Abstract

Insect infestation is a major problem in agriculture, causing significant damage to crops and reducing yields. The use of synthetic insecticides has been the traditional method of controlling insect pests. However, the negative impact of these chemicals on the environment and human health has led to the search for natural alternatives. One such alternative is the use of Uziza seeds, also known as Piper guineense, which have been found to possess insecticidal properties. A study was carried out to evaluate the insecticidal potency of Piper guineense seeds against the common bean weevil, Acanthoscelides Obtectus. The study had two research objectives: (i) to determine the phytochemical composition of the uziza seed with particular emphasis on the piperine contents, and (ii) to evaluate the potency of Piper guineense powder in the control of Acanthoscelides Obtectus. The Piper guineense seeds were collected, dried, and ground into a fine powder. The powder was then extracted using methanol, and the extract was subjected to phytochemical screening to determine the presence of bioactive compounds. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, steroids, phenols, and piperine in the Piper guineense seed extract. The concentration of bioactive compounds was also determined. The insecticidal activity of the extract was tested against Acanthoscelides Obtectus using contact toxicity and fumigation methods. The contact toxicity test showed that the extract had a significant insecticidal effect on Acanthoscelides Obtectus. The result of the study revealed that with an increase in the concentration of Uziza seed powder, the mortality rate increased from 0 ± 0a to 24 ± 0c when the concentration was increased from 0g to 10g. The results of this study suggest that Piper guineense seeds contain bioactive compounds with insecticidal properties that can be used as an effective natural alternative to synthetic insecticides. Further studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of Piper guineense seed extract as an insecticide in agricultural applications. The use of natural alternatives such as Piper guineense seeds can help reduce the negative impact of synthetic insecticides on the environment and human health. In addition, the use of Piper guineense seeds can also help reduce the cost of insect control in agriculture. However, it is important to note that further studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of Piper guineense seed extract as an insecticide in agricultural applications. In conclusion, Piper guineense seeds have been found to possess insecticidal properties that can be used as a natural alternative to synthetic insecticides. The use of Piper guineense seeds can help reduce the negative impact of synthetic insecticides on the environment and human health while also reducing the cost of insect control in agriculture. However, further studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of Piper guineense seed extract as an insecticide in agricultural applications.