The ability of several plant species and inert dusts to suppress adults of rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculiontdae)

Abstract

This research aimed to compare the efficacy of different inert dusts, like zeolite and diatomaceous earth (DE), in controlling Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculiontdae) at 30+1oC and 65+5% relative humidity, in comparison to some plant dusts such as radish seed dust (Raphanus sativus), galangal rhizome dust (Alpina officinarum), and black pepper seed dust (Piper nigrum L.). The results indicated that the mortality of adults was influenced by the duration of exposure and the concentration of the dust. Higher concentrations and longer exposure times resulted in increased adult mortality. Based on the findings, DE was the most effective dust in controlling S. oryzae adults, followed by zeolite, radish seed dust, galangal dust, and the least effective was black pepper seed dust.