Integration of varietal resistance and nutmeg, Myristica fragrans (Houtt.) oil in protecting post-harvest infestation by Sitophilus oryzae (L.) in rice

The highest adult weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) mortality was in rice cultivar FARO 44 (43.3%) and the lowest in ITA 321 (6.7%). FARO 44 was the least susceptible to post harvest infestation caused by S. oryzae with 2.3 adult emergence, lowest percentage weight loss (6.4%) and lowest index of susceptibility (1.8) while ITA 150 was the most susceptible with highest adult weevil emergence (23.3), percentage weight loss (8.8%) and highest index of susceptibility (7.9). Varietal resistance when integrated with nutmeg oil, the percentage mortality of adult weevils increased with increase in oil concentration. The highest adult weevil mortality of 96.7% occurred within 7 days of application of oil at 4% concentration in rice cultivar FARO 44 indicating feasibility of integration of varietal resistance and nutmeg oil in reducing post harvest infestation of S. oryzae in rice.