Bioefficacy of neem, mahogoni and their mixture to protect seed damage and seed weight loss by rice weevil in storage

Abstract

The research work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of some locally available botanicals namely Neem (Azadirachta indica), Mahogoni (Swietenia mahagoni) and their mixture at 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% concentrations on rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. to protect seed from damage and weight loss caused by the insects. The experiments were laid out in factorial CRD with 12 treatments in Entomology Laboratory, Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University. The three botanicals were very effectual to reduce seed damage and weight loss in storage condition, caused by insects. In case of seed damage and seed weight loss Neem and mixture showed more or less similar effect to protect seed damage and weight loss of grains by the weevil followed by Mahogoni. The seed damage and seed weight loss were inversely proportionally to the level of concentration of botanicals. In all cases 3% concentration of botanicals showed highest protective efficiency followed by 2% and the lowest was found in control (0%) preceded by 1% concentration. All the botanicals especially Neem and mixture were found very promising in protecting of unhusked stored rice both in household and commercial purposes in eco-friendly way.