Abstract

Maize is one of the most consumed cereals in the world, but its consumption is not always immediate. Thus, its storage is an important logistical factor. During the storage period, the grains may be exposed to several pests, including Sitophilus zeamais. The aim of this study was to test different Crambe abyssinica-based products as an alternative control of this pest. The experiment was conducted in the Laboratory of the Assis Gurgacz University Center in Cascavel, PR, Brazil and divided into three stages (survival, emergence and mortality), all arranged in a completely randomized design in a 2×5 factorial scheme. Factor 1 was the type of crambe-based product (crambe powder or aqueous extract) and factor 2 was the product concentration (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4%). The attractiveness, repellency and insecticidal effect were evaluated in the three treatments (control, crambe powder and aqueous extract). It was concluded that between the crambe-based products assessed, the aqueous extract was the one that caused the lowest survival and emergence of S. zeamais and the lowest consumption of maize, proving to be repellent at first contact with the insect.

Key words: Maize weevil, plant extract, brassicas.