Effects of two eco-friendly insecticides (Dennettia tripetala & Piper guineense) against Dermestes maculatus (Degeer) on smoked dried Clarias gariepinus (Pisces: Clariidae)

Abstract

The efficacy of pulverized and extracts of Dennettia tripetala and Piper gunieense indigenous to Nigeria on larvicidal and adult deterrents of fish beetle Dermestes maculatus on stored dried smoked catfish was investigated. The beetles were reared separately in the laboratory at ambient temperature 30±2 o C and relative humidity of (65±5%). The pulverized plants parts at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0g and 0.100, 0.125 and 0.150ml of extracts were used against 20g of smoked fish. Adults and larvae stages of D. maculatus were introduced into different aerated jars containing smoked catfish treated with pulverized plant parts and extracts. The jars were left in the laboratory for 168hours. Results showed that the two plants had varying degree of insecticidal activities but were both effective against the beetles. It was observed that the extracts were more effective than pulverized powder when the results were compared. The plants materials can therefore serve as alternative to synthetic chemicals because of they were effective. Keyword: black pepper, dermestid beetle, catfish, Pepper fruit, insecticides