Abstract:
The production and storage of maize are threatened by a wide range of post-harvest insect pests
like Sitophilus zeamais and Angoumois grain moth. This study was conducted with the objective
of evaluating the efficacy of some botanicals to maize weevil. Both assessment and laboratory
experiment was conducted in Gabilay District Somaliland during 2021 main cropping season.
During survey a total of 60 maize fields were assessed in three villages of Gabilay District
namely; Galloley, Ijaara a n d Biyoqallocan. Six botanicals, namely neem seeds and leaves,
garlic Lantana, ginger and peppercorn tree leaves at 10g of each were evaluated. Malathion
dust 5% and control were included for comparison. The experiment was designed in a
completely randomized design with three replications. Powders were mixed thoroughly with
200 gram grains in plastic jars and thirty adult weevils were released. Experiment was analysed
by using SAS version 10, while assessment SPPS version 20. According to the survey result, all
storage structures were infested by two storage insect pests. Galloley storage structures was
(100%) infested by Sitophilus zeamais while Biyoqallocan (90%) was infested by Sitophilus
zeamais and (10%) was infested by Angoumois grain moth, in addition to that 86% of storage
structures in Ijaara was infested by Sitophilus zeamais while (14%) was infested by Angoumois
grain moth. All botanical powder significantly (P <0.05) superior in weevil mortality, F1
progeny reduction, and low seed damage and weight loss over the control. Neem seed and
Garlic showed (100%) adult mortality, while the lowest adult mortality was recorded Ginger
(49.33%) and Pepper tree (39.98%). The lowest F1 progeny was recorded standard check and
Neem seeds (0%) followed by Garlic (5%). Among the botanicals the lowest seed damage was
recorder Neem seeds (0%) and Garlic (4%). The botanicals did not affect the germination
capacity of maize seed. As conclusion, neem seed and garlic leaves found to be the most
effective treatment against maize weevil and can be recommended to reach smallholder farmers
via extension agents.
Key words: Botanical, Maize, Malathion, Sitophilus zeamais