Survey and identification of storage insect pest of <i>Tamarindus indicia>< (L) in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

A Survey of storage insect pests of Tamarindus indica in Zamfara State was conducted in order to identify the storage insect pest of T. indica and to determine the nature of insect pest damage on the fruit. Eight markets were selected based on the concentration of tamarind marketers and convenient sampling was used to select 10 tamarind marketers given a sample size of 80 respondents. Semi structured Questionnaire was used to collect demographic data of tamarind marketers. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics. The result of the identification of storage insect pest of tamarind indicated Caryedon serratus as the sole insect pest of stored tamarind. Results indicated that all the tamarind marketers (100%) were male and 35% of them are within the age group of 41-70 years, while 91.25% are married. Results revealed 75% had Quranic education, 37.5% spent 20 years and above in tamarind marketing. The result of the nature of insect damage on the fruit revealed that the pest bore into seed and damage the kernels of the tamarind. It was evident from the research that C. serratus was prevalent in the study area in all markets visited, which the consequence is the destruction of quality of the tamarind fruit rendering it unfit for consumption. Preventive measures against the insect pest from infesting tamarind in storage are therefore recommended.