INSECTICIDAL PROPERTIES OF MORINGA OLEIFERA L. (SOHANJNA) LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST TROGODERMA GRANARIUM IN STORED WHEAT

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a major cereal crop and staple food for large part of the world. Unfortunately it is infested by large number of insect pests during storage. Trogoderma granarium is one of these pests. In developing countries like Pakistan these insect pests are managed by fumigation of highly toxic chemicals. Toxic chemicals create problems with environment and human health. Insecticidal properties of botanicals can be manipulated to get rid of these chemicals. Moringa oleifera has insecticidal properties against wide variety of insect pests. It can be grown easily and its growth is rapid as compared to other trees. Trees of Moringa oleifera are frequently observed in Pakistan. So, we tried to find its effectiveness against Trogoderma granarium in six varieties of stored wheat. Extract of Moringa oleifera in methanol was used. Hundred gram grains of each variety were treated with two concentrations i.e. 1% and 5% of Moringa oleifera extract. In case of control, seeds were treated with distilled water only. Then individuals were allowed to feed the treated grains. Effects of its exposure on larvae, pupae and adults were studied. Results indicated that it was highly promising for management of Trogoderma granarium. All concentrations performed better as compared to control. Effectiveness of Moringa oleifera extract was directly dependent upon concentration.