Abstract

There are different methods of storing grain, some of which involve the use of chemicals. These chemicals have harmful effects on consumer health. To avoid these chemicals, the use of biopesticides constitutes one of the promising solutions. Thus, we evaluated the effectiveness of powders of different plant materials to protect millet, maize and sorghum grains against Corcyra cephalonica [Stainton], the main lepidopteran pest of stored foodstuffs in Burkina Faso. Furthermore, we also assessed the damage caused by C. cephalonica larvae on these cereals. The results showed that 41.78% of millet grains damaged by C. cephalonica larvae were more important than those of sorghum and maize. In addition, the weight loss of damaged millet grains (8.44%) was higher than that of sorghum and maize. Concerning the effectiveness of the powders, the highest larval mortality rates were 62.04, 85.19, and 71.38%, respectively in millet, maize and sorghum grains treated with neem almond powder. After neem almond powder, Hyptis spicigera powder had a significant effect on the mortality of C. cephalonica larvae. The application of the powder of Calotropis procera was the least effective. These results can contribute to the management of the C. cephalonica population in the three types of stored cereals.

Key words: Cereals, Corcyra cephalonica, insecticidal plant, post-harvest management, Burkina Faso.