Insecticidal effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus against Sitophilus zeamais

The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, 1855; Coleoptera, Curculionidae) is one of the most important pests associated with stored grains. It is controlled almost exclusively with synthetic insecticides. Thus, leading to problems such as pollution and resistance development. Hence an alternative is the use of natural compounds such as edible mushrooms derivates. The aim of this research was to assess, under laboratory conditions, the insecticidal and insectistatic effect of a hydroalcoholic extract of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. 1871 against adults of S. zeamais. The parameters assessed were contact and fumigant toxicity, repellency, and antifeedant effect. The highest contact toxicity (57.5% mortality) was achieved with 30 mL extract L-1 solvent. No treatment showed repellent effect; the repellency index (RI) values were higher than 1, and the antifeeding activity < 30%. The fumigant effect showed a maximum of 30% mortality with the highest concentration (300 mu L L-1 air). The hydroalcoholic extract of P. ostreatus exerts contact toxicity and interferes with insect reproduction or oviposition of Sitophilus zeamais.