author(s)
Akunne C.E., Ufele A.N, Ozonnadi A.P., Mogbo T.C. and Ononye B.U

abstract
The efficacy of Piper guineense fruit powder in protecting dried fish against Dermestes maculatus infestation was investigated in the Zoology laboratory of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria. Piper fruit powder was applied at various concentrations of 0g (control), 10 g and 20 g as short preservative of dried fish (Clarias sp) against D. maculatus. The weight loss and the mortality of adult and larvae of D. maculatus at 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment were recorded and compared with the control. All concentrations of Piper fruit powder used recorded higher mortality than the control. However, there was significant difference between the mortality of adult D. maculatus between the powder concentrations and the control. The various powder concentrations of P. guineense seed powder gave the highest mortality (5.67±4.933; 4.67±4.163) of both adult and larvae respectively at 14days after treatment. The powder concentration of 20g caused the highest mortality of adults and larvae of D. maculatus on tested dried fish and was therefore recommended as appropriate dosage for the preservation of dried fish against this dried fish insect pest.