Bioassay on the effect of plant origin smoke and essential oils against mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) on stored wheat at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Studies on the effect of plant origin smoke (Neem, Lantana camara and Eucalyptus leaves in semi-dried condition) and essential oils on mortality and percent grain damage of adults of Tenebrio molitor under laboratory conditions in the Department of Entomology, SHUATS, Prayagraj, U.P. during 2019. The results showed that more than 50 per cent insect mortality was observed after 120 hrs of exposure to neem leaves smoke and more than 40 per cent mortality was observed after 120 hrs of exposure to Lantana camera and eucalyptus leaves smoke and followed by essential oils and lowest per cent grain damage was observed after the smoke generated of neem leaves with (12.47%) and it was followed by eucalyptus leaves and karanj seed oil with (14.33%) and (15.33%) respectively. Therefore, the present laboratory studies clearly shows that plant origin smoke and essential oils were lethal to storage insect pest were almost as effective when compared with coragen (Insecticide). Hence it may be concluded that the plant origin products are eco-friendly and can easily be incorporated for stored insect pests in wheat.