Efficacy of Talc-Based Botanical Formulation Against Lesser Grain Borer <i>Rhyzopertha dominica</i> (F) In Stored Paddy

This study investigates the efficacy of five botanical extracts (Pepper berries, Capsicum pods, clove buds, garlic bulbs and ginger rhizomes) against Rhyzopertha dominica. Botanical oils were extracted and tested in various concentrations. Results showed significant reductions in egg laying, hatching and adult emergence in treated samples compared to controls. Clove bud extract was the most effective, reducing egg laying to 1.20 eggs/ 10 g, hatching to 14.56% and adult emergence to 1.25%. Talc-based formulation prepared out of clove bud oil at 5% concentration further decreased egg laying to 1.18 eggs/ 10 g, hatching to 14.01% and adult emergence to 1.15%. Over a 180 days storage period, treated samples exhibited a drastic reduction in weight loss (15.11%) and germination loss (19.72%). These results have paved the way for formulating an ecofriendly botanical product for the management of stored product insect.