Efficacy of botanicals and animal origin bio products against lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.) in stored maize

Abstract

A laboratory experiment was conducted to know the efficacy of plant products and animal origin bioproducts for the management of lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica in stored maize seeds during 2017-18. Results revealed significant differences for seed damage, weight loss, moisture reduction, germination percentage and adult mortality. Acorus calamus rhizomes @ 2 percent (91.11% and 76.67%) found to be significantly superior among botanicals with highest adult mortality and germination percent up to 180 days after treatment followed by Annona squamosa seed powder @ 2 percent (86.67% and 74.33%), and cow dung ash powder @ 2 percent (85.00% and 72.00%) as compared to control check (3.33% and 45.67%) respectively. However minimum seed damage, minimum weight loss and least moisture reduction was recorded by A. calamus rhizomes @ 2 percent (6.17%, 0.88% and 11.07%) found to be significantly superior among botanicals up to 180 days after treatment followed by A. squamosa seed powder @ 2 percent (10.67%, 0.95% and 11.19%), and cow dung ash powder @ 2 percent (14.67%, 2.30% and 11.26%) as compared to control check (66.58%, 74.39% and 12.05%) respectively.