Insecticidal effect of spinetoram against six major stored grain insect species

Spinetoram is a novel insecticide that belongs to the spinosyn class of insecticidal chemicals. The efficacy of spinetoram against numerous insect pest species in a variety of field crops has been well demonstrated. However, there are no data available for the effectiveness of spinetoram against stored grain insects. In the present study, we evaluated spinetoram as a grain protectant, against six stored-product Coleoptera. The species tested were: the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica, the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus, the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum, the granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius and the sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis. All species were tested at the adult stage, on wheat (or maize in the case of P. truncatus) treated to achieve spinetoram concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10 ppm. Mortality was recorded after 1, 2, 7, 14 and 21 d of exposure, and 65 d later the wheat and maize were examined for offspring emergence. Among the species examined, P. truncatus and R. dominica were by far the most susceptible, given that mortality was close to 100% after 7 d on wheat treated or maize with 0.1 ppm of spinetoram. At this concentration, progeny production of P. truncatus and R. dominica was negligible. On the other hand, T. confusum was the least susceptible; mortality reached 95% only at 10 ppm, and only after 14 d of exposure. Similarly, O. surinamensis was of limited susceptibility to spinetoram; mortality reached 95% only after 14 d of exposure on wheat treated with 5 ppm. Nevertheless, offspring emergence of these species was extremely low. For S. granarius and S. oryzae, complete (100%) mortality was recorded after 14 d of exposure, at 0.5 and 1 ppm, respectively. At these concentrations or higher, progeny production was notably reduced. The results of the present study demonstrate that spinetoram is effective as a grain protectant, but its efficacy varies according to the target species, concentration and exposure interval.     

Efficacy of alpha-cypermethrin,chlorfenapyr and pirimiphos-methyl applied on polypropylene bags for the control of Prostephanus truncatus (Horn), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Sitophilus oryzae (L.)

We examined the immediate and delayed mortality of adults of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae), the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) and the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on surfaces of polypropylene storage bags under different treatment scenarios with alpha-cypermethrin, chlorfenapyr and pirimiphos-methyl. These scenarios were: only one surface of the bag was sprayed and insects were exposed on sprayed or unsprayed surface or both surfaces were sprayed. We evaluated the immediate mortality for 1, 3 and 5 days (d) of exposure. Then, we transferred the surviving adults to untreated surfaces of the same type of storage bags and measured the delayed mortality after 7 d of exposure. We also evaluated the effect of insecticidal treatments on the numbers of holes/bites made by the activity of P. truncatus and R. dominica on storage bags. In terms of immediate mortality, chlorfenapyr and pirimiphos-methyl were very effective against all three species and alpha-cypermethrin against P. truncatus. We noticed high mortality values of all species to chlorfenapyr and pirimiphos-methyl, even after 3 d of exposure, reaching 100% in many of the cases examined. For the majority of exposure intervals, insecticides and insects, we did not find significant differences in mortality counts between exposures on sprayed surfaces of the bag. Immediate mortalities of insects exposed on the untreated surface of the bag did not differ significantly with mortalities at the surface single treated with alpha-cypermethrin and pirimiphos-methyl. Concerning delayed mortality, all S. oryzae adults were found dead 7 d after their transfer to untreated bags irrespectively of the treatment. The delayed mortality of P. truncatus and R. dominica adults was either complete (after exposure to chlorfenapyr) or almost complete (after exposure to alpha-cypermethrin). The exposure of P. truncatus and R. dominica to alpha-cypermethrin almost completely suppressed the numbers of holes/bites. Our study indicates that the application of insecticides on polypropylene storage bags can be considered as an effective method for the control of stored-product insects.     

Effect of uneven distribution of spinetoram-treated wheat and rice on mortality and progeny production of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val

Laboratory bioassays were carried out in order to evaluate the effectiveness of spinetoram on rice and wheat in layer and mixture treatment applications against three major stored-grain beetle species, Rhyzopertha dominica, Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium confusum. Spinetoram was applied at 1 ppm (1 mg/kg of grain). In the layer treatment the grain was placed in vials (8 cm high, 3 cm in diameter); in those vials there was five categories of grain: untreated (control), totally-treated, and with the upper 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 treated. Also, there were two categories of insect introduction: before or after the grain placement. In the mixture treatment, the vials contained 20 g of grain divided into six categories: vials that contained untreated grain (control) and vials that contained 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100% treated grains. Mortality was assessed after 14 d for both treatments but with an intermediate 7-d assessment for the mixture treatment. After this interval, all adults were removed, and progeny production was measured 65 d later. From the species tested, R. dominica was by far the most susceptible in both treatments. Generally, in the layer treatment, mortality of R. dominica reduced with the size of the treated layer in the vials. Also, mortality was significantly lower when the exposed R. dominica adults had been placed before the introduction of the grain. For S. oryzae, mortality was lower in comparison with R. dominica and in general, mortality was lower on rice than on wheat, even in the case of totally-treated grains. Survival of T. confusum was considerably higher than both R. dominica and S. oryzae. In the mixture treatment, mortality of R. dominica was 82–100% after 14 d of exposure. Again mortality was considerably lower on rice than on wheat. For S. oryzae, mortality was higher in vials containing totally-treated or 50% treated kernels, in comparison with the other treatments. Progeny production of R. dominica in the layer treatment increased with the reduction of the treated layer for both commodities. In contrast, for S. oryzae, there were no differences in progeny production counts between treated and untreated grains, with the exception of totally-treated wheat. In the mixture treatment progeny production increased with the reduction of the percentage of the treated grains, but there were considerable differences between wheat and rice. The overall results suggest that spinetoram is very effective against R. dominica, moderately effective against S. oryzae, and not very effective against T. confusum. Uneven application of spinetoram may, under certain circumstances, provide satisfactory control of R. dominica.     

Evaluation of Carifend® for the control of stored-product beetles

In the present study, the effectiveness of Carifend® (BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany), an alpha-cypermethrin-coated net, was evaluated in laboratory tests against major stored-product insects. The insecticide-treated net was adjusted at the bottom of plastic petri dishes, and adult insects were placed in each dish and exposed for different exposure intervals (1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days), after which mortality and knockdown was measured. The tests were carried out against a wide spectrum of stored-product insects, i.e. Sitophilus oryzae, Sitophilus granarius, Sitophilus zeamais, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Tribolium castaneum, Tribolium confusum, Prostephanus truncatus, Rhyzopertha dominica and Cryptolestes ferrugineus. The results showed that O. surinamensis, R. dominica and P. truncatus were highly susceptible to Carifend®, as complete control was achieved for all three species, after 5, 14 and 5 days, respectively. Regarding Sitophilus species, S. zeamais was the most tolerant species, as mortality levels did not exceed 46%, even after 14 days of exposure. In contrast, S. oryzae and S. granarius mortality was >98% after 14 days of exposure. So far, Carifend® has been registered in many parts of the world for the protection of stored tobacco against major tobacco pests, i.e. Lasioderma serricorne and Ephestia elutella. However, our results clearly indicate that this net can be used effectively for the control of other stored-product insects that infest durable food, such as grains and related amylaceous commodities.     

Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana in combination with an electrostatically charged dust for the control of major stored-product beetle species on concrete

Laboratory bioassays were carried out to determine the insecticidal efficacy of a Beauveria bassiana formulation (Bb38, Exosect Ltd, UK), which is based on the combined use of the fungus with the electrostatically charged dust Entostat. The efficacy of Bb38 was conducted on concrete surfaces against adults of the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica, the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum and the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, in two series of bioassays. In the first series, adults of the above species were exposed on concrete surfaces treated with Bb38 and mortality was recorded after 7 and 14 days of exposure (immediate mortality). These tests were carried out in all combinations of two temperatures, i.e. 25 and 30° C and two levels of relative humidity (r.h.), i.e. 55 and 75%. In the second series of bioassays, adults of the above species were exposed to Bb38 for 7 days, and after this interval, the surviving individuals were transferred in untreated concrete, where mortality was recorded again 7 and 14 days later (delayed mortality). From the species tested, R. dominica was by far the most susceptible, given that mortality reached 100% in almost all temperatures and r.h. levels. From the other species, S. oryzae and C. ferrugineus were moderately susceptible, while Bb38 was less effective for T. confusum. In the second series, immediate mortality for R. dominica was much higher than that of the other species. Moreover, delayed mortality of R. dominica reached 100% in contrast with the other species, where delayed mortality was low. Based on the results of the present work, we found that the insecticidal effect of Bb38 is not affected much by temperature and r.h., for the vast majority of the species and conditions tested. Moreover, in some cases, there was some post-exposure delayed activity of the formulation. This is one of the few studies that examine commercial formulations of fungal-based insecticides against stored product insects, which are expected to provide solutions in stored product protection, where traditional insecticides cannot be applied, as in the case of organic products.     

Persistence and efficacy of indoxacarb against three stored product insect species on wheat and maize

In the present study, we investigated the insecticidal efficacy of indoxacarb on wheat and maize, against adults of three major stored-grain species, the rice weevil, Sitophilius oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) and the confused flour beetle, Tribollium confusum Jacquelin Du Val (Coleoptera). For this purpose, bioassays were carried out with indoxacarb at the doses 0.1, 1 and 10 ppm. Moreover, the treated grains were left at the laboratory for a period of six months, in order to examine the residual effect of indoxacarb, by conducting bioassays at monthly intervals. For S. oryzae and R. dominica, adults were exposed in the treated grains for 7 and 14 d, while for T. confusum adults were exposed for 14 and 21 d, in order to estimate the mortality level. After the termination of this interval, the treated samples were left for an additional period of 65 days, on which progeny production was recorded. R. dominica was by far more susceptible than S. oryzae, given that mortality, in many cases, reached 100% even after 7 d of exposure, even at the lowest dose rate of 0.1 ppm. At the same time, for this species, progeny production was low. For S. oryzae, mortality was low at 0.1 ppm, with high levels of progeny production. T. confusum was the least susceptible of the species tested. Generally, during the experimental period, the efficacy of indoxacarb was decreased, but mortality was higher on wheat than on maize. Indoxacarb residues determination by GC-ECD indicated that after 6 months 33% of the insecticide remains in grains at 0.1 ppm dose, about 40–50% at 1 ppm and about 40–60% at 10 ppm dose. Based on the results of the present work, indoxacarb is an effective grain protectant, at least in the case of R. dominica and S. oryzae.     

Toxicity of coumaran to stored products beetles

The fumigant activity of coumaran was tested against mixed-age cultures of the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.), the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.), the rust-red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum Herbst), saw-toothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis L.) and flat grain beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus Stephens). T. castaneum was tolerant to coumaran, for total population extinction was achieved in 72 h exposure at 50 μg/L dose only. In contrast all developmental stages of O. surinamensis, C. ferrugineus and R. dominica were quite susceptible 100% mortality was attained at < 50 μg/L doses in 24 or 72 h exposure. Further results showed that T. castaneum, generally tolerant pest to fumigants and R. dominica, a predominant stored grain pest in India, could be controlled by coumaran. The findings indicate that, coumaran is good source for alternate to methylbromide for effective control of stored grain insect pests.     

Bioactivity of Ocimum gratissimum L. oil and two of its constituents against five insect pests attacking stored food products

The fumigant and repellent effects of Ocimum gratissimum L. oil and its constituents, β-(Z)-ocimene and eugenol, were evaluated against adults of Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Callosobruchus chinensis (L.). The fumigant toxicities of the oil and two of its constituents were assessed at four rates (0, 1, 5 and10 μL/L air) in space fumigation, whereas repellence of the oil and eugenol in acetone was evaluated in choice bioassays at five rates (0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 μL oil/2 g grain). Results showed that fumigant toxicity and repellence of the oil and its constituents were significantly (P<0.0001) influenced by concentration and time after treatment. At 1 μL/L air, the oil caused 98%, 99% and 100% mortality of R. dominica, O. surinamensis and C. chinensis, respectively, 24 h after treatment, whereas eugenol achieved 79%, 61% and 100% kill of the same insects. β-(Z)-ocimene produced a weaker toxicity with 8%, 11% and 59% mortality of R. dominica, O. surinamensis and C. chinensis, respectively. Except for T. castaneum which was more tolerant, LC₅₀ values for tested insects ranged from 0.20 to 14, 0.01 to 17 and 0.80 to 23 μL/L air 24 h after treatment for O. gratissimum oil, eugenol and β-(Z)-ocimene, respectively. All test insects had percentage repellence (PR) values which ranged from 37.5% to 100% and 45% to 100% for the oil and eugenol, respectively. However, C. chinensis showed a dose-dependent decrease in PR values in the eugenol bioassay with a corresponding dose-dependent mortality on treated grains. Ocimum gratissimum oil and its constituents are potential alternatives to synthetic fumigants in the treatment of durable agricultural products. Successful adoption of plant oils in the protection of food commodities promises an eco-friendly option compatible with international biosafety regulations.     

Persistence and residual toxicity of two pirimiphos-methyl formulations on wheat against three stored-product pests

The persistence and residual efficacy of two pirimiphos-methyl formulations [emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and capsule suspension (CS)] on wheat were evaluated in laboratory bioassays against adults of Sitophilus granarius, Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium confusum. Pirimiphos-methyl was applied at two doses, 2 and 4 mg kg⁻¹, on wheat and a bioassay was initiated at the day of application and every 4 weeks for 7 consecutive months (8 bioassays). In each bioassay, insect mortality was assessed after 7, 14 and 21 d of exposure, whereas after the final mortality count, all individuals were removed and progeny production was evaluated after an additional period of 65 d. Moreover, samples of the treated wheat were taken at the beginning of each bioassay to study the fate of pirimiphos-methyl during the storage period of 7 months by measuring insecticide residues by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Both pirimiphos-methyl formulations provided long-term protection against S. granarius adults. In most cases, complete (100%) mortality was noted, while mortality exceeded 95% after 21 d of exposure even 7 months after application for both doses and formulations. Tribolium confusum mortality did not reach 100% for any of the combinations tested, while a gradual decline of mortality levels was recorded over the 7-month period of storage. Rhyzopertha dominica was the least susceptible species to pirimiphos-methyl with very low mortality levels already after 1 month of storage. The residue analysis results show that pirimiphos-methyl is persistent under the conditions tested, as more than 50% of the initial concentration was still present on the wheat grains after the 7-month period of storage, for both doses and formulations. From the residue analysis results CS was shown to be slightly more persistent than EC, however this was not expressed as a significantly higher insecticidal efficacy of CS over time compared to EC.     

Insecticidal potential of zeolite formulations against three stored-grain insects,particle size effect,adherence to kernels and influence on test weight of grains

Laboratory studies were conducted in order to evaluate the insecticidal potential of three commercially available zeolite formulations against adults of Sitophilus oryzae, Tribolium confusum and Oryzaephilus surinamensis in wheat. For each zeolite formulation, three particle size levels were tested, i.e. 0–50, 0–150 and 0–500 μm. Zeolites were applied at three dose rates, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm, and insect mortality was assessed after 2, 7, 14 and 21 d of exposure. After the final mortality count, dead and alive insects were removed and offspring numbers were determined following an additional period of 65 d. In another series of laboratory bioassays, the effect of zeolite application on the test weight of wheat, maize and barley, as well as the adherence of zeolite particles to wheat, maize, barley and rice kernels was also measured. Oryzaephilus surinamensis was the most susceptible species to zeolite application, regardless of the zeolite formulation, dose and particle size level tested, whereas T. confusum was the most tolerant. No significant differences in efficacy were recorded among the three tested zeolite formulations. At the same time, particle size did not affect zeolite efficacy, at least for the particle size levels tested. All zeolites caused a significant reduction on the test weight of the treated grains. Moreover, zeolite particles showed different adherence among wheat, maize, barley and rice kernels. The results of the present study indicate that zeolites can be used with success as grain protectants, but there is a considerable effect on some physical properties of the grains. This information aims to encourage further evaluation of zeolites as grain protectants.     

The effect of oxygen and carbon dioxide gradients on the vertical dispersion of grain insects in wheat

A study was made on the dispersion of 0–14 day old adult Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) at 25°C in vertical columns of wheat (m.c. 12.1%) 100 cm tall. When the columns contained ordinary air, O. surinamensis dispersed from top to bottom within 24 hr whereas S. oryzae and R. dominica penetrated to a depth of only 50 cm in 72 hr. When controlled gas gradients were imposed on the columns from the bottom, the concentration of O₂ in one series of experiments ranged from 0.9% at the bottom to 18.5% at the top whilst in another series that of CO₂ ranged from 70.5% to 3.3%. In both gas gradients the downward dispersion of O. surinamensis was restricted but the distribution of the other two insect species was unaffected because they did not penetrate deep enough to encounter unfavorable concentrations.     

Responses of phosphine susceptible and resistant strains of five stored-product insect species to chlorine dioxide

Adults of phosphine susceptible laboratory strains and phosphine resistant field strains of five stored-product insect species were exposed in vials with 0 or 10 g of wheat for different time periods to 0.54 g/m³ (200 ppm) of chlorine dioxide gas. After exposure, adult mortality was determined 5 d later at 28 °C and 65% r.h. The 5-d mortality was 100% in laboratory and field strains of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst); sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.); lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.); maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky; and rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) that were exposed in vials with 10 g of wheat to chlorine dioxide for 26, 16, 24–34, 18–24, and 15–18 h, respectively. Corresponding exposure durations for these species and strains in vials without wheat were 15, 3, 18–20, 7–15, and 5–7 h, respectively. Dosages of chlorine dioxide producing 99% mortality (LD₉₉) of T. castaneum, O. surinamensis, R. dominica, S. zeamais, and S. oryzae strains in vials with wheat ranged from 14.79−22.57, 8.20–8.41, 15.79–21.60, 10.66–14.53, and 7.67–12.20 g-h/m³, respectively. In vials without wheat, corresponding LD₉₉ values for T. castaneum, R. dominica, and S. zeamais strains were 6.51–8.66, 11.46–23.17, and 5.79–10.26 g-h/m³, respectively. LD₉₉ values for O. surinamensis and S. oryzae could not be computed, because of 100% mortality after a 3–5 h exposure to chlorine dioxide. No adult progeny production of T. castaneum and O. surinamensis was observed after 8 weeks in control and chlorine dioxide-exposed samples. Adult progeny production of Sitophilus spp. was found only in the control samples. The dosage for 99% adult progeny reduction relative to control for R. dominica strains ranged from 10.07 to 18.11 g-h/m³. Chlorine dioxide gas is effective in killing phosphine susceptible and resistant strains of five stored-product insect species and suppressing adult progeny production of three out of the five species.     

Comparative toxicity of nanostructured alumina and a commercial inert dust for Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) at varying ambient humidity levels

The widespread concern for environmental and human health has raised the need for new reduced-risk control strategies and the search for new chemical classes of pesticides. Recently, a novel type of particulate material, nanostructured alumina (NSA) has been found to induce mortality in insects exposed to wheat treated with NSA dust. Preliminary studies have shown insecticidal activity of NSA particles on two insect species, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and Rhyzopertha dominica, (F.), major pests of stored grain. We investigated the toxicity of NSA and Protect-It^® diatomaceous earth (DE) using dry dust applications at three different relative ambient humidity levels. Results showed that NSA was more effective in killing S. oryzae than Protect-It^® and was equally toxic to R. dominica. Treatment with both products also reduced progeny production. In addition, R. dominica was less susceptible to inert dusts than S. oryzae. Our results suggest that NSA might prove a good alternative or complement to DE based products, and encourage further testing with other insect pests and systems, plus experiments on delivery options to further enhance NSA products.     

Efficacy and adherence ratio of diatomaceous earth and spinosad in three wheat varieties against three stored-product insect pests

Laboratory tests were carried out in order to evaluate the efficacy of three diatomaceous earth (DE) formulations; Protector, SilicoSec, and Insecto, and one spinosad dust formulation in three commercially available wheat (Triticum durum) varieties, Athos, Pontos, Sifnos, originating from Greek cultures. The efficacy of the above formulations was assessed against adults of Rhyzopertha dominica, Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium confusum. The DE formulations were applied at three dose levels; 250, 500 and 1000 ppm, while spinosad was applied at 100, 500 and 1000 ppm of the formulation, corresponding to 0.125, 0.625 and 1.25 ppm active ingredient (a.i.), respectively. The adherence ratio of the DE and spinosad formulations to the kernels of the wheat varieties was assessed. Bioassays were carried out at 30°C and 60% r.h. Mortality was recorded after 7 and 14 d in the case of R. dominica and S. oryzae, and after 7 d, 14 d and 21 d of exposure in the case of T. confusum, on the treated varieties. Progeny production of the individuals exposed on the treated varieties was also assessed. Even the lowest dose of spinosad was highly effective (>90%) against R. dominica and S. oryzae. In the case of T. confusum a combination of longer exposures with higher doses was required for each formulation to be effective. Generally, the performance of all formulations was greater in Athos or Sifnos compared to the Pontos. Progeny production of S. oryzae and R. dominica was significantly higher in untreated Pontos than in the other varieties. Progeny production was always greater in untreated than treated substrates. Although adherence ratios for the tested DE and spinosad formulations were generally high (>90%), significant variations in adherence levels among the wheat varieties were recorded.     

Effectiveness of insecticide-incorporated bags to control stored-product beetles

Adults of seven stored-product beetle species were exposed on the inside and outside surfaces of polypropylene polymer bags incorporated with the insecticide deltamethrin (approx. concentration of 3000 ppm; ZeroFly^® Storage Bags (3 g/kg). Beetles were exposed for 60, 120, and 180 min, and 1, 3 and 5 days on the same treatment arenas, and after the 5 d interval the insects were removed and placed in untreated arenas for 5 more days. All Trogoderma variable (Ballion), the warehouse beetle, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn), the larger grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), the lesser grain borer, and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), the red flour beetle, were knocked down on the outside and inside surfaces of the bag after one hour of exposure. Mortality of T. variable, P. truncatus, and R. dominica increased during the exposure period, with generally lower mortality on the inside versus the outside of the bag after either 3 or 5 days of continual exposure. However, maximum mortality of T. castaneum, the red flour beetle, was only 5.6 ± 3.4% after 5 days of exposure. While it took longer for 100% knockdown of Sitophilus oryzae (L.), the rice weevil, compared to the above species, all S. oryzae were dead after 5 d of exposure on both surfaces. In contrast, after 5 days knockdown of Sitophilus zeamais (Motschlulsky), the maize weevil, did not exceed 30% and there was no mortality. After the Sitophilus species were transferred to untreated arenas, knockdown of all species decreased and mortality increased, indicating delayed mortality and no recovery from knockdown. Mortality of Dermestes maculatus (DeGeer), the hide beetle, did not exceed 5.6% at any time and there was no delayed mortality, indicating a potential tolerance of this particular strain of D. maculatus used in the study. Our results show that the ZeroFly^® Storage Bags could effectively limit penetration of stored-product beetles through the bag into stored grains or milled grain products.     

Effects of spinosad on the heat tolerance and cold tolerance of Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Rhyzopertha dominica F. (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Sitophilus oryzae and Rhyzopertha dominica are serious insect pests of stored products in Sri Lanka. Currently pirimiphos methyl and phosphine fumigation are used as control measures but grain handlers seek for alternatives. Exposure to high or low temperature is popular in stored-product insect pest management but is expensive. Spinosad is effective against certain stored-product insects but has not yet been tested for its synergy with heat or cold. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of spinosad on the heat tolerance and cold tolerance of S. oryzae and R. dominica adults. The experiment was a two-factor factorial, complete randomized design with four replicates. The spinosad concentration and exposure period were changed. Adults of S. oryzae and R. dominica were first exposed to a series of spinosad concentrations. Later they were held at higher (40 °C) or lower (6–11 °C) temperatures than room temperature for different durations.Pre exposure of S. oryzae adults to Spinosad at 18 ppm or above synergized the adult mortality at high or low temperature showing a dose response. Pre-exposure of R. dominica adults to spinosad concentrations 12.5 ppm or higher synergized the mortality at high temperature whereas the spinosad synergized the mortality of R. dominica at low temperature when exposed to 6.25 ppm or higher concentrations; the effects followed a dose response. This study shows that heat and cold tolerance of S. oryzae and R. dominica adults are reduced by pre-exposure to spinosad. Therefore, spinosad is a potential grain protectant at high or low temperatures against these two insect species.     

Susceptibility of varieties of stored rough rice to losses caused by storage insects

Losses caused by Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), and Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) in 6 commercial varieties of rough rice from the Southern United States were assessed as weight loss of rough rice, loss of milling yield, and loss of monetary value. Over 3 insect generations, S. oryzae caused the least damage, probably because this species requires grains with gross hull defects and the proportion of such grains was relatively small. Damage attributable to S. cerealella or R. dominica was approximately equal. The varieties Vista and Lebonnet were the most susceptible and the variety Dawn the most resistant after 3 generations.     

Insect development in milled rice: Effects of variety,degree of milling,parboiling and broken kernels

Parboiled milled rice was less suitable than raw milled rice for progeny production by Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), Cadra cautella (Walker), Lasiodermaserricorne (F.), Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.). The variety ‘Dawn’ was less suitable than ‘Belle Patna’, ‘Nato’ or ‘Bluebelle’ for all species except O. surinamensis and L. serricorne. An increase in milling rendered the rice less suitable for these seven species and for Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Broken kernels did not significantly change the number of progeny from any of the species developing during a test period.     

Effects of Cry1F and Cry34Ab1/35Ab1 on storage pests

Two crystalline protoxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Cry1Fa1 and Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1 (Cry1F, Cry34/35Ab1), were evaluated for efficacy against lepidopteran and coleopteran storage pests. Cry1F was tested against the lepidopterans Sitotroga cerealella (Angoumois grain moth) and colonies of Plodia interpunctella (Indian mealmoth) that are susceptible or resistant to Bt Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac toxins, Bt subspecies entomocidus, and the commercial formulation Dipel^®. Cry1F was also tested against the coleopterans Cryptolestes pusillus (flat grain beetle) and Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle). Cry34/35Ab1 was tested against S. cerealella, C. pusillus, and T. castaneum, and against additional coleopteran storage pests, including Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm), Trogoderma variabile (warehouse beetle), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (sawtoothed grain beetle), Rhyzopertha dominica (lesser grain borer), and Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil). Strains of Bt-susceptible or -resistant P. interpunctella generally were more sensitive to Cry1A protoxin or toxin than either Cry1F protoxin or Dipel. Despite difficulties with the bioassay of S. cerealella larvae, the data suggest that Cry1F and Cry34/35Ab1 caused increased larval mortality, and a developmental delay was observed and no pupae emerged with 0.9% Cry1F. Neither Cry1F nor the corn rootworm-active toxin Cry34/35Ab1 significantly affected the biological parameters of the coleopteran species evaluated.     

Enhanced fumigant toxicity of allyl acetate to stored-product beetles in the presence of carbon dioxide

Toxicity of allyl acetate (5-25 mg/l doses) to mixed-age cultures of stored-product beetles including Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Lasioderma serricorne, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Rhyzopertha dominica, Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium castaneum in the presence of carbon dioxide (CO₂) (10% and 20%) with a 48-h exposure period was studied in the laboratory at 27±2 °C. Depending on dosage and the insect species, the fumigant toxicity of allyl acetate was enhanced by CO₂. At most of the allyl acetate+CO₂ combinations, increased mortality was observed in C. ferrugineus, O. surinamensis and S. oryzae. In L. serricorne and T. castaneum, which are tolerant to allyl acetate, higher mortality due to CO₂ was achieved at selected dose combinations only (e.g. 15 mg/l allyl acetate+20% CO₂). Significant increase in mortality of R. dominica (the most susceptible species to allyl acetate) exposed to allyl acetate in the presence of CO₂ was not evident except at the lower dose of 5 mg/l allyl acetate+CO₂ that caused 31.7% mortality. The mortality data show that CO₂ could be used as an adjuvant for allyl acetate.