Tuba Seed Powder Controls Rice Weevil, Lesser Grain Borer
PhilRice researchers in Mindanao led by Evelyn S. Perialde have discovered that powdered seeds of tuba (Croton tiglim) can effectively control rice weevil (Sitophilus orvzae) and the lesser grain borer (Rhizopertha dominica).
Together with Jennifer J. Tagubase and Dr. Gerardo F. Estoy, Jr., the research team observed that tuba seed powder was more effective than the commercial insecticides Deltamcthrin and Pirimphosmethyl. Tuba seed powder effectively controls rice weevil and grain borer from one to five months in storage. Thus, this botanical pesticide could be developed and used as an alternative control against insect pests in seed storage.
Before treatment, the rice seeds were soaked in hot water (60°C) for 30 minutes to kill the eggs, larvae and adults of storage insect pests that may be present in the seeds. The seeds were sundried and then treated with tuba seed powder.
Rice seeds treated with tuba seed powder had lesser damage (0.15 – 8%) of rice weevil than those treated with Deltamethrin (0.35 – 16%) from one to five months in storage.
On the other hand, seeds treated with tuba seed powder showed similar amount of grain damage with those treated with Pirimphosmethyl in the first month. However, the seeds stored for two to five months and treated with tuba seed powder had lesser damage than those treated with the chemical insecticide.
The researchers noted that tuba seed powder does not affect the germination rate of the rice seeds.
It is also worthy to note that we should be very cautious when gathering tuba seeds and processing them into powder. Dr. Madonna C. Casimero, PhilRice deputy director for research and development, said tuba juice can cause blindness if it gets into the eyes.
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