EFFECTS OF BOTANICAL LEAF EXTRACTS ON MORTALITY AND FEED CONSUMPTION OF Sitophilus zeamais

Abstrak

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of neem leaf (Azadirachta indica) extract, soursop leaf (Annona muricata) extract, and their combination on the mortality and feeding activity of Sitophilus zeamais during maize grain storage. The experiment was conducted at the Plant Pest and Disease Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, UMSU, from October to November 2025 using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments: control, neem extract 10 mL L⁻¹, soursop extract 10 mL L⁻¹, and a mixed extract of neem and soursop (5 + 5 mL L⁻¹). Observed parameters included daily mortality for seven days and feed remnants after the observation period. Results showed variations in mortality among treatments; however, ANOVA indicated no significant differences (p > 0.05). The highest mortality occurred in the soursop treatment (53.3%), followed by neem (33.3%), control (30%), and the combined extract (13.3%). Feed consumption also did not differ significantly, with mean feed remnants ranging from 2.5 to 5.07 g. These findings suggest that the extract concentrations used were insufficient to produce significant insecticidal effects on S. zeamais. Further studies using higher concentrations, improved extraction techniques, or more stable formulations are recommended to enhance the potential of botanical extracts for protecting stored maize grains.