ABSTRACT

Fish is a major source of protein which is rich in essential-amino acids for both rural and urban households. Attack on smoked catfish by Dermestes maculatus significantly reduces the quantity and quality offish flesh destined for both human consumption and economic purposes. The aim ofthe study is to investigate the efficacy ofXylopia aethiopica and Piper guineense seed powder in suppressing infestation and damage caused by D. maculatus on smoked catfish Clarias gariepinus. Plant seed powders at different weights 5, 10, 15 and 20g/84g clean uninfested smoked catfish were used to test their efficacy against the catfish beetle {Dermestes maculatus). The plant seed powders were rubbed on the body of the fishes. Another set of fish samples without plant powder was served as control. Ten beetles (5 adults and 5 larvae) of D. maculatus w introduced into each treated and control vial containing fish samples and covered with muslin cloth held tightly in place by a rubber band to prevent the beetles from escaping. Each treatment was replicated four times and arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The experiments were monitored for 28 days. The results showed that each of the two plant powders caused significantly high mortality in both the adults and larvae ofthe fish beetle at all concentrations when compared to the control. Piper guineense recorded the highest mortality in the two botanicals used both in the adult and larva stage with 56 death rate in the larvae and 36 for the adults while Xylopia aethiopica recorded 46 mortality on the larvae and 28 on the adults. No mortality was recorded in the control experiment. The botanical powders could play a major role in protecting the smoked catfish losses and improve income generation and enhance socioeconomic status offishmongers.