An evaluation of the efficacy of extracts from Xylopia aethiopica and Dennittia tripetala in controlling Dermestes maculatus(degeer) an insect pest of dry stored fish in Calabar, Nigeria
Laboratory bioassays were conducted in Obudu, Nigeria to evaluate the efficacy of extracts from X.aethiopica and D.tripetala in controlling D.maculatus a primary pest of dry stored fish in sub-saharan Africa. Adult population of D. maculatus was obtained in the laboratory at the Federal college of Education Obudu, to obtain fresh insects for the experimental work. Dried fruits of X.aethiopica (Dunal) and dried seeds of D.tripetala (Bak.f.) were procured from a local market in Obudu for the purpose of the work. 100g each of the spice plants were pounded separately using laboratory pestle and mortar for the extraction of essential oils (EOS). The essential oils extracted were tested for repellence and toxicity against D.maculatus at 10µl per EO in a 4-way Olfactometer. Minitab 15 statistical soft ware was used for the analysis of data. Results indicated that the essential oils (EOS) and their constituent individual compounds were significantly (p<0.05) repellent and toxic to D.maculatus with X.aethiopica more repellent and more toxic to the insect than D.tripelala. The two oils were also observed to inhibit the activities of microbes that usually cause and accelerate delaying in stored fish. This action of the essential oils of the two spice plants and their chemical constituent demonstrated their potentials for development in stored products protection, especially at the small scale resource poor farmer’s level in Nigeria.