HONEY AS PROTECTANT AGAINST DAMAGE BY PULSE BEETLE Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) INFESTING STORED GRAIN LEGUMES
NJE Vol. 41: 63-74, 2025
DOI.10.36108/NJE/5202/14.0150
Rosulu, H. O. and Adanlawo, A. O.
Department of Crop Production Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria
Abstract
The efficacy of honey as a protectant against Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) infestation in stored grain legumes was investigated in the laboratory at ambient temperature (27 ± 2°C) and relative humidity (65 ± 5%). Honey was tested at three application rates (0, 2, and 4 ml/200 g of seeds ≈ 0, 1.0 and 2.0 v/w) to evaluate its impact on oviposition, adult emergence, and development of C. maculatus. The experiment consisted of free and choice tests, assessment of the effect of honey application rate, and its efficacy over time and age of C. maculatus eggs on susceptibility to honey treatment at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Experimental findings indicated that honey treatment significantly inhibited oviposition (P < 0.05) and exhibited ovicidal and larvicidal action (0.00 ± 0.00) against C. maculatus. Specifically, the application rate of honey at 4 ml (2.0 v/w) completely inhibited beetle oviposition and adult emergence, while the 2 ml (1.0 v/w) treatment exhibited a suppression or reduction effect. The results suggest that honey can be a valuable, eco-friendly alternative for managing C. maculatus infestations in stored grain legumes, thereby reducing the reliance on synthetic insecticides and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Keywords: Protectant, oviposition, legumes, honey