EVALUATION OF SOME PLANT-PRODUCTS AGAINST TROGODERMA-GRANARIUM EVERTS IN STORED MAIZE AND THEIR EFFECTS ON NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION AND ORGANOLEPTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF KERNELS

Neem (Azadirachta indica) oil and powders of neem leaf and neem kernel, citrus (Citrus limon) leaf, garlic (Allium sativum) bulb, and podina (Mentha spicata) leaf were used in maize kernels at 1 and 2 % level (w/w) against larvae of Trogoderma granarium Everts. Neem kernel powder and oil provided complete protection to grains for 6 months, whereas substantial insect infestations (7-19 %) were noticed after 3 months in other treatments. Infestation increased progressively and reached as high as 35 (neem leaf and podina), 43 (citrus), and 62 % (garlic) after 6 months. Moisture, ash, fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrates of treated kernels remained unaffected after 1 month of storage. After 6 months, changes in nutritional composition were proportional to insect damage. Chapatis (unleavened bread) prepared from flour of treated kernels after 1 and 6 months were of normal color, appearance, and texture, but their taste, aroma, and overall acceptability were adversely affected by insect-infestation, plant products, or their combination.