GLOBAL JOURNAL OF FISHERIES SCIENCE
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2782-750X
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/GJFS
Start Year: 2018
Email: gjfs@integrityresjournals.org
Effect of Piper guineense seed powder on the proximate composition and mortality of Dermestes maculatus infesting smoked Heterobranchus bidorsalis
https://doi.org/10.31248/GJFS2026.117 | Article Number: 84FAF5733 | Vol.8 (5) - October 2026
Received Date: 03 September 2026 | Accepted Date: 10 October 2026 | Published Date: 30 October 2026
Authors: Jude Chiemela Jude* , Adaka Godwin Simeon , Ezeafulukwe Chukwuka Fabian , Chimdi-Ejiogu Ngozi and Eluu Emperor Egwu
Keywords: postharvest loss, African black pepper, botanical insecticide, hide beetle, smoked catfish, stored fish pests.
Smoked fish is highly susceptible to infestation by the hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus, which causes quantitative and qualitative losses during storage. This study evaluated the effect of Piper guineense seed powder on the mortality of Dermestes maculatus and on the proximate composition of smoked Heterobranchus bidorsalis. Smoked fish (250 g per jar) was treated with 0 (control), 10, 20, 30 or 40 g of Piper guineense seed powder, and ten beetles were introduced into each jar. The experiment was a completely randomised design with three replicates (15 experimental units). Moisture, nitrogen, crude protein, ether extract, ash and dry matter contents were determined, together with beetle mortality. Beetle mortality increased with the application rate, from none in the control to 9.67 of 10 beetles (96.7%) at 40 g. Moisture content decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 36.10% in the control to 20.80% at 40 g, while dry matter increased significantly from 63.90% to 79.20%. Nitrogen and crude protein were significantly higher at 20 g and above than in the control (crude protein 57.40% in the control and 63.41% at 40 g), and fat content was significantly higher in all treated fish (8.63% in the control; highest, 13.82%, at 20 g). Ash content did not differ significantly among treatments. Piper guineense seed powder therefore shows potential as a botanical protectant against Dermestes maculatus in smoked fish. However, further studies are required to establish its food-safety implications, optimum application rate and effects under commercial storage conditions.
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