Abstract

The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais is a major stored grain pest currently controlled by chemical pesticides. This commonly used control method to prevent post-harvest losses leads to pollution of the environment and intoxication of consumers. Essential oils of aromatic plants are more considered as good control alternative tools. The amount of active volatile of essential oils present in granaries is almost as infra lethal doses. The present work aimed to analyse the chronic toxicity of low doses of essential oils of Annona senegalensis Pers. (Annonaceae), Hyptis spicigera L. (Lamiaceae) and Lippia rugosa L. (Verbenaceae). These plants are toxic to the pest at high doses. At the dose 2.5 x 10-2 ml/ml, they all reduced the oviposition of S. zeamais. Moreover L. rugosa and H. spicigera were the most active of the biological potential of S. zeamais reducing significantly its amount of grains attacked (F = 8.63**) and that of the rejected flour (F = 41.04***). This chronic toxicity therefore prevents grains from destruction.

Key words: Aromatic plants, chemical control, essential oils, feeding deterrence, Sitophilus zeamais, oviposition.