Efficacy of Clerodendrum capitatum and Phyllantus fraternus leaf powders on seed beetles of stored maize and cowpea

The effects of Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) and Phyllanthus fraternus (Webster) powders were evaluatedin reducing Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and Sitophilus zeamais (L.) adult emergence and cowpea and maize seed damage under laboratory conditions. The dried and powdered plant leaves were tested against the virgin weevils by exposing ten unsexed adults to concentration levels of 0, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg of seeds in three replications. Results obtained showed that the plant powders did not cause significant adult mortality of either of the insects but, significant reductions were recorded in terms of weight loss, seed damage, adult emergence and number of exit holes in maize. The plant powders showed great potentials for use as plant derived insecticides for controlling C. maculatus and S. zeamais in stored seeds.