Efficacy of Deltamethrin Incorporated Polypropylene Storage Bag Against Sitophilus zeamais and Prostephanus truncatus on Maize Seed Quality in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya
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Date
2025-10
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Seed storage structures have a great influence on the quality of the stored certified maize seed. However, the conventional method of storing the certified maize seed has been found to be ineffective as the levels of insect-pest infestation, damages or losses, and overall quality of the stored seed over a period of time depend on the kind of storage structure used. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of deltamethrin-incorporated polypropylene Storage Bag against storage insect pests on maize seeds in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The study was operationalized with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in a factorial arrangement with four replications for each treatment, namely, Deltamethrin Incorporated Polypropylene bag, paper pack, non-dressed polypropylene bag, and jute bag. The study was carried out under ambient temperature conditions (Average 18.60C) and bimodal rainfall (900mm to 1400mm) for thirty-two weeks. Data for each treatment was collected in terms of foreign matter generated to evaluate commodity damage, dead and live insects to assess bag efficacy, moisture content for bag robustness, weevil-damaged seed for bag suitability, and seed germination for bag effect on seed quality. The findings revealed that both the type of packaging material and pesticide treatment had a substantial influence on the seed quality and protection of maize seeds during storage. Additionally, the results indicated that the choice of storage bag and the application of pesticide played a crucial role in controlling insect infestation and reducing susceptibility to weevil damage. Furthermore, the study established that seed moisture content and germination performance were significantly affected by the type of packaging material and pesticide treatment used, emphasizing their importance in maintaining maize seed viability and overall quality during storage. The study found that deltamethrin-incorporated polypropylene storage bags were highly effective in preserving maize seed quality in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. These bags significantly reduced insect infestation, maintained optimal seed moisture levels, minimized weevil damage, and enhanced seed germination throughout the storage period.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in Partial Fulfillment for the Award of Master of Science (MSc) in Seed Technology and Trade of Kenyatta University, October 2025.
Supervisors
1. Dr. Mukiri Githendu
2. Dr. Catherine W. Muui,