Assessment of Citrus reticulata Powder Extract on the Control of Sitophilus oryzae in Stored Maize Grains
Poonam Sharma
Department of Zoology, R. B. S. College, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, 282002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Shyam Gupta *
Department of Zoology, R. B. S. College, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra, 282002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil) is a severe insect pest that causes substantial post- harvest loss both qualitatively and quantitatively in stored grains. The use of plant- based insecticides offers a safer alternative for managing stored insect pests than chemical insecticides, which pose a serious health risk to both humans and the environment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Citrus reticulata peel powder extract on mortality and weight loss in maize grains infested with the Sitophilus oryzae. Shade-dried orange peels were utilized for powder synthesis. Adult rice weevils were exposed to 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5% (w/w) powder extract, treated 30 gm maize grains and untreated maize grains were also used as the control for a period of 21 days.
Keywords: Sitophilus oryzae, Citrus reticulata, post-harvest losses, insect pests, powder extract