Tratamentos alternativos de sementes de milho para controle e repelência de Sitophilus zeamais

Abstract

Sitophilus zeamais, primary pest of stored corn grains and seeds, having as its main control method the purge with high toxicity fumigant insecticides. From the valorization of agroecosystems with more sustainable productive bases, we have been looking for ways of controlling less impacting pest insects to non-target organisms. The effect of alternative product treatment on the control and repellency of Sitophilus zeamais and on the physiological quality of Zea mays cv. Catarina during storage. Plant and mineral powders of alamanda, garlic, cinnamon, ginger, eucalyptus ash, virgin lime, diatomaceous earth and control were tested at a rate of 5g / kg of seeds. The physiological quality of seeds, control and insect repellency were evaluated at 0, 50, 100 and 150 days of storage, through the following parameters: moisture content, germination, weight of one thousand seeds, infested seeds, mortality and insect repellency. A completely randomized statistical design with four replications was used. Virgin lime, cinnamon, ginger and diatomaceous earth showed the highest repellent action during storage. The highest insect mortality rates were achieved with eucalyptus ash and diatom soil, with 92% and 100%, without affecting the physiological quality of corn seeds up to 150 days of storage.