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<p>One of the most damaging pests of stored cereal grains, especially maize is the maize weevil (<i>Sitophilus zeamais</i> Motschulsky). By reducing grain weight, damaging seeds, and decreasing germination potential, infestations of this insect can result in significant quantitative and qualitative losses that eventually impact food availability and seed viability for subsequent plantings. This study evaluated the efficacy of botanical essential oils namely <i>Azadirachta indica</i> (L) (neem seed oil, NSO), <i>Citrus sinensis</i> (L) (citrus peel oil, CPO), and <i>Brassica carinata</i> (L) (mustard seed oil, MSO) against <i>S. zeamais</i> under laboratory conditions. Adult mortality, toxicity dose-response (LC<sub>50</sub> and LC<sub>90</sub>), grain weight loss, seed germination, and seed damage were assessed under controlled laboratory conditions. A synthetic insecticide control (Malathion 5% dust) and an untreated control were included for comparison. Results showed that MSO caused the highest adult mortality within 1–3 days of application, with complete mortality observed at higher doses, and exhibited the lowest LC<sub>50</sub> and LC<sub>90</sub> values early after treatment (0.82 and 0.88 at 1 DAT, respectively). NSO showed progressive toxicity over time with the lowest LC values by 28 DAT (LC<sub>50</sub> = 0.74; LC<sub>90</sub> = 0.62), while CPO demonstrated weaker and inconsistent toxicity across all time points. MSO-treated grains experienced the least weight loss (0.00% at 0.5 and 0.75&#xa0;ml), the lowest grain damage (0.00% at higher doses), and the highest seed germination rates (up to 96.67%), comparable to Malathion. NSO and CPO provided moderate protection but were slightly phytotoxic at higher doses, leading to reduced germination. Among the botanicals tested, <i>B carinata</i> essential oil showed the most rapid and effective control of <i>S. zeamais</i>, while <i>A. indica</i> provided sustained efficacy over time. Both botanicals significantly preserved seed quality and reduced grain damage, supporting their potential as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides in stored maize protection. However, further testing under varying storage conditions, larger-scale field trials, and long-term assessments of efficacy are recommended to confirm their practical applicability and sustainability.</p>

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Efficacy of botanical essential oils against Sitophilus zeamais: impacts on mortality, grain protection, and seed viability

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月6日

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  • Getnet Atenafu,
  • Ajerie Ambaw

摘要

One of the most damaging pests of stored cereal grains, especially maize is the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky). By reducing grain weight, damaging seeds, and decreasing germination potential, infestations of this insect can result in significant quantitative and qualitative losses that eventually impact food availability and seed viability for subsequent plantings. This study evaluated the efficacy of botanical essential oils namely Azadirachta indica (L) (neem seed oil, NSO), Citrus sinensis (L) (citrus peel oil, CPO), and Brassica carinata (L) (mustard seed oil, MSO) against S. zeamais under laboratory conditions. Adult mortality, toxicity dose-response (LC50 and LC90), grain weight loss, seed germination, and seed damage were assessed under controlled laboratory conditions. A synthetic insecticide control (Malathion 5% dust) and an untreated control were included for comparison. Results showed that MSO caused the highest adult mortality within 1–3 days of application, with complete mortality observed at higher doses, and exhibited the lowest LC50 and LC90 values early after treatment (0.82 and 0.88 at 1 DAT, respectively). NSO showed progressive toxicity over time with the lowest LC values by 28 DAT (LC50 = 0.74; LC90 = 0.62), while CPO demonstrated weaker and inconsistent toxicity across all time points. MSO-treated grains experienced the least weight loss (0.00% at 0.5 and 0.75 ml), the lowest grain damage (0.00% at higher doses), and the highest seed germination rates (up to 96.67%), comparable to Malathion. NSO and CPO provided moderate protection but were slightly phytotoxic at higher doses, leading to reduced germination. Among the botanicals tested, B carinata essential oil showed the most rapid and effective control of S. zeamais, while A. indica provided sustained efficacy over time. Both botanicals significantly preserved seed quality and reduced grain damage, supporting their potential as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides in stored maize protection. However, further testing under varying storage conditions, larger-scale field trials, and long-term assessments of efficacy are recommended to confirm their practical applicability and sustainability.