The protection of stored grains from insect pests while maintaining seed viability is a significant challenge in post-harvest management. This study investigates the impact of various essential oils on the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) infestation in stored wheat (Triticum aestivum) grains and evaluates their influence on seed germination. The study employed the Free Choice Method to assess the repellent and toxic effects of selected essential oils on S. oryzae. Wheat grains treated with different essential oils were offered alongside untreated controls, and insect preference and survival rates were monitored to determine efficacy. Additionally, the treated grains were subjected to germination tests to evaluate the effect of essential oil application on seed viability. Results indicated that certain essential oils significantly deterred infestation and reduced adult weevil survival compared to control treatments. However, variations in germination percentages were observed, highlighting the importance of selecting oils that balance pest control with minimal impact on seed quality. This study underscores the potential of plant-based essential oils as eco-friendly alternatives for managing storage pests while preserving seed viability.
Panigrahi et al. (Sat,) studied this question.
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