Control of Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) using two concentrations of phosphine gas with different exposure time, in grains of corn
Abstract
It is estimated that 10 % of post-harvest losses of grain are related to insect infestation in storage. Several control methods are studied, including the use of phosphine gas. This work aimed to study the mortality of Sitophilus zeamais (50 insects), Tribolium castaneum (20 insects) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (20 insects) using phosphine gas at concentrations of 1 and 2 g m–3. Cylindrical chambers were used for the storage of corn and jars to hold the insects. The duration of the purge was five, seven and nine days for each treatment. Besides the mortality was also analyzed the concentration of phosphine gas inside the chambers and the emergence of insects in grain purged. The control treatment was free of fumigation. In all periods of purge, was obtained 100 % mortality for the three species studied, both concentrations of phosphine. The phosphine gas concentration has decreased over time and there was no emer- gence of offspring at 30 days. It is concluded that phosphine concentrations of 1 and 2 g m–3 is effective in controlling S. zeamais, T. castaneum and C. ferrugineus without producing offspring.
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