Wheat (Triticum aestivum)) is a major cereal
crop and staple food for large part of the world.
Unfortunately it is infested by large number of
insect pests during storage. Trogoderma granarium
is one of these pests. In developing countries like
Pakistan these insect pests are managed by fumigation
of highly toxic chemicals. Toxic chemicals
create problems with environment and human
health. Insecticidal properties of botanicals can be
manipulated to get rid of these chemicals. Moringa
oleifera has insecticidal properties against wide
variety of insect pests. It can be grown easily and
its growth is rapid as compared to other trees. Trees
of Moringa oleifera are frequently observed in
Pakistan. So, we tried to find its effectiveness
against Trogoderma granarium in six varieties of
stored wheat. Extract of Moringa oleifera in methanol
was used. Hundred gram grains of each variety
were treated with two concentrations i.e. 1% and
5% of Moringa oleifera extract. In case of control,
seeds were treated with distilled water only. Then
individuals were allowed to feed the treated grains.
Effects of its exposure on larvae, pupae and adults
were studied. Results indicated that it was highly
promising for management of Trogoderma granarium.
All concentrations performed better as compared
to control. Effectiveness of Moringa oleifera
extract was directly dependent upon concentration.