Insecticidal Potentials of Black Seed, (<i>Nigella Sativa</i>) Powder as an Eco-Friendly Bio-Pesticide in the Management of <i>Dermestes Maculatus</i> in Codfish <i>Gadus Morhua</i> (Gadidae: Gadiformes)

Abstract

Background: Insecticidal potentials Nigella sativa powder as an eco-friendly bio-pesticide in the management of Dermestes maculatus in codfish was evaluated in a laboratory. Results: Adults of hide and skin beetle were obtained from infested smoked fish and cultured in laboratory. The culture was kept at room temperature and RH in order to obtain F1 generation of the insect for the experiment to develop. Uniform age and unmated adults D. maculatus were obtained for the experiment. Nigella sativa seeds were purchased from a vendor of foreign spices and ground into fine powder. Five levels (0.4 g, 0.8 g, 1. 2 g, 1.6 g and 2.0 g.) were weighed using a sensitive balance and added into 40 g codfish kept in a Kilner jar. Two pairs of D. maculatus was introduced into the different concentrations and left on work bench for observations. Phytochemical analysis of N. sativa was conducted. Data such as mortality were corrected using Abbot Formulae while % weight loss was assessed by direct weighing method and effectiveness of different treatments in protecting the codfish was also calculated. The results indicated that codfish treated with different doses of powders of N. sativa had similar number of larvae development after 35 days. Mean of number of adult D. maculatus emergence on codfish treated with N. sativa powder at different doses was significant. Percent protection conferred by the botanical in the management of D. maculatus showed that all the doses applied were effective. Characterizations and quantification of phytochemical properties of N. sativa indicated eleven active chemical compounds. Conclusion: The finding posited therefore that N. sativa seed powder possesses secondary metabolites with high bio-pesticide potentials and may considered being use in IPM programme in stored codfish especially in the tropics.