DefinePK

Abstract

Background and Objective Larger Grain Borer LGB Prostephanus truncatus is a major stored insect pest of Dried Cassava Chips DCC that reduces its quality and quantity. Conversion of cassava roots into dried chips exposes them to insect pest attacks. Control using synthetic insecticides is being discouraged due to its adverse effects on human and other organisms. Diatomaceous Earth DE dust is environmentally safe as an alternative control. This study was designed to survey presence of LGB in stored DCC in selected markets, Oyo state and control utilizing DE. Materials and Methods About 4 kg stored DCC were sampled monthly within a year in stores for the presence of LGB in 4 Locationsmarkets IbadanBodija, IseyinOja-Agbe, SakiSango and Oyo townSabo, based on product availability between April, 2016 and March, 2017. Samples collected were split and sieved. Thereafter, LGB were identified and counted. Diatomaceous Earth DE dusts were applied at dosages 0.0 g control, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g per 50 g of DCC treatments, thoroughly admixed and introduced 10 adults LGB. Setups, replicated 4 times were left undisturbed for 30 days in a wooden screen cage of 3060 cm in laboratory. Data collected were adult emergence, mortality and DCC percentage weight loss. Data were analyzed using descriptive and ANOVA 0.05. Results A total number of 4,425 LGB were found. Oja-agbe market recorded the highest percentage occurrence while Bodija market recorded the least values. Also, highest percentage occurrence was recorded in rainy season while dry season recorded a low occurrence. The DE dusts treatments recorded a significant reduction p0.05 in emergence of LGB and weight loss of DCC compared to control set up. Mean mortality rate of LGB was significantly higher with higher concentrations of DE compared to control set up. Conclusion The DCC in Nigeria markets are not immune to LGB while DE dust is an effective environmentally safe control measures at higher dosage.