Effects of biopesticides extracted with a homemade solvent on stored maize protection

Abstract Synthetic chemicals continue to play an important role in reducing storage losses attributable insect pest activities. However, the adverse effects associated with some patented make synthetic pesticides less attractive and have given drive search for alternative methods of control. This study evaluated a traditional gin, akpeteshie crude extracts made four timber species, neem ( Azadirachta indica ), mahogany Khaya senegalensis teak Tectona grandis ) cedrela Cedrela odorata on maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais stored grains laboratory. Home-made test tree plants at concentrations 0.5, 1.0 2% were tested as grain protectants or poisons. All their respective performed well reduction live insects during compared non-extract treatment. The mode action all was generally concentration time-dependent. On average extract most effective followed by mahogany, teak, that order. Neem damage 0.5% respectively. reduced progeny emergence acted both repellent toxicant. better untreated control viability seeds leading germination, subsequent seedling emergence. relatively low weight loss treated these 90-day experimental period maximum is predictive they can be adopted safe against weevils store. unknown phytochemicals hardwood may responsible insecticidal properties weevils. For extracts, germination inconsistent which led suspicion allelopathy.