Potentials of Fractionated Extracts of Plants to Control Maize Weevils

Food security is primordial for every nation. Botanical insecticides are among the most promising alternatives to synthetic ones for stored product protection. Fractionated extracts of Ocimum canum and Laggera pterodonta using Cyclohexane, acetone and methanol as solvents were tested adult of Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky), for mortality, inhibition of progeny production, feeding deterrence and repellence. The fractionated extracts of dried powdered leaves of Ocimum canum were obtained by maceration. Adult mortality was recorded 1, 7 and 14 days post-exposure. Generally, all the fractions presented appreciable insecticide activity that increased with dosage and period post-treatment. All fractions were fairly active and insecticidal activity increased with dose and period of exposure. The promotion of natural fractionated extracts of Ocimum canum and Laggera pterodonta as stored grain protectants in Cameroon would boost food security, alleviate poverty and reduce environmental degradation. The purpose of this book is to raise awareness of the devastative nature of storage pests and the need for use of botanicals by farmers as chemical insecticide alternatives.