Infestation and Damage by Caryedon serratus (Olivier) Weevil on Stored Tamarindus indica (Linneaus) Fruits in Kano State, Nigeria

A survey was conducted on the infestation and damage of Caryedon serratus on stored tamarind pods from September to November, 2014 in three local government areas (Doguwa, Gezawa and Kano Municipal) of Kano State in Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were randomly administered to 60 respondents. A total of 27 samples of tamarind pods were purchased for damage analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data while ordinary least square Regression was used on damage data. Results obtained indicated that un-elevated room storage (in woven sacks) was the preferred (48.3%) form of tamarind storage practiced (91.7%), mostly for a period of 1 – 3 months (60%) of storage before being sold out. More so, about 98.3% of the respondents were aware of C. serratus as pest of tamarind pods. The pods are commonly attacked by such pest (48.3%) from inception to about 3 months of storage leading to highest damage levels (36.7%). The regression analysis revealed that the number of perforations were highly significant (P<.001) in relation to the total number of tamarind pods, however the effect observed on pods was insignificant on weight loss in any of the three locations. The combined models analysis shows Gezawa recorded significantly higher number of perforations (P<.001) compared to others which are similar. On the control measures, 46.7% have reported the application of a control method against C. serratus and that dried pepper (20%) was the most prevalent. Solarization and airtight polythene storage bags were found statistically similar. Only 5% of the respondents use synthetic chemicals although very effective. The present study revealed that C. serratus is a widespread and damaging pest of tamarind in the study areas. Therefore, there is need for a more advanced, cost effective and safe alternative means of control especially from the first three to six months of storage.