author(s)
Gerald M Ugagu, Bertram EB Nwoke, Moses OE Iwuala, Chigbo MU Ajero, Austin A Amaechi, Nnaemeka K Opara, Benjamin C Onwubuche, Peter I Isiaka, Luke C Nwosu and Victor C Okereke

abstract
The insecticidal activities, toxic and histopathological effects of clove, Syzygium aromaticum L. were studied. Adult male albino rats weighing 150-60 g maintained in standard cages with free access to food and water were used for this experiment in year 2020. The plant powder was cold macerated in methanol to produce filtrate reconstituted for determination of median lethal dose (LD₅₀) using Bruce’s revised up and down procedure. Other assays followed standard methods too. The results showed that the botanical material, host resistance and permethrin are effective in controlling the maize weevil pest, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky infesting stored maize grains. Varietal resistance had no effect on the mortality of S. zeamais adults caused by S. aromaticum botanical insecticide at short storage period. Dry flower bud powder of clove, permethrin standard insecticide and resistance status had no effect on seed viability of maize grains when planted. The LD₅₀ for S. aromaticum flower bud powder extract was 3000 mg kg^-1 and this caused chills, convulsion and eventual death of the rats. The lowest weight gain in group IV rats administered 75% of the powder (2250 mg kg^-1) in diet was an index of high powder concentration. The study revealed that 25 (750 mg kg^-1) and 50% (1500 mg kg^-1) supplementation of S. aromaticum did not adversely affect the serum biochemical indices, liver and kidney of the albino rats. The 75% S. aromaticum supplementation caused physiological damage in the animals. Therefore, supplementation of < 75% is recommended in the safe use of the botanical insecticide in pest control and herbal therapy.