First Trial to Assess Gamma-Irradiation and Diatomaceous Earth Combination on Mortality of some Stored Product Insects

Abstract

This study was designed to characterize the combination of gamma-irradiation and food grade diatomaceous earth(Wolf Creek ranch, California, USA) as diatomaceous earth formulation (DE) treatment against three of stored product insect pests [Sitophilusgranarius(L), Triboliumcastaneum(Herbst.) and Rhyzoperthadominica,(F)]in the laboratory. The study was assessed the killing effect of γ-irradiation at 0,50,100 and 250 Gray against these pests. As well as 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg (w/w) concentrations of DE formulation alone or in combination with irradiation were assessed. The obtained results indicated that the mixing between two insect control methods had the combined advantages of quick speed of killing and a high level of safety. Where, the LT 50 have a wide range of values and the combined treatments of γ-irradiation and treatment with DE maybe were the most influencing factors reducing lifespan after treatments. In this laboratory study the combination between DE (1g/kg) and irradiated the tested pests with (100 Gy) of gamma ray produced a potentiation and additive interactions in the case of T. castaneumandR.dominica F adults, while the same combination produced an antagonistic interactionin the case of S. granariusadults. Our finding stated that the use of 'control method' γ-irradiation in conjunction with DE could be a feasible strategic component in Insect Pest Management; IPM in operational modality might be 'sequential' against the tested pests. That is to apply irradiation to eliminate existing census personnel. This is then followed by the addition of DE to the grain to prevent the re-infestation.

A comprehensive review on advances in storage pest management: Current scenario and future prospects

“…Chiluwal et al (2019) exposed C. chinensis adults to gamma radiation (0, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 Gy) and found that female fecundity, hatchability, and adult fertility reduced after the dose of 300 Gy. Sileem et al (2019) studied the effect of gamma-irradiation in combination with food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) against S. granarius, T. castaneum, and R. dominica. Among their treatments, the combination of 100 Gy gamma-radiation exposure with DE @ 1 g/kg was found significant with complete mortality.…”

Histological Variants Induced by Gamma Irradiation in the Alimentary Tract of Callosbruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

“…The control of storage pests was depending on the use of chemical techniques; these compounds have been recorded to be operative towards C. maculatus and other insects [3]. Because of the problems of numerous insecticides including; unavailability, high persistence, being expensive, resistance and risks to the environment and public health, research is being oriented to alternative control measures such as heat treatments, use of insect hormones, bio-pesticides, irradiation, and integrated pest management [15,31]. Irradiation was used as phytosanitary management for agricultural products since the International plant protection convention (IPPC) mentioned the recommendations and simplified trade based on these phytosanitary methods [15,16].…”