Entomopoison efficacy of Christmas bush, Alchornea cordifolia (Schum. & Thonn.) root powder against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract

Root powders from Alchornea cordifolia were evaluated for their efficacy as contact insecticides on maize beetle, Sitophilus zeamais in the Integrated Science Education Department laboratory of the University of Education, Winneba, Central Region, Ghana, at a temperature of 30±2C and 75±5% relative humidity. The powders were applied at 0.5g, 1g, and 1.5g to assess contact toxicity, damage assessment, progeny production, repellency and seed germination ability. Results indicated that the plant material was toxic to the insect (P