EVALUATION OF SOME PLANT-PRODUCTS AGAINST TROGODERMA-GRANARIUM EVERTSIN 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 i n other treatments. Infestation increased progressively and reached as high as 35 (neem leaf and podina), 43 (citrus), and 62 % (garlic) aft er 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 ke rnels after 1 and 6 months were of normal color, appearance, and textu re, but their taste, aroma, and overall acceptability were adversely a ffected by insect-infestation, plant products, or their combination.