Pesticidal effects of scent leaf (<i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> L.) on maize weevil: potency of scent leaf on <i>Sitophilus zeamais</i>

Abstract

Maize weevil is a major pest of stored maize grains in many regions of the world including Nigeria. A laboratory investigation was conducted to assess the potency of Ocimum gratissimum leaves for Sitophilus zeamais control. O. gratissimum powder was used for ethanolic extract preparation by soaking 300g of dry powdered plant material in 1.5 litres of ethanol for 24 hours at room temperature with continuous stirring for 10 minutes. The ethanolic extract tested for phytochemical constituents, including tannins, alkaloids, saponins, phenolic compounds terpenoids, steroids, glycoside, and flavonoids, were all present except steroids. Exposure of adult S zeamais to different concentrations of ethanolic extract generated significant cumulative mortality, and increased as the concentration increased; 35.5%, 64.4%, 95.5%, and 100% mortalities of S zeamais at 30,150, 250, and 750 mg/ml extract, respectively. The capacity of the extract to induce 100% mortality at 750mg/ml concentration revealed its potential as an insecticidal agent, evoked low weight loss, and seed damage against the weevils on grains treated with the highest dosage of the extract.The ethanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum displayed high level of insecticidal activity against maize weevil suggesting high possibility of using it as toxicants, repellents, feeding deterrents, and food poisoning agents in integrated pest management strategies of Sitophilus zeamais.