Development of preventive measures against insect infestation in dried fish

Abstract

The present study was conducted on insect infestation and develops preventive measures of dried fish during July 2017 – June 2018. Six treatments (T₁ as control_, T_2, T_3, T_4, T₅ and T₆) were conducted to assess magnitude of infestation and to develop preventive measures to combat the blowfly infestation of the dried punti fish (Puntius sp.) by treating with net, salt, chili powder and turmeric powder. Experiments were done in same temperature, humidity and sunlight (within six days). It was observed that two types (1. Musca domestica and 2. Phormia regina) of flies landed over the fishes after 30-45 minutes kept for drying as there was no dressing of the fishes and no using of nets. After completing the life cycle the blow fly left the fish body and flew away. Finally dry fishes were lost their weight. In this study the protein, lipid, ash and moisture content of Puntius sp. in dried condition ranged from 68.90±1.20% (T₆) to 73.20±2.80% (T₅), 6.90±0.80% (T₄) to 8.90±0.80% (T₆), 7.90±0.30% (T₁) to 8.70±0.80% (T₆) and 8.90±0.30% (T₁) to 9.20±0.50% (T₄). Protein and lipid contents were significantly varied from each other and there was no significant difference among the six treatments in case of ash contents and moisture contents. T₅ shows better result on the basis of chemical test.