Background: Sitophilus zeamais is a key pest of stored maize causing serious economic damage. The predominant control of this pest is the use of synthetic residual pesticides, which have adverse effects on consumers and environment. The use of phytochemicals for controlling storage pests constitutes an attractive alternative to synthetic products, since plant may be more biodegradable and safer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of NeemPro ® against the maize weevil on three maize varieties in the laboratory and the effect of the insecticide on seed germination. Results: NeemPro® relatively killed all the exposed weevils at 6 g/kg within 14 days with LC 50 of 0.04, 0.07 and 0.11 g/ kg in CLH103, CMS8501 and SHABA varieties, respectively, as observed in Malagrain. Treatments completely hindered or significantly reduced progeny emergence, percentage grain damage, grain weight losses, but did not affect grain germination after 4 months of storage. However, these parameters were lesser in SHABA variety. Conclusions: NeemPro® may be used as alternative to Malagrain for the protection of stored maize against the infestation of S. zeamais.

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