Survey of Major Pesticides used in Storage of Maize Grains in some Selected Markets in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Post-harvest losses occur during storage mainly due to spills, fungal contamination, and pest damage, availability of pesticide residues in food items is becoming too common in the country thereby increasing the risk of unintentional poisoning among consumers of agricultural produce and products. The present study is aimed at determining the nature of insecticides used by maize farmers in the storage of maize within Ogbomoso and its environment. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select the respondents for this study. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire and interview schedule from the respondents. The study revealed that only 12.5% of maize marketers adhere to the prescription on the usage of the pesticide and most of the respondents indicated discretion (43.8%), advises from friends (36.3%), sellers’ recommendations (26.3%) and extension agents (12.5%) respectively as their source of information on pesticide prescription rather than self-knowledge on pesticide application. Farmers and maize marketers in the area established the use of Dichlorvos in controlling maize storage pests. It was revealed that 52.5% of the respondent used at least a litre of Dichlorvos at times, while 47.5% used 2 liters of Dichlorvos at times.