Preliminary Evaluation of the Toxic Effects of Essential Oils as Natural Pesticides Against Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) and Its Fungal Pathogens.

ABSTRACT: To control maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais), a major pest of stored grains, this study explores the use of essential oils from Eucalyptus globulus and Lantana camara as natural biopesticides. Given the risks of synthetic pesticides, these oils offer a sustainable alternative. The research first identified ten fungal pathogens associated with the weevils, including the dominant species, Fusarium solani. Preliminary results showed that both oils were then tested for their ability to kill the fungi and the weevils. Eucalyptus globulus oil proved to be a superior antifungal agent, inhibiting fungal growth by up to 93%, significantly outperforming Lantana camara oil. Both oils demonstrated potent insecticidal properties, achieving 100% weevil mortalit

SUBMITTER: Phokwe OJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12842577 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature