Insecticidal Effects of Neem Leaf Extract, Inert Dust, and Entomopathogenic Fungi on Control of Khapra Beetle (Trogoderma granarium); A Stored Grain Pest

Abstract

Infestation by different insect pests of stored cereals and the storage of their products is a serious problem. Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) is one of the most common, devastating insect pests of stored grains. It causes both nutritional and economical losses to stored cereals. Six different concentrations of three protectants (neem leaf extract, inert dust, and entomopathogenic fungus) were used for the bioassay in the present study. For neem leaf extract dose rates were 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% & 30% and leaves were collected from University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. For DE formulation (Conern®) doses rates were 200ppm, 400ppm, 600ppm, 800ppm, 1000ppm & 1200 ppm/kg and 1g, 2g, 3g, 4g, 5g & 6g/ kg of wheat grains doses of Beauveria bassiana (Racer Bb) (1 g of Racer containing 10⁸ conidia) imported from Agri Life, Medak District. Hyderabad, India was used. 30 larvae were used in each bioassay. Different doses of insecticides showed remarkable toxicity and significantly higher mortality rates in Khapra beetle. The toxic effect was found to be dependent on dose and duration. Summarizing, these insecticides could have likely practical utilizations in the protection of stored grain products against the attack by Trogoderma granarium.