Resistance of packaging against infestation by Sitophilus zeamais

The results of infestation by maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), in different packaging filled with pasta are presented in this research. Three different types of packaging were used, that is, two paper tubes (one novel, laminated with bio-based polyethylene and one without lamination) and commercial polypropylene, pillow pouch packaging. Material properties such as grammage, thickness, surface analysis, moisture and water resistance, tensile and compressive strength were analysed. Improved compressive strength, moisture and water resistance were detected at the bio-polyethylene laminated tube packaging (approx. 30%), compared to the non-laminated sample. The obtained results demonstrated that adult maize weevils revealed significant preferences to enter the pasta packages through the already existing holes which were in the polypropylene packaging, while no infestation was observed inside the packages at the paper tube packaging. The study revealed that the shape and construction, for example, tube packaging with an innovative bio-polyethylene film, are very effective regarding insect infestation and mechanical overloads.     

99种植物提取物对玉米象的生物活性测定

为发现新的植物源储粮害虫防控剂,以玉米象(Sitophilus zeamais)为试虫,采用饲料混药法,对50科99种植物样品进行了室内活性筛选.结果表明,在0.013 g DW/g小麦的剂量处理下,百部(Stemona sessilifolia)等24种植物提取物表现出较好的毒杀活性和种群抑制作用,15 d的死亡率或64d的种群抑制率高于80％,其中栓翅卫矛(Euonymus phellomanus)、使君子(Quisqualis indica)、射干(Belamcanda chinensis)和黄芩(Scutellaria baicalensis)的种群抑制率均高达100％;天名精(Carpesium abrotanoides)、百部、狼毒、使君子和栓翅卫矛等5种植物提取物对玉米象还具有一定的触杀作用.测定结果初步表明,天名精、使君子、百部、狼毒、射干、黄芩和栓翅卫矛等7种植物有进一步研究价值.     

Comparative inhibitory properties of some Indian medicinal plant extracts against photosensitization-induced lipid damage

The protective activities of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellerica and Terminalia chebula ethanol extracts against photosensitization-induced oxidation of rat liver mitochondrial lipid were assessed. All the extracts could effectively prevent lipid peroxidation, as assessed by measuring thiobarbituric acid-reactive substrates, lipid hydroperoxide, conjugated diene and 4-hydroxynonenal. The E. officinalis extract was the most potent, revealing its superior ability to scavenge ¹O₂. The extracts also afforded excellent protection against iron-mediated lipid peroxidation that might also be useful in reducing photo-induced iron toxicity. The activities of the extracts were primarily due to their constituent phenolics.     

食物及挥发物对米象、玉米象及锯谷盗诱集效果的研究

针对为减少粮食损失、减少熏蒸剂的用量,而运用食物引诱剂对仓虫监控和防治这一重要课题,本研究在实验室条件下测试2种食物和4种食物中对害虫有引诱作用的有效化学成分单一或组合时对3种害虫的诱集效果,从而筛选出对每种实验昆虫诱集效果最佳的诱集物配比方案。试验表明,对米象诱集效果最好的组合为香草醛(0.012 g)+二氯甲烷(0.5 m L)+亚油酸(2.5 m L)+二十烷(0.02 g),诱集率最高可以达到65.2%;对玉米象诱集效果最好的为单一米糠,诱集率可达74%;对锯谷盗诱集效果最好的是单一的诱集物香草醛,诱集率最高可以达到64%以上。     

Susceptibility of selected maize seed genotypes to Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Studies were carried out under laboratory conditions of 25 ± 2 °C and 70 ± 5% RH in an incubator to determine the relative susceptibility of eighteen maize genotypes to attack by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Adult mortality, number of F₁ progeny, weevil development time, susceptibility index, percentage seed damage, percentage weight loss, and weight of powder produced were determined after storage period of three months. The susceptibility index was determined using Dobie’s formula and the genotypes were classified into different susceptibility groups. The genotypes exhibited varying degrees of susceptibility to S. zeamais attack. Only Aseda was regarded as resistant and TZE-Y POP STR as moderately resistant to S. zeamais. Kpari-Faako, Tintim, WACCI-M-1215, WACCI-M-1594 and Wang-Dataa were regarded as moderately susceptible to S. zeamais. However, Abontem, Bihilifa, Ewul-Boyu, Sanzal-Sima, TZE-I 17, WACCI-M-1205, WACCI-M-1508 and WACCI-M-1510 were regarded as susceptible genotypes. Furthermore, Aburohemaa, Obaatanpa and Omankwa were regarded as highly susceptible to S. zeamais. Number of F₁ progeny, seed damage, seed weight loss, weight of dust produced and seed moisture content had positive relationship with varietal susceptibility while adult weevil mortality, median development period and seed germination after infestation had an inverse relationship with susceptibility in maize. The use of insect resistant genotypes would offer a sustainable way of minimizing postharvest losses of seeds in storage especially for smallholder farmers who keep harvested grains for future use as food and seed.     

Effect of CO2 modified atmosphere packaging on aflatoxin production in maize infested with Sitophilus zeamais

The weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky), the maize weevil, is a pest of stored maize that can cause feeding damage and lead to the proliferation of toxigenic fungi. The application of modified atmospheres with a high concentration of CO₂ is an alternative method for the control of S. zeamais and the inhibition of fungal growth. The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of S. zeamais infestation, grain damage and grain moisture content on aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus on maize, and the impact of high CO₂ modified atmosphere packaging on pest infestation and aflatoxin production. Mycotoxin production was only recorded when maize was infested with S. zeamais and had A. flavus inoculum. However, production of mycotoxins was not recorded when the maize was mechanically damaged and stored at 18% moisture content, indicating that the biological activity of the insect was determinant in the production of mycotoxins. The high CO₂ modified atmosphere packaging tested (90% CO₂, 5% O₂ and 5% N₂) prevented mycotoxin production.     

Sensitivity of different life stages of Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella to gaseous chlorine dioxide

Gaseous chlorine dioxide (ClO₂), a possible alternative to the fumigant methyl bromide, is a strong disinfecting agent that has strong oxidizing properties and penetration ability. The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella, is one of the most important insect pests of stored food, but its sensitivity to gaseous ClO₂ at different life stages has not yet been studied. We exposed all the life stages of P. interpunctella (i.e., eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults) to ClO₂ at different concentrations for different time periods. The results showed that 100 ppm and 200 ppm ClO₂ for 48 h and 24 h, respectively, resulted in 100% mortality of all P. interpunctella life stages. The order of sensitivity of P. interpunctella to gaseous ClO₂ was: egg > larva > pupa at 50 ppm and 100 ppm, and egg > pupa > larva at 200 ppm. The gas treatment affects the subsequent life stage of P. interpunctella: the gas-treated larvae fail to pupate or emerge as adults. These results suggest that gaseous ClO₂ is a possible alternative to methyl bromide, and it can effectively control all stages of P. interpunctella.     

植物提取物抗运动性疲劳作用的研究进展

运动性疲劳是人体脑力和体力持续活动到一定阶段时出现的一种生理现象,表现为机体生理过程不能维续其机能在特定水平上和(或)不能维持预定的运动强度。持续性的运动疲劳极易诱发运动损伤,从而给运动员或长期运动者的身体和运动表现能力带来隐患。因此,如何有效预防运动性疲劳的发生,以及如何有效恢复运动性疲劳是当前需要重点考虑的问题。近年研究表明,植物提取物在人体抗疲劳的预防和消除中有着十分重要的作用。故本文结合近些年国内外关于植物提取物的研究,综述了常见的多种植物类提取物如：多酚类、生物碱类、皂苷类、多糖类等在人体抗疲劳中的作用,及其对人体不同疲劳部位(外周疲劳、神经中枢疲劳)的抗疲劳作用机制,以期为研发新型抗运动疲劳功能产品遴选绿色、有效、安全的食源性活性成分提供一定的理论指导依据。     

苦杏仁精油对玉米象的驱避活性研究

采用饲料混药法研究了含HCN和除去HCN两种苦杏仁精油对玉米象的驱避活性,结果显示苦杏仁精油对玉米象的驱避活性随着处理时间的延长而降低,两种苦杏仁精油在24 h内对玉米象的驱避率达到了Ⅴ级,但是随着时间的延长,对玉米象的驱避率效果下降至Ⅰ级。玉米象的死亡率随着处理时间的增加而逐渐增大,最终达到了100%的死亡率。另外,含HCN和除去HCN的苦杏仁精油对玉米象的驱避活性研究结果表明含HCN的苦杏仁精油的活性显著高于除去HCN的苦杏仁精油。     

Biology,morphology and molecular characterization of Sitophilus oryzae and S. zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The present study focuses on the variations in biology, morphology and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) sequences of the two Indian populations of the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and S. zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), which occur on cereals as storage grain pests. These two species are the important pest of major importance and morphologically are very similar to each other. The biological study reveals that the developmental period, longevity, mating and premating period are longer in S. zeamais compared to S. oryzae. The developmental periods of eggs, first to fourth instar larvae, pupae and adults were 6.9, 5.8, 7.0, 8.4, 7.5, 12.5 and 3.5 days, respectively with total life cycle duration of 51.6 days in S. zeamais; and it was 5.5, 5.0, 5.7, 6.5, 7.0, 7.4 and 2.4 days, respectively with total life cycle duration of 39.1 days in S. oryzae. Morphometrics of the life stages revealed significant differences in the dimensions of length and width except in case of eggs and fourth instar larvae. Since, morphological identification were quite confusing and difficult, some characters such as dentations on fore tibia, gular suture on rostrum, apex of 8th tergite and variation in the spermatheca, are brought out as additional diagnostic characters. This study evaluated the utility of mtCOI sequences for quick and accurate species diagnosis of S. oryzae and S. zeamais independent of life stages and sex. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that among the four species of the genus Sitophilus, S. oryzae and S. zeamais cluster together (1.0 PP and 84% ML) and are closer to S. linearis (Hbst.) than S. granarius (L.).     

Deltamethrin- and spinosad-mediated survival,activity and avoidance of the grain weevils Sitophilus granarius and S. zeamais

The granary and maize weevils are serious worldwide threats to stored products and their control has heavily relied on synthetic insecticides, which are largely recommended based on studies with acute lethal doses neglecting the importance of potential sublethal effects of insecticides. Deltamethrin has been widely used for managing grain weevils and other stored grain pest species, but reported control failures with this insecticide sparked the search for alternative insecticidal compounds. The bioinsecticide spinosad is one of such alternatives whose use against stored grain insect pests is relatively recent, but encompasses the control of grain weevils. Nonetheless, little is known about the sublethal effects of spinosad on these insect pest species. Here we assessed the insecticidal effects of commercial formulations of spinosad and deltamethrin against the weevil species Sitophilus granarius and S. zeamais. Both spinosad and deltamethrin were able to effectively control the insects, although the latter caused a faster mortality than the former. Behavioral pattern changes were caused by both insecticides, especially deltamethrin, triggering irritability (i.e., avoidance after contact). Different feeding and drinking responses were also detected for both weevil species, which exhibited significant avoidance to deltamethrin and to spinosad, but with a milder response to the latter. Apparently spinosad is not as easily recognizable as deltamethrin by S. zeamais and S. granarius, remaining effective against both species without minimizing as much the potential exposure as deltamethrin.     

Action of amorphous diatomaceous earth against different stages of the stored product pests Tribolium confusum, Tenebrio molitor, Sitophilus granarius and Plodia interpunctella

Environmental and human health problems associated with the use of synthetic pesticides have prompted the demand for non-polluting, biologically specific insecticides. The current study tested the use and action of diatomaceous earth against several stored product pests. Fossil Shield(R) applied to wooden plates was lethal to adult Tenebrio molitor and Tribolium confusum, but larvae of the mealworm were unaffected. Beetles died within 14 days exposure in the absence of food to a dose of 2 and 4 g/m(2), but mortality was reduced in those fed grain bran. Fossil Shield(R) was lethal to first instar larvae of Plodia interpunctella, but not lethal to older larval stages. Two-week old larvae of T. confusum were more sensitive to diatomaceous earth than P. interpunctella at the same age. Contact with diatomaceous earth caused adult Sitophilus granarius, T. molitor and T. confusum to lose weight and reduced their water content, suggesting disruption of "the water barrier". Death of stored product insects treated with diatomaceous earth decreased with increased r.h., due to reduced transpiration through the cuticle. High r.h. delays, or above 60% can prevent, the drying action of diatomaceous earth.     

Antimicrobial activity of some plant extracts and essential oils against foodborne pathogens in vitro and on the fate of inoculated pathogens in chocolate

The efficacy of commercially available plant extracts and essential oils used extensively as flavour ingredients in confectionery products were used as antimicrobials in laboratory media against the following microorganisms: Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus. Using the disc diffusion method, inhibition zones in diameter >20 mm were observed by adding 10 μl of each antimicrobial substance on the following microorganisms: lemon flavour applied on E. coli O157:H7, lemongrass essences against S. aureus, plum using a B. cereus strain and strawberry flavour using a L. monocytogenes strain. E. coli O157:H7 strains were the most susceptible microorganisms inhibited by 18 extracts, followed by S. Typhimurium and S. aureus which were inhibited by 17 extracts. Lemon flavour, lemongrass essences, pineapple and strawberry flavour inhibited the foodborne pathogens at the lowest concentration (5 ml/100 ml). Plant extracts and essential oils with potent antimicrobial activities were tested in chocolate held at different temperatures (7 and 20 °C) in dry or humidified environment, which resulted in different a_w values of the product (i.e. 0.340, 0.450, and 0.822), in order to determine their efficacy on the fate of the inoculated pathogens. The most inhibitory action was observed by lemon flavour applied on chocolate inoculated with E. coli cocktail culture after storage at 20 °C for 9 days. Plant extracts tested on chocolate show an enhanced inhibitory effect during storage at 20 °C indicating that their application may provide protection in case of storage at the above temperature or even higher.     

Efficacy of filter cake and Triplex powders from Ethiopia applied to wheat against Sitophilus zeamais and Sitophilus oryzae

The efficacy of filter cake and Triplex powders applied to wheat was evaluated in the laboratory against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky and rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (Linnaeus)—two most common insect pests associated with stored grain in Ethiopia. Efficacy of these powders was determined by exposing 20 adults of each species to 100 g of wheat treated with 0, 100, 500, 700 and 1000 mg/kg of filter cake and Triplex. Adult mortality was determined 7 and 14 d after exposure. In addition, adult progeny production, percentage of insect damaged kernels, and percentage of grain weight loss at each species-powder-concentration-time combinations were determined after 42 d. The 7 and 14 d mortality was 100% for adults of both species exposed to 1000 mg/kg of filter cake; only the 14 d mortality of Sitophilus species was 100% for adults exposed to 700 mg/kg. Mortality of S. oryzae adults was 100% when exposed for 14 d to1000 mg/kg of Triplex. Mortality of S. zeamais never reached 100% in any Triplex treatments. Adult progeny production of S. zeamais was completely suppressed at filter cake concentrations of 700 and 1000 mg/kg, whereas 1000 mg/kg was necessary for complete suppression of S. oryzae adult progeny production. Complete suppression of adult progeny production was not observed in any Triplex treatments. Complete reduction in percentage of insect damaged kernels and percentage of grain weight loss were obtained when S. zeamais and S. oryzae adults were exposed to 1000 mg/kg of filter cake; similar reductions with S. zeamais occurred only at 1000 mg/kg of Triplex. In the case of S. oryzae, complete reduction of insect damaged kernels and grain weight loss were not achieved at any concentration of Triplex. These powders can be used as alternatives to chemical insecticides for management of Sitophilus species.     

Potential of three enhanced diatomaceous earths against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky and Prostephanus truncantus (Horn) on stored maize grain

Global health and environmental concerns against synthetic pesticides in stored-grain coupled with high cost, unavailability and inaccessibility of modern non-chemical grain treatment technologies in Africa are driving the need for low-cost and low-dose combination of readily available alternatives. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of non-registered low-dose food grade diatomaceous earths enhanced with natural grain protectants: IBS at 50, 75 and 100 ppm; IPE1 at 200, 300 and 400 ppm; IPE2 at 100, 150 and 200 ppm against Prostephanus truncatus and Sitophilus zeamais adult insects on maize. Adult insect mortality was assessed at 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment (DAT) while progeny emergence was assessed at 49 and 70 DAT for S. zeamais and P. truncatus, respectively. IBS caused significant (p < 0.05) P. truncatus and S. zeamais adult mortality at 14 and 21 DAT, respectively. Except for IPE1 at 400ppm, lower doses of IPE1 and IPE2 showed significantly low adult mortality (p < 0.05) (54-74%) on Sitophilus zeamais compared to IBS and the positive control. All rates of IPE1 and IPE2 were also not effective on P. truncatus adults, with significantly low mortality (p < 0.05) (18–38% compared to positive control). IBS at 75 and 100 ppm were effective on progeny suppression on both S. zeamais and P. truncatus but IPE1 at 400 ppm was effective on S. zeamais only. These results suggest the potential of IBS and IPE1 (at 400 ppm) as effective sustainable alternatives to synthetic grain protectants for small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa who may not afford the modern non-chemical grain protection technologies. Field efficacy of these materials under typical farmer conditions is required.     

Investigation of plant extracts for the protection of processed foods against lipid oxidation. Comparison of antioxidant assays based on radical scavenging, lipid oxidation and analysis of the principal antioxidant compounds

 Antioxidant activities of plant extracts from spices, coffee, tea, grape skin, and tomato peel slurry were evaluated using a number of analytical methods including the quantification of principal compounds. Similar rankings in the activities of these extracts were obtained by evaluating their efficiencies as scavengers of stable free radicals: Fremy's salt, galvinoxyl or α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Similar results were obtained with the lipid oxidation assays based on thermal acceleration (formation of conjugated dienes in methyl linoleate at 40  °C or the Rancimat test at 100  °C with lard). Rankings of the extract activity obtained by scavenging of hydroxyl radicals generated in the Fenton reaction were similar to those obtained by an oxygen consumption assay with linoleic acid as substrate and metmyoglobin as catalyst. However, the results of the latter two assays differed from those of the other assays. In the overall ranking, coffee and rosemary extracts were amongst the most potent extracts whereas the tomato peel slurry showed no activity. Received: 16 February 2000 / Revised version: 7 July 2000     

Effectiveness of diatomaceous earth for control of Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Tribolium castaneum and Palorus subdepressus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The effectiveness of diatomaceous earth (DE) or diatomite has been assessed against three major beetle pests of stored maize: Sitophilus zeamais (the maize weevil), Tribolium castaneum (the red flour beetle) and Palorus subdepressus (the depressed flour beetle). Maize has been treated with four doses of DE (1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 g/kg) and four doses of Actellic Super™ Dust a chemical insecticide used as a reference (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 g/kg). The effective mortality was measured for each treatment after 1, 2, 4, 7 and 14 d of exposure. The corrected mortality rates were calculated by considering the mortality in the control group. Diatomaceous earth was as effective as Actellic Super™ Dust but required higher doses. Diatomaceous earth acted faster on S. zeamais and P. subdepressus compared to T. castaneum. The highest dose tested for DE caused the same mortality in T. castaneum as the recommended dose of Actellic Super™ Dust. Diatomaceous earth is a good alternative for the control of these three devastating insect pests of maize stocks and can readily be incorporated into integrated stored products pest management programs.     

Fortification of milk with plant extracts modifies the acidification and reducing capacities of yoghurt bacteria

The acidification and reducing capacities of yoghurt bacteria were evaluated in different plant extract‐enriched milk samples. The milk samples enriched with thyme and grape seed extracts exhibited the highest values of acidification capacity for Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LB) (0.0065 pH unit/min) and Streptococcus thermophilus (ST) (0.0068 pH unit/min). The highest values of reducing capacity were observed in thyme (?0.98 mV/min), grape (?1.92 mV/min) and green tea (?0.75 mV/min)‐enriched samples for LB, ST and mixed culture of LB + ST, respectively. The fortification of yoghurt with plant extracts modified the acidification and reducing activities of starters, thus changing the fermentation time and quality attributes of the product.     

臭椿树皮提取物对玉米象和杂拟谷盗成虫的控制作用

采用索氏提取法,利用无水乙醚作为有机溶剂提取臭椿树皮提取物,并研究其在一定浓度下对重要储粮害虫玉米象和杂拟谷盗的驱避、触杀、熏蒸和种群抑制作用.结果表明,臭椿树皮提取物对玉米象成虫的驱避作用强于对杂拟谷盗成虫的驱避作用,且随着处理时间增加驱避作用均显著下降.臭椿树皮提取物对玉米象和杂拟谷盗成虫具有较强的触杀作用和熏蒸作用,在1.5μL/cm2的处理浓度下处理72 h后触杀作用校正死亡率分别达到80.6%和88.9%,熏蒸作用校正死亡率分别为83.2%和96.8%.臭椿树皮提取物对玉米象和杂拟谷盗具有较强的种群抑制作用,对二者的当代种群抑制率均达到100%,对二者的子代种群抑制率分别达到96.2%和100%.     

薰衣草精油及罗勒精油对印度谷螟幼虫的生物活性分析

为明确在室内条件下薰衣草精油、罗勒精油对印度谷螟幼虫的生物活性,采用浸渍法、滤纸药膜法测定了薰衣草精油和罗勒精油对印度谷螟幼虫的触杀和驱避作用,并分析了薰衣草精油和罗勒精油对印度谷螟幼虫触杀作用的亚致死剂量。结果表明：薰衣草精油对印度谷螟幼虫的触杀和驱避作用均强于罗勒精油,经时间24 h、体积分数为20μL/mL的薰衣草精油和罗勒精油处理后,印度谷螟幼虫的死亡率分别为24.17%和21.67%。薰衣草精油和罗勒精油在2 h下80μL/mL时对印度谷螟幼虫的驱避率均达到Ⅴ级驱避,随着时间的延长,薰衣草精油4 h时驱避率依然是Ⅴ级驱避,而罗勒精油4 h时降到了Ⅳ驱避。研究表明：薰衣草精油对印度谷螟幼虫的触杀和驱避作用在高浓度时显著高于罗勒精油;在印度谷螟的防治中薰衣草精油的应用潜力高于罗勒精油,薰衣草精油具有更高的应用价值。