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Due to the increasing cost of animal proteins, food and feed insecurity, population growth, and increasing need for protein-rich food in the developed and less developed countries, alternative sources of proteinrich food are highly needed. Edible insects could produce less environmental impact than livestock and that about 2000 insect species are eaten worldwide, mostly in tropical countries. They have adequate protein quantity and quality and high content of unsaturated fatty acids with minerals such as iron and zinc. This work cuts across the reasons people don't consume edible insects and ways edible insects helps against food insecurity It also sheds light on the nutritional value of insects and some other benefits insects offers humans. Considering the economic, nutritional, and ecological advantages of this traditional food source, its promotion deserves more attention both from national governments and agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contact toxicity of the crude ethanolic extract of leaves of three weeds species, Chromolaena odorata Linn. (Siam weed), Euphorbia heterophylla Linn. (Milk weed) and Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A,Gray, (Tree marigold) on Dinoderus minutus were investigated. Three concentrations of 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% and an increased concentration of 15%, 20% and 25% were prepared upon dilution with ethanol. Each experimental setup consists of petri dishes (9cm diameter by 2cm height), lined with a 9cm diameter filter paper (Whatman No.1) and four replicates maintained for each concentration in a completely randomized design (CRD). 1.0ml of the different concentrations of the ethanolic crude extract were spread on the filter paper in the petri dish and the control groups included a positive (+) control setup treated with the ethanol solvent alone and a negative (-) control setup without any treatment. The filter paper was allowed to air dry for 20minutes to evaporate the solvent and thereafter, ten active unsexed adults D. minutus were introduced into the petri dishes. The petri dishes were perforated and covered with muslin cloth to aid aeration and eliminate death by suffocation. The percentage mortality was recorded at 24hours interval for 96 hours and the percentage mortality calculated. The result showed low mortality using the treatment concentrations of 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5%. The highest mean mortality of 45.00±2.89 was recorded at 25% treatment concentration in Euphorbia heterophylla, followed by Tithonia diversifolia and Chromolaena odorata with mean mortality of 37.50±8.54 and 20.00±4.08 respectively at same 25% treatment concentration while the lowest was observed in the negative (-) and positive (+) control at 2.50±2.50 and 7.50±2.50 respectively at 96hours exposure time. The application 25% E. heterophylla, and T. diversifolia can be used as an alternative to synthetic insecticide in the management of D. minutus and can be incorporated into the IPM component of the insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is one of the most important staple foods in sub-Saharan Africa. Optimum maize yield has not been attained in many places because of serious damage caused by lepidopterous stem borers which are major insect pests limiting maize production. Sesamia calamistis is one of the stem borer species abundant in Nigeria. Use of synthetic insecticides to control these pests has been practiced overtime, but has been limited by its toxicity to mammals and the ecosystem at large. An alternative means of control with the use of plant extracts has been recently emphasized. This study was carried out to determine the insecticidal efficacy of Tithonia diversifolia extracts against Sesamia calamistis. Maize variety, BR 9943 DMRSR (white) was planted and later infested with blackhead stage egg batches of Sesamia calamistis 3 weeks after crop emergence. Twenty per cent aqueous leaf extract of Tithonia diversifolia was applied 1 week after artificial infestation. Carbofuran 3G (1g/plant) was used as a standard check treatment and untreated plants were included as controls. Application of the plant extracts, markedly reduced stem tunneling, stem breakage, dead heart formation, exit/entry holes and number of emerged larvae in treated plants. Plant heights at 2 and 4 weeks after infestation were also maintained positively in treated plants. In terms of plant height, plants treated with aqueous leaf extract of Tithonia diversifolia showed significant difference, showing that Tithonia diversifolia can be incorporated in organic farming as well as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Tithonia diversifolia plant extract is encouraged for use as an alternative to carbofuran in the control of Sesamia calamistis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species used for fuel wood and utility pole purposes in Northern Nigeria. The early stages of its plantation establishment face the challenges of insect attack, especially the subterranean termites. The pest status of termites on Eucalyptus tree species is a prerequisite for effective management strategies. This study assessed the pest status of termites on four Eucalyptus tree species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus cloeziana and Eucalyptus tereticornis in Afaka, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The four Eucalyptus species were planted in the field in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Seedling mortality counts were taken at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months after transplanting. Mortality data were subjected ANOVA and significant means were separated using Tukey's HSD (p = 0.05). The results showed that lower significant seedling mortality (9.66 ± 5.3%) was observed in E. camaldulensis at 1 month after transplanting. Seedling mortalities within a period of 1 - 12 months after transplanting ranged from 9.66±5.43 - 74.65±8.97%, 34.29±4.80 - 66.87±1.72%, 27.32±2.08 - 61.24±5.85% and 18.01±3.05 - 63.61±2.49% in E. camaldulensis, E. citriodora, E. cloeziana and E. tereticornis, respectively. It is therefore concluded from this study that the first year of Eucalyptus plantation establishment is critical for termite infestation and requires a prompt decision to embark on termite management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is urgent need to rescue Nigerian economy from deluge of crisis it is been confronted with atthe present time. To achieve this, it is pivotal to explore various potentials available in the country to solve her problem. Therefore, this paper examines the potential of apiculture industry in social and economic development of the nation. Hive products such as beewax, propolis, pollen and royal jelly are known to have contributed largely to the economic development of advanced countries like China, Turkey, Mexico, Argentina, Hungary, Australia and Canada. While the practice provides job opportunities for people of all classes, it also boosts productivity of other agricultural crops. Honey from Nigeria will command higher demand and prices in the world market for its medicinal and antimicrobial qualities, thereby serving as a good foreign exchange commodity in international market. As part of its contribution to economic growth, apiculture is a good source of income for beekeepers, it involves the use of little land. It empowers small scale farmers and also does not damage the environment. The paper also stressed that apiculture is not only important for generating income, it also curbs against rural migration. Apiculture protects the environment and also an important non-timber forest product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]