Acta Entomology and Zoology
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P-ISSN: 2708-0013, E-ISSN: 2708-0021

2025, Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A

Bio-efficacy of M. oleifera leaf powder against Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) on stored cereals and pulses in Botswana


Author(s): Masego Kgosietsile Mfuma, Ntebaleng Makate and Mitch Mosimanegape Legwaila

Abstract: Cryptolestes ferrugineus S. (Coleoptera: Cucujoidae; Laemophloeidae), is a pest of high economic importance as it attacks stored cereals and pulses in storage, causing enormous economic losses. Insecticides and fumigants are often used to minimize the damage they cause, and their extended use generates serious problems such as the emergence of resistant pest populations. This study evaluated the effectiveness of M. oleifera leaf powders against C. ferrugineus on stored cereals in the laboratory at the University of Botswana. Using three dosages of M. oleifera leaf powder; 1 g, 3 g and 5 g, a bioassay was conducted against C. ferrugineus at 28±2 °C and 70±5% RH. Each treatment was replicated 5 times. The toxic effect was evaluated 3 months following application of M. oleifera leaf powders. Probit analysis was used to determine the LD50 and LD90 values for the treatments. The lowest dosage of M. oleifera was able to cause 90-100% mortality over the period of the experiment. The type of stored food commodity did not significantly affect the effectiveness of M. oleifera leaf powder. This study showed that M. oleifera leaf powder can be used to achieve effective control of C. ferungineus and reduce damage to stored grains and pulses under storage conditions. These findings may be helpful in the selection of botanical source insecticides and in developing effective integrated pest management strategies.

DOI: 10.33545/27080013.2025.v6.i1a.188

Pages: 36-42 | Views: 46 | Downloads:

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Acta Entomology and Zoology
How to cite this article:
Masego Kgosietsile Mfuma, Ntebaleng Makate, Mitch Mosimanegape Legwaila. Bio-efficacy of M. oleifera leaf powder against Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) on stored cereals and pulses in Botswana. Acta Entomol Zool 2025;6(1):36-42. DOI: 10.33545/27080013.2025.v6.i1a.188

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