Efficacy of Alligator Pepper (Aframomum Melegueta) L. Seed Powder against Maize Weevil (Sitophilus Zeamais) of Stored Maize

Abstract

This study, ‘efficacy of alligator pepper (Affromomum melegueta) seed powder against Sitophilus zeamais of stored maize' was conducted in the laboratory, Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri between August and September, 2017. The experimental design used was completely randomized design (CRD) in four (4) replications with four treatments. The treatments were 0g, 30g, 60g, and 90g of alligator pepper seed powder respectively. Seed powder of Affromomum melegueta was applied to different containers each containing 200g of maize grains weighed using an electronic weighing balance in the laboratory at the rates 30g, 60g, 90g respectively. The plastic white plates were shaken vigorously for optimum coverage of the grain surfaces. Seed powder of Affromomum melegueta was not applied to the control plate. Twenty-five (25) males and twenty-five (25) females of insect species Sitophilus zeamais was introduced into each plate containing the ground treatment powder and maize grain and the control. Each treatment and control were replicated three (3) times. The containers were covered with white netting material and held in place with rubber bands. The plastic containers were labeled respectively. After every forty-eight hours, the mortality of Sitophilus zeamais and other parameters in both treated and untreated plates were observed and recorded. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that 90g of alligator seed powder gave a significant reduction in mean number of holes, and average weight loss of maize seeds followed by 60g, 30g, and 0g of alligator pepper seed powder at P= 0.05 level. The results also showed that the percentage mortality of Sitophilu szeamais was high in 90g (90%) mortality than other treatments used. The phytochemical analysis conducted showed the presence of the alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins. These compounds were the active ingredients present in alligator pepper seeds and were able to control stored product pests. The findings therefore present satisfactory importance of Afromomum melegueta for stored pests' control as its administration increased Sitophilus zeamais mortality and reduced natality in high grams. Also, seeds damaged as a result of perforations by pests was significantly(P=0.05) reduced, which as most probable, consequently led to a reduced seed weight loss in all the treated seeds.