Validation of plant-based Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) for management of Sitophilus oryzae in traditional storage structures

VALIDATION OF ITKS AGAINST STORAGE INSECT PESTS OF RICE

Abstract

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) based on indigenous resources have been getting attention internationally and hence, scientific validation of the potential ITKs could help in the generation of innovative crop production and protection technologies in the near future. The experiment to validate Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) for management of storage insect pests was conducted at farmers’ storage godown in Silpota and Saljhora village of Chirang district of Assam, and revealed that the application of Polygonum hydropiper dry leaf powder @ 10 g/kg of seed can effectively control the damage of rice seed kept in traditional storage structures caused by Sitophilus oryzae recording 55.36%, 44.57% and 44.80% seed damage reduction over pre-treatment count (PrTC) on top (0-15 cm), mid (15-30 cm) and lower (> 30 cm) layer, respectively as against an increase in seed damage ranging between 201.62-221.60% over PrTC at 90 days after treatment in the control. Application of dried whole plant of P. hydropiper @ 4.0 cm thick layer over the stored seed showed little impact on reduction in incidence of S. oryzae recording 100.93%, 116.28% and 111.67% increase in seed damage over PrTC in upper (0-15 cm), mid (15-30 cm) layer and lower (>30 cm deep) layer, respectively; suggesting effective release of plant bioactive compounds with sufficient and enhanced contact points for biological activity.