The effect of different concentrations of water extract of Sodom apple leaves (Calotropis procera) in the control of Dermestes maculatus on smoked fish (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

Dermestes maculatus is a common pest of smoked Oreochromis niloticus. The efficacy of aqueous leaves extracts of Sodom Apple (Calotropis procera) against Dermestes maculatus larva was evaluated in this study. Water extract of ground Sodom Apple leaves at different concentrations of 0g(control), 20g, 40g, 60g and 80g were soaked in 200ml of water. Fish samples were immersed in the aqueous extracts for one hour thirty minutes before smoking with Sodom Apple stem. Highest larva mortality was recorded in fish treated with 80g and the lowest mortality in the 0g after 24 days. The highest crude protein was recorded in fish treated with 60g and the lowest in the 0g. Weight losses were recorded in all the treatments but without significant differences. Therefore, effective concentrations to control Dermestes maculatus and improve crude protein content were 80 and 60g. The use of C. procera should be incorporated into post-harvest management strategies.