INSECTICIDAL EFFECT OF CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS EXTRACTS ON BEANS WEEVILS

This study investigated the efficacy of Capsicum frutescens extracts as a natural pesticide against beans weevils. Weevils (family Curculionidae , Bruchinae) are notorious pests that infest stored beans, leading to post-harvest losses and economic damage. Pepper (Capsicum frutescens), are technically fruits. They are often used in savory dishes , they are botanically classified as fruits because they develop from the ovary of a flower. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a vital legume that is extensively grown in tropical and subtropical areas for its high-protein. Two extraction solvents were employed: n-hexane and ethanol. The five (5) weevils were each exposed to different concentration of n-hexane and ethanol for 72 hours and continued observation for 14 days. The ethanol extract demonstrated high efficacy, achieving 100% mortality across all concentrations. The n-hexane extract yielded results, with complete weevil mortality after it was exposed to higher concentrations of 1g and 0.75g, while lower concentrations of 0.5g and 0.25g resulted in near-complete mortality. Anti-nutrient analysis identified the presence of phytic acid, cyanide, oxalate, and tannins, with Oxalate being the highest, . Proximate analysis of the Capsicum frutescens sample revealed significant nutritional content , with ash being the most abundant component. These findings suggest that Capsicum frutescens extracts, particularly the ethanol-based preparation, show potential as an effective, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides for controlling bean weevils in stored beans. Further research is recommended to optimize extraction methods, determine lethal concentrations, and assess long-term effects on bean quality and consumer safety.