The bioactivities of the neem (seeds and leaves) against Callosobruchus maculatus on a Vigna Subterranean L.

Abstract

This research reports the novel bioactivities of neem leaves powder, neem leaves concentrate, neem seeds powder and neem seeds oil against the weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) on bambara groundnut. The leaves were grounded, crushed and subjected to ethanol to get the concentrate. While the seeds were dried under shade for one week, ground into fine particles. Cold bulk extraction was then used to obtain the neem seeds oil. The mortality count of Callosobruchus maculatus (C. maculatus) was studied by exposing the weevil to neem treated bambara groundnut at different days under laboratory condition. The neem dosage were 0.0, 0.1, 0.5 1.0 g/10 g of bambara groundnut. The percentage weight loss and seed damage were also determined at the end. The results indicated that neem seeds oil and neem leaves concentrate provided effective and comparable mortality counts against the C. maculatus. Again the neem powder (seeds and leaves) mortality counts were also comparable, but were less effective against the weevils as compared to the neem oil and concentrate at least for the first two days. Therefore, these neem materials could be used as biopesticides at the dose of _0.1 per 10 g to prevent C. maculatus attack on bambara groundnut during storage. This will reduce the usage of synthetic pesticides, thereby preventing their adverse residual effects on human and the environment.