Use of Bags Impregnated by Plant Extracts for Safe Storage of Sorghum Against Khapra Beetle

Abstract

Laboratory studies were carried out to screen the extract of different plant species to find the most promising and effective ones to use as stored grain protectants agents against khapra beetle Trogoderma granarim. Three plant species were collected from Central and West of Sudan. The selection of the species was based on indigenous experiences, farmers, folk medicine, and people observation. The plant extracts were tested against Trogoderma granarim for different concentrations in a randomized complete design with three replications. Methanol was used to extract the secondary plant materials. Three concentrations, 5, 10 and 20% of the crude extract of each plant were prepared. Jute sacks (26 cm × 15 cm) were impregnated with methanol extracts of Cassia senna, Solanum dubium (leaves) and Gossypium barbadense (seeds). The seeds were also treated by 3 conc. (w/w) 2.5, 5, 10% of powder and filled with 500 gm Sorghum grains and stored in a store room after adding 10 larvae of Trogoderma granarim to each jute sack. At regular intervals of 30, 60 and 90 days, counts were made to calculate percentage of larval mortality. The results of the experiments showed that, all plant extracts have varying degrees of efficacy against Trogoderma granarium as anti- feedants, repellents and development inhibitors.