Laboratory evaluation of the repellency of Dennettia tripetala Baker (Anonaceae) to Dermestes maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

The repellency of Dennettia tripetala Baker powder and acetone, ethanol and water extracts to larvae of the leather beetle, Dermestes maculatus, was evaluated and compared with that of a pyrethrum standard. Dennettia seed powder showed higher repellency than pyrethrum. Acetone and ethanol extracts were good repellents to D. maculatus, giving at least repellency class III (40.1%-60% repellency), the standard for promising repellents, in filter paper tests up to 4 weeks after treatment. Water extracts did not meet the minimum requirement for good repellents. The prospects for use of Dennettia seeds in the protection of smoked fish in storage in Nigeria are discussed.