Biocontrol of Maize Weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Maize over a Six-Month Storage Period

Abstract

Food security is contingent upon increasing crop yields but also upon reducing crop losses to post-harvest pests and diseases. Weevils are particularly important agents of post-harvest losses in grain crops. A long-term evaluation of a biocontrol agent, Beauveria bassiana Strain MS-8, at a single dose of 2 × 109 conidia kg−1 of grain was formulated in kaolin as a carrier at levels of 1, 2, 3, and 4 g kg−1 of grain and screened against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais. After six months, the application of B. bassiana Strain MS-8 at all levels of kaolin significantly reduced the maize weevil populations compared to the untreated control (UTC). The best control of maize weevil was observed in the first 4 months after application. Strain MS-8 applied in a kaolin level of 1 g kg−1 performed the best, resulting in the lowest number of live weevils (36 insects/500 g of maize grain), the lowest level of grain damage (14.0%), and the least weight loss (7.0%). In the UTC the number of live insects was 340 insects/500 g of maize grain, the level of grain damage was 68.0%, and weight loss was 51.0%.

Complex Evaluation of Storage Impact on Maize (Zea mays L.) Quality Using Chromatographic Methods

“…More modern methods involve the use of hermetic bags and metal silos. These storage methods differ in their effectiveness in preserving the quality of maize, with factors such as temperature, humidity, and pest control playing significant roles [5][6][7][8][9]. The storage conditions, including temperature, humidity, and pest management strategies, can lead to changes in the physical and chemical properties of the maize, impacting its nutritional value and safety for consumption [10].…”