Combining electrostatic powder with an insecticide: effect on stored-product beetles and on the commodity

Abstract

The results of the present study suggest that an EP could be used to reduce the amount of pirimiphos-methyl applied to grain for effective pest control, with no detrimental effects on grain quality. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

DeliveringBeauveria bassianawith electrostatic powder for the control of stored‐product beetles

“…The presence of Entostat may alter the behaviour of stored‐product insects, and can be repulsive for some species, but these responses are manifested at extremely high Entostat concentrations . When Entostat was formulated with pirimiphos‐methyl as admixture with grains, it was by far more effective for the control of S. oryzae , O. surinamensis and T. confusum than the application of pirimiphos‐methyl alone . In fact, in these studies, an up to five‐fold decrease in the dose rate of pirimiphos‐methyl was noted when the insecticide was applied with Entostat .…”

“…When Entostat was formulated with pirimiphos‐methyl as admixture with grains, it was by far more effective for the control of S. oryzae , O. surinamensis and T. confusum than the application of pirimiphos‐methyl alone . In fact, in these studies, an up to five‐fold decrease in the dose rate of pirimiphos‐methyl was noted when the insecticide was applied with Entostat . In areas where an insecticide is applied, insects can escape from the treated area (refuges), which may result in total or partial recovery of the exposed individuals and may reactivate their progeny production capacity .…”

“…36 In areas where an insecticide is applied, insects can escape from the treated area (refuges), which may result in total or partial recovery of the exposed individuals and may reactivate their progeny production capacity. 74 In the case of Entostat, the powder particles are in continuous contact with the insect's cuticle, which means that the insect, even if it is able to move away from the treated area, has continuous contact with the killing agent, 36 as it was reported when B. bassiana was combined with Entostat for the control of P. interpunctella. 38 Although the efficacy of B. bassiana against storage insects in laboratory bioassays is well documented, published information on its application in storage facilities under realistic field conditions is limited.…”

“…Moreover, males of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), treated with Entostat powder containing the insect growth regulator (IGR) methoxyfenozide were able to transmit the IGR to females through mating, resulting in reduced oviposition and progeny production . In a recent study, application of Entostat powder formulated with the organophosphorous insecticide, pirimiphos‐methyl, against stored‐product beetles resulted in significantly higher levels of mortality for most of the species tested compared to the conventional formulation . Hence, based on the above, it becomes evident that the use of electrostatically charged powders as carriers applies in a wide range of insecticides with different modes of action.…”

“…29 In a recent study, application of Entostat powder formulated with the organophosphorous insecticide, pirimiphos-methyl, against stored-product beetles resulted in significantly higher levels of mortality for most of the species tested compared to the conventional formulation. 36 Hence, based on the above, it becomes evident that the use of electrostatically charged powders as carriers applies in a wide range of insecticides with different modes of action. Wakefield et al 37 noted that the presence of Entostat had no repulsive effect on O. surinamensis adults, and suggested that Entostat could be used for the effective delivery of B. bassiana as a killing agent.…”