Efficacy of Botanicals against Rice Weevil <i>Sitophilus oryzae</i> (L) on Stored Paddy Rice

Abstract

Rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.) is one of the most important storage insect pests that cause severe damage to stored paddy rice. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different botanicals against S. oryzae on paddy rice under storage conditions. Results showed that all botanical treatments led to significant increases in weevil mortality and reductions in progeny emergence, grain damage, and weight loss. “Endod” (Phytolacca dodecandra) leaf powder achieved 98.29% adult mortality, statistically comparable to Malathion 5% dust. The seed powders of neem (Azadirachta indica) and thorn apple (Datura stramonium) also showed high efficacy, with respective mortalities of 93.16% and 89.74%. Moreover, the least seed damage occurred with P. dodecandra (0.97%), followed by seed powders of A. indica (1.30%) and D. stramonium (1.50%). The P. dodecandra leaf powder and A. indica and D. stramonium seed powders were the most effective botanicals in all measured variables than other treatments. These botanicals can serve as alternative methods for S. oryzae control in stored paddy rice.