i. STUDIES ON THE INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITIES OF THE DRIED FRUIT POWDER OF XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA (L.) (ANNONACEAE) AGAINST CIMEX LECTULARIUS (L.) (HEMIPTERA: CIMICIDAE)

ABSTRACT

Studies on the insecticidal activities of the extracts of Xylopia aethiopica against insect pests are not uncommon, however studies centered on the insecticidal activities of the dried fruit powder are scarce. This study examined the insecticidal activity of Xylopia aethiopica dried fruit powder against the bed bug, Cimex lectularius. In the laboratory experiment, bed bugs were exposed to X. aethiopica dried fruit powder at rates of 0g(control), 0.5g, 1.0g, 1.5g and 2.0g respectively for 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 and 168 hours after which percentage mortality was calculated. Following 168 hours of exposure, 0.5g of X. aethiopica dried fruit powder exhibited the highest (76%) mortality against C. lectularius. Mortality was observed to be more dependent on exposure time than concentration as all the concentrations caused closely related percentage mortality. This study indicates the potential of X. aethiopica dried fruit powder as a possible health friendly alternative to harmful pesticides for the control of C. lectularius.