Effectiveness of Agricultural Waste Ashes in Controlling Sitophilus oryzae Infestation in Stored Rice Grains

In this study, the insecticidal effectiveness of agricultural waste ashes of sawdust, rice husk, groundnut shell, maize cob, and wheat straw against Sitophilus oryzae in stored rice grains was investigated. The research, conducted to assess grain damage, weight loss, and weevil perforation index caused by S. oryzae over intervals of 30, 60 and 90 days. The ashes were applied at a rate of 2 gm per 100 gm of grains. Over a 90-day period the untreated control exhibited the highest grain damage (33.80%) and weight loss (14.23%). Among ash treatments, sawdust ash resulted in the highest grain damage (18.40%) and weight loss (12.47%), whereas groundnut shell ash was the most effective, showing the lowest grain damage (12.87%) and weight loss (8.53%). The chemical insecticide Chlorpyrifos 48EC maintained complete protection with 0% grain damage and weight loss. The Weevil Perforation Index (WPI) was significantly lower in groundnut shell ash (9.27) compared to other ash treatments, emphasizing its effectiveness in preserving rice quality.