THE USE OF SEED EXTRACTS OF THE PHYSIC NUT (<i>Jatropha curcas</i> L.) IN THE CONTROL OF MAIZE WEEVIL (<i>Sitophilus zeamaise</i> M.) IN STORED MAIZE GRAINS (<i>Zea mays</i> L.)

Abstract

The experiment on the use of Jatropha curcas (L.) seed extracts to control maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamaise) was conducted in the Research Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Imo State University, Owerri, between November 2000 and February 2001. Two forms of the seed extracts were used; crude powder extract and crude liquid extracts. Results showed that both the crude powder extract and the crude liquid extract killed Sitophilus zeamaise, but the crude liquid extract was more effective and quicker in action. However, it was observed that efficacy of the two extracts increased with increase in the level of quantity or concentration of the crude powder or crude liquid extract, respectively. Seed viability test carried out about three months after treatment of the extracts on maize seeds showed significant germination over the control. KEY WORDS: Jatropha curcas, sitophilus zeamaise, and Zea mays. Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 86-88