Controlling maize weevil in corn plants by improving cultivation technology and postharvest handling

Abstract

The maize weevil is corn pests that reduce production and damages the storage quality. Therefore, pest management should simultaneously be carried out by applying all available technologies. This pest can damage up to 30% of plant productivity, not including the value of losses due to decreased quality of hazardous materials for health and safety, both as feed and feed. Aflatoxin contamination for example, can be dangerous if consumed. This paper is a desk study that reviews some literature, attempts to describe the role of cultivation technology improvement, crop protection, optimum watering, phosphate fertilization, the technology of postharvest handling, management of water content of corn kernels, sanitation, cleanliness, warehouse management, pesticide use, and fumigation in reducing the scale of damage and increasing the added value of production, and improving the quality of stored materials so that they are safe to use, both as food and feed. The utilization of cultivation technology management and good postharvest handling will have an impact on controlling and reducing the damage quality of storage materials and increasing the safe product quality for both food and feed needs as well.

Components of environment affecting the reproduction of powder beetle Sitophilus zeamais (motsch.)

“…Seed age and mechanical damage during handling, processing, or cleaning also affect insect life. The water content indicates the dryness level and determines the shelf life and quality of the subsequent processing [3]. The water content has a theoretical maximum limit of 100%.…”

“…The facts above indicate that the nutritional quality of food sources determines the speed of insect reproduction, ultimately affecting the level of attack (quality and quantity of attack). Factors that accelerate the growth rate of powder beetles include food quality, high initial moisture content of stored material, temperature, humidity, seed quality, and storage quality [3].…”

Prospect of utilizing botanical pesticides for maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) management to preserve national maize production

“…The main problem in maize farming is the significant loss of yield due to the infestation of Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in storage [14,15]. The S. zeamais was the most damaging pest of the many pests in crop storage [16,17].…”