author(s)
Emmanuel I Ogban

abstract
The study focused on the examination of insecticidal value of some edible vegetable oils from four plants: Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaetn (Shea tree), Ricinus communis Linnaeus (Castor bean), Carthamus tinctorius Linnaeus (Safflower) and Sesamum indicum Linnaeus (benneseed), against hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus Degeer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) infestation on smoked-dried African mud catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Parameters assessed were adult and larval mortality at 1, 3, 5 and 7 Days after Treatment (DAT). Plant oils were separately applied at dosages of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ml per 20 g of dried fish and allowed to dry for 6 hours. Results showed that the vegetable oils evoked significantly (P< 0.05) adult and larval mortality compared to the untreated fish. Similarly, the application of oil significantly (P<0.05) suppressed insect’s egg hatchability when compared to the control. The study clearly suggests and confirms insecticidal potential of these plant oils as alternative pest control measure.