INSECTICIDAL ACTION OF PREPARATIONS FROM THE BROWN PEPPER, PIPER GUINEENSE, SCHUM SEEDS TO CALLOSOBRUCHUS-MACULATUS (FABRICIUS)

Dust and ether-extract from the seeds of the brown pepper were effecti ve in enhancing the mortality of Callosobruchus maculatus adults infes ting cowpea seeds. Adults of C. maculatus exposed to the ether-extract died faster than those exposed to the dust of the pepper. The optimum quantity of the dust required for 100% mortality of the bruchids in 2 0g quantity of cowpea seeds was 0.5%. Also ether-extract from 0.5g of dust was required for 100% mortality of the adult bruchids. The optimu m exposure duration required at 0.5g concentration of both dust and et her-extract for 100% mortality was 42 and 30hr, respectively. Treatmen t with the two products of the brown pepper seeds was able to prevent deposition of eggs by the bruchids on seeds of cowpea. The products of the seeds are, therefore, recommended for use as insecticide as they have low toxicity on human beings when used as spices.