Control of Stored Agro-Commodity Pests Sitophilus granarius and Callosobruchus chinensis by Nitrogen Hypoxic Atmospheres: Laboratory and Field Validations

Abstract

Given the complexity of the practical usage of controlled atmospheres for the protection of agro-commodities, several researchers have pointed out that there is not enough robust scientific documentation regarding the usage of inert gases for their widespread practical application. Therefore, this work evaluated various regimes of hypoxic and anoxic nitrogen atmospheres for the control of two key stored-product pests, in laboratory and under field conditions in silos. Sitophilus granarius and Callosobruchus chinensis were selected as the tested species since they are important pests of grain/rice or legumes in Europe and Asia. Under laboratory conditions, we tested nitrogen (N2) concentrations (from 95 to 100%) and exposure times (1–20 days) on the developmental stages of both pest species. In most developmental stages of S. granarius and C. chinensis, the shortest effective exposure was found for nitrogen concentration of 99%. Based on our laboratory tests, validation studies were subsequently carried out in semi-hermetic steel silos (25t) using continuous nitrogen saturation by on-site built swing pressure generators. It was found that a full control of all stages of S. granarius and C. chinensis was achieved in 11 days of nitrogen exposure, using concentrations ranging above 99% and below 100%. Our work shows that hypoxic nitrogen treatment can be effectively achieved in small steel silos under proper technological and environmental conditions.

Effect of Nitrogen on Stored-Product Insect Control at Industrial Scale

“…In our case, this is where we have found most of the survival, suggesting that the exposure intervals should be longer. Vials with already-infested grains have been proven useful in different types of trials at a commercial scale, such as in heat treatments [ 32 ], phosphine application [ 33 , 34 , 35 ], and also in modified atmospheres [ 15 , 17 , 19 ]. This technique suggested that, in contrast with T. confusum , our tests showed that the “short protocol” was unable to provide 100% kill of R. dominica adults.…”

Enhancing Food Grains Storage Systems through Insect Pest Detection and Control Measures for Maize and Beans: Ensuring Food Security Post-COVID-19 Tanzania

“…Ref. [105] demonstrated that controlling S. granaries and C. chinensis can be achieved by using hypoxic nitrogen at concentrations ranging from 99% to 100% in silos. The resistance of host plants to storage pests is influenced by biochemical and physical characteristics, such as high phenolic concentrations [106].…”

Insect-resistance test of Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on several maize hybrid lines

“…The longer the storage, the higher the population. Warehouses that are too dark and humid can trigger the growth of micro-organisms that destroy seeds [11,12] Several techniques to control the maize weevil have been studied previously such as new technologies and traditional technologies using plant extract [13,14], combination of biotic controlling agent [15,16], abiotic control [12,17], insecticide [18], and genetic resistance techniques [19,20,21]. Based on those techniques, the selection based on the resistance level to the S. zeamais is important to understand and can be used in breeding programs [22].…”