Efficacy of Botanicals against the Cowpea Weevil (Callosobruchus chinensis L. ) and the Rice Weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L .)

Abstract

In a no-choice test the shade dried leaf powder of neem(Azadirachta indica A. Juss), chinabeny (Melia azedarach L.), Malabar nut (Justicia adhatoda L.), Indian privet (Vitex negundo L.), all @ 20 and 50 g/kg; mug-wort(Artemisia vulgaris L.) @ 50 g/kg; and neem seed kernel powder @ 30 g/kg; of lentil grains; significantly(P < 0.05) checked the population build up and damage of grains by the cowpea weevil(Callosobruchus chinensisL.) in closed containers (plastic jars) for 6 weeks. In a choice-test the shade dried leaf powder of neem, chinabeny, Malabar nut, mug-wort, lantana (Lantana camara L.), crown plant [Calotropis gigantia (L.) R. Br.] and Indian privet, all @ 50 g/kg of lentil and wheat grains mixed Separately, and then put into small open baskets and small gunny bags, were unable to control the cowpea weevil and the rice weevil(Sitophi1us oryzae L.).