Performance of Iranian diatomaceous earth alone and in combination with Mentha longifolia extract compared to Silicosec® formulation to protect different cereal grains against Tribolium confusum

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

Abstract

The use of synthetic contact insecticides is one of the common strategies to prevent the damage of storage pests. Considering the economic importance of storage insect pests and their resistance to common chemical insecticides, it is necessary to find a safe, suitable, economical and durable method. In this research, the insecticidal activity of 400 mg/kg concentration of a commercial formulation, Silicosec®, an Iranian formulation Dryasil, Dryasil + 0.05% Mentha longifolia extract, talcum powder alone, talcum powder + 0.05% of M. longifolia extract was evaluated on Tribolium confusum adults in different grains including wheat, barley, rice, paddy rice and corn. Untreated grains were considered as negative controls and grains treated with talcum powder were considered as positive controls. The mortality of adult insects were counted 1, 5, 7, 10 and 14 days after treatment. In most cases, the Dryasil formulation followed by Silicosec® significantly controlled the tested insect population in the grain mass. The mean mortality percentage of T. confusum 14 days after treatment in wheat, barley, rice, paddy and corn treated with Dryasil formulation was reported 54.44, 80.0, 54.44, 45.55, and 45.55 %, respectively. In the same time period, Silicosec® was able to control 56.66, 65.55, 34.44, 50.0, and 43.33% of T. confusum adults in wheat, barley, rice, paddy rice and corn, respectively. The results showed that the insecticidal efficacy of diatomaceous earth increased over time. Moreover, Dryasil can be recommended as a suitable grain protectant to control storage insect pests.

Keywords


References
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