. The powders offered comparable protection with respect to the control to the maize grains against S. zeamais. Therefore, 8.0g of sesame leaf powder is recommended for use against maize weevils’ infestation of stored maize grains.