IMPACT OF BOTANICAL SPICES IN CONTROL OF BAMBARA NUT PESTS CALLOSOBRUCHUS SUBINNOTATUS (COLEOPTERA, BRUCHIDAE).

The present study evaluated the effect of extracts of three spices in control of Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic). The experimental design used was completely randomized design (CRD). Ginger, scent leaf and curry leaf were obtained and screened for phytochemical and proximate composition using standard laboratory techniques. The Bambara nut was subjected to three treatments (To, T1, T2 and T3) which were replicated 4 times. To was used as control while the rest were treated with the spices. Results from the study showed that the highest mortality rate was recorded on 100g of Ginger extract having percentage mortality of 93.33% (T3). It was followed by scent leaf with a mortality rate of 43.33% (T1). The result also showed that Ginger powder extract gave the lower mean number of holes (41) and with lower weight loss of 4.9% of nuts amongst the extracts used. Bambara nuts that were not treated with plant spice extracts (To) gave the highest mean number of holes or punctures (211) and the highest weight loss 25.5% of nuts. Conclusion of this study is that the plant extracts were effective at controlling Callosobruchus subinnotatus, though at varying degrees. These biopesticides are part of humans and animals food, often are used as ethno-medicines, and are more environmentally friendly being biodegradable, so all these things recommend to be used in the detriment of chemical pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]