Effect of Insecticidal Plant Materials, Lantana camara L. and Tephrosia vogelii Hook, on the Quality Parameters of Stored Maize Grains

The effect of ground powders of two tropical plants, Lantana camara L. and Tephrosia vogelii Hook, on the level of insect and the grain quality parameters of stored maize were evaluated five months. The evaluations were aimed at generating natural treatments suitable for post-harvest grain protection and as alternatives to synthetic insecticides in the control of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky. Three rates(1.0, 2.5 and 5.0% w/w) of each plant powder, a synthetic insecticide, Super 2% dust at 0.05% w/w and an untreated control were used treatments. Results showed that the plant powders significantly the magnitude of depression in percent grain moisture content at a lesser rate with high concentration and had no effect on percent germination of maize grains when compared to the controls. botanical treatments and synthetic insecticide were equally in reducing insect damage by 25%, but the level of damage was of the concentration applied. Grain colour and odour were by the botanicals. Results are discussed with regard to the of botanicals by small-scale farmers as cost-effective and alternatives to synthetic insecticides in maize grain.