EFFECT OF INDIGENOUS PLANTS ON THE PROGENY DEVELOPMENT OF Dermestes maculatus (DeGeer, 1774) IN DRIED AFRICAN CAT FISH (Clarias gariepinus)

Abstract

Seeds of Alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta, Schumann) and African nutmeg (Monodora myristica, Gaertn) and pods of  Aridan fruits (Tetrapleura tetraptera , Schumach and Thonn), were ground separately into powder and each tested for their effect on the F1 progeny development of Dermestes maculatus (Degeer) in dried Clarias gariepinus, Burchell (African catfish). Fifty grams (50g) of the three plant powders were mixed (1:1:1) to also form a fourth treatment for trial against the beetle. Different concentrations of plant powders of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10g/20g of dried fish (which corresponded to 0%,10%,20%,30%,40% and 50% w/w) were tested against adult male and female (in ratio 2:3) over one month duration in the laboratory with each concentration having three replicates. The results confirmed that progeny development of the beetle larvae was significantly impaired (P<0.05) by the plant powders, revealing a host plant resistance mechanism (Antibiosis); as each plant powder interfered with the insect’s normal life cycle and prevented immature stages from attaining adulthood.  Adult beetle treated with T. tetraptera and the mixed powder did not exceed the larval stage, followed by treatment with M. myristica which did not exceed the prepupal stage and A. melegueta which did not exceed the pupal stage. The progeny development of The order of effectiveness was: T. tetraptera > Mixed powder > M. myristica > A. melegueta. Increasing concentrations of all the tested powders had significant devastating effects.

Key Words: D. maculatus beetle, T. tetraptera, M. myristica, A. melegueta, C. gariepinus and plant powers.