Analysis and simulation modelling of population dynamics and bioenergetics ofCryptolestes ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) in stored wheat

The consequences of infestation of stored wheat by the rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) was determined for 222 d at 30°C in 70-1 drums containing wheat at 13.5% moisture content. Temperature, grain moisture, seed damage, germination and weight, dust weight, fat acidity values (FAV), published data on growth, reproduction, survival and cannibalism rates and energy budget were used to develop a computer simulation model to simulate the population dynamics of C. ferrugineus at 30°C. In the insect-free control system, the fungi, Alternaria alternata decreased, Aspergillus glaucus group and Penicillium spp. increased, probably causing a rise in FAV of the grain. In the insect-infested system, C. ferrugineus could only eat the wheat germ of kernels that had a broken bran layer; 35.7% of the wheat germ or 914.6 J per 100 kernels was consumed. Within two generations after initial introduction, C. ferrugineus reached a peak in numbers and biomass polluting the ecosystem with excreta and remains, and accelerating the deteriorative process observed in the insect-free control system by increasing respiration temperature, FAV and reducing grain germination. After 87 d, the insect population declined to low levels. The simulation model provided a close match between the observed and predicted numbers of insect life stages and bioenergetic variables during the insect population growth phase. Simulation trials suggested that cannibalism of larger compared with smaller immature stages would be more wasteful of developmental time and energy, reducing the number of individuals reaching reproductive age, and that density-dependent fecundity was probably not an important regulatory mechanism of C. ferrugineus population dynamics in this study.     

Behavioural responses of Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Tribolium castaneum and Tribolium confusum to naturally and artificially damaged durum wheat kernels

Observations on behavioural activity involved in the host selection by secondary pests of stored grains, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Linnaeus), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Tribolium confusum J. du Val, with respect to intact and mechanically or naturally damaged kernels are reported. Our results indicate that the attraction of secondary pests is facilitated by broken grain kernels, which resulted from either mechanical damage during harvesting and/or binning procedures, or the feeding activity of primary insect pests. Insect damaged kernels were more attractive to O. surinamensis, T. castaneum and T. confusum than whole kernels; in addition insect damaged kernels elicit more attractiveness than mechanically split kernels. The damage caused by primary pests, such as Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius) and Sitophilus oryzae (Linnaeus), on whole kernels may facilitate colonization by secondary pests, which continue damaging the cereals. O. surinamensis, T. castaneum and T. confusum utilize the grain volatile odours to distinguish whether the grain kernels of the stored cereals are damaged mechanically or by insects.     

Response of Tribolium castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica to various resources,near and far from grain storage

Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) are common cosmopolitan pests of stored grain and grain products. We evaluated the relative attraction of T. castaneum and R. dominica to wheat, sorghum and cotton seeds in the field, near grain storage facilities and well away from storages in southern and central Queensland using multiple trapping techniques. The results show that T. castaneum is more strongly attracted to linted cotton seed relative to wheat, whereas R. dominica did not respond to cotton seed at all and was attracted only to wheat. Significantly more adults of T. castaneum (10–15 times) were attracted to traps placed on the ground, near grain storage, than to equivalent traps that were suspended (1.5 m above the ground) nearby. These results suggest that Tribolium beetles detect and respond to resources towards the end of their dispersal flight, after which they localize resources while walking. By contrast R. dominica was captured only in suspended traps, which suggests they fly directly onto resources as they localize them. The ability of both species to colonize and reproduce in isolated resource patches within the relatively short time of 1 month is illustrated by the returns from the traps deployed in the field (at least 1 km from the nearest stored grain) even though they caught only a few beetles. The results presented here provide novel insights about the resource location behaviours of both T. castaneum and R. dominica. In particular, the relationship of T. castaneum with non‐cereal resources that are not conventionally associated with this species suggests an emphasis on these other resources in investigating the resource location behaviour of these beetles. This new perspective on the ecology of T. castaneum highlights the potential role of non‐cereal resources (such as the lint on cotton seed) in the spread of grain pest infestations.     

Using different amounts of vacuum and acrolein in various exposure periods to control two stored products insects

In this research, adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius) were exposed to various air pressures solely (first phase) and air pressures together with acrolein (second phase) in various durations and mortality rates were determined. Complete mortality of T. castaneum was obtained at 1, 3 and 6 h after exposure to 10, 30 and 50 mmHg, respectively. R. dominica showed 96.25% and 60% mortality during 3 and 10 h exposed to 10 and 30 mmHg, respectively. Percentage mortality of the insects in second phase was significantly higher than the rate in first phase. T. castaneum was more susceptible than R. dominica in the both phases.     

Effect of ozone on respiration of adult Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.)

The effect of ozone on the respiration of three species of adult stored-product Coleoptera was tested in an air-tight flask. Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) adults were exposed to atmosphere containing 0.1, 0.2 or 0.4 μg/ml initial ozone at 23–25 °C and 50% r.h. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) production reflected the respiration rates of insects and was determined with a gas chromatograph (GC). The experiments showed that the effects of ozone on respiration had two distinct phases. Phase 1 involved a lower respiration rate of the adult stored-product Coleoptera under ozone atmosphere and reflected the need for insects to reduce ozone toxicity. After 1 h, CO₂ production of S. oryzae was 3.19, 2.63, 2.27 and 1.99 μl/mg for the ozone concentration of 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 μg/ml, respectively. The results also showed that there were decreases in the rate of respiration in R. dominica and T. castaneum with an increase in ozone concentration. During phase 2, respiration of S. oryzae, R. dominica, and T. castaneum adults treated with ozone increased as the ozone degraded to oxygen. After 7 h, the effect of ozone on CO₂ production, relative to the control, changed from a decrease to an increase. The findings in relation to control strategies were discussed.     

Avidin and streptavidin as insecticidal and growth inhibiting dietary proteins

Avidin was found to be an insecticidal and growth inhibiting dietary protein for five species of Coleoptera (red flour beetle,Tribolium castaneum, confused flour beetle,T. confusum, sawtoothed grain beetle,Oryzaphilus surinamensis, rice weevil,Sitophilus oryzae, and lesser grain borer,Rhyzopertha dominica) and two species of Lepidoptera (European corn borer,Ostrinia nubilalis, and Indianmeal moth,Plodia interpunctella). At levels ranging from 10 to 1000 ppm in the diet depending on the species, avidin retarded the growth and caused mortality of all seven species. Addition of biotin to the avidin-treated diets forT. castaneum, T. confusum, R. dominica, andO. nubilalis prevented the growth inhibition and mortality caused by avidin. Streptavidin exhibited similar insecticidal and growth inhibiting activity towardsT. castaneum andO. nubilalis. The results support the hypothesis that feeding avidin or streptavidin to insects causes a biotin deficiency which in turn leads to stunted growth and mortality. Avidin and streptavidin are insect growth inhibiting proteins whose genes potentially could be manipulated into plants and provide host plant resistance to insect pests. This research was conducted by the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture in coperation with the Department of Biotechnology Research, Pioneer Hi-Bred International. Mention of an insecticide or proprietary product does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by the USDA.     

Outdoor flight activity and immigration of Rhyzopertha dominica into seed wheat warehouses

The flight activity of lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica F. (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), was monitored at two Foundation seed wheat warehouses during the 2003 and 2004 field seasons, using pheromone‐baited Lindgren funnel traps positioned indoors and outdoors. General stored‐product insect activity was also monitored using unbaited sticky traps positioned inside the warehouses around overhead doors. Pheromone‐baited traps were useful for monitoring R. dominica activity, however insect captures decreased when lures were not changed weekly. Flight peaks were documented in early May and again from September through October, and insect captures inside warehouses correlated with timing of outdoor captures. Multiple regression analyses showed that slightly more than half of the variability in R. dominica captures could be explained by mean ambient air temperature and wind speed during the 2 h preceding sunset. Stored‐product Coleoptera captured on unbaited glue boards around overhead doors included Ahasverus advena, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, R. dominica, Sitophilus oryzae, Tribolium castaneum, Trogoderma variabile, and Typhaea stercorea. Door gaskets significantly reduced the number of insect captures on glue boards placed around the overhead doors, and generally restricted their entry to ground level. These studies demonstrated that outdoor pheromone‐baited traps are effective monitoring tools for determining when grain‐handling facilities are most susceptible to infestation and that exclusion may be an effective component of a pest management program.     

Effect of five diatomaceous earth formulations against Tribofium castaneum （Coleoptera： Tenebrionidae）, Oryzaephflus surinamensis （Coleoptera： Silvanidae） and Rhyzopertha dominica （Coleoptera： Bostrychidae）

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to determine the effect of food source on the survival of Tribolium castaneum Herbst, Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. and Rhyzopertha dominica F., after exposure to five diatomaceous earth （DE） formulations： Protect-It, Insecto, Perma-GuardTM, Dryacide and SilicoSec. Adults of these species were exposed to DEs at the rate of 0.5 mg/cm^2 for 1 day on filter paper inside plastic Petri dishes. After exposure, the initial mortality was counted and live individuals of the three species were held for a week in glass vials containing 50 mg wheat flour, rice and whole wheat, respectively. In the second experiment, after 1 day exposure to DEs, beetles were transferred to Petri dishes without food and held for a week to determine if the presence of food source would decrease the mortality of beetles. Experiments were carried out at 27℃ and 55% RH in the dark. The initial mortality in both of the experiments reached 100% for the three species exposed to Protect-It and in the case ofR. dominica and O. surinamensis exposed to Dryacide. In contrast, low level of mortality （〈 10%） was observed for T. castaneum exposed to Perma-GuardTM and Insecto. The mortality after the post-treatment period on food was decreased for the three species exposed to Perma-GuardTM and in the case of T. castaneum and R. dominica exposed to Insecto and SilicoSec. Adults of O. surinamensis were the most susceptible followed by R. dominica and 100% adult mortality was obtained, whereas T. castaneum were the least susceptible beetles to DEs. Protect-It and Dryacide were the most efficient DE formulations and can be used effectively in a stored grain integrated pest management program.     

Invasion of sorghum seed by storage fungi at moisture contents of 13.5–15 % and condition of samples from commercial bins

In sorghum seed stored at 22–25° C for 535 days, invasion by storage fungi and loss of germinability increased greatly with small increases in moisture content between 13.5 and 15.5 %. Seeds dried for 18 hours at 70° C, then exposed to a relative humidity of 75 %, had a lower equilibrium moisture content, but were more heavily invaded by storage fungi and lost germinability fsater, than those that had been conditioned to 20 % moisture before storage at 75 % relative humidity. The 10 samples of Grade No. 2 sorghum examined averaged about 13.0 % moisture, germinated an average of 59 %, yieldedAlternaria from 75 % of the surface-disinfected kernels andAspergillus glaucus from 4 %; judged by these criteria, the lots from which the samples came were in good condition for continued storage.     

Mycotoxin-producing potential of fungi isolated from red kidney beans

The predominant fungi present in samples of reject and retail red kidney beans were Aspergillus glaucus, Penicillium spp. and Alternaria spp. Together with A. ochraceus, A. flavus, Fusarium spp., and Trichoderma, these isolates from the reject beans were screened for numerous mycotoxins by TLC. The most consistently produced mycotoxins were penicillic acid (from A. ochraceus and Penicillium spp.) and Alternaria toxins (tenuazonic acid and alternariol). A. glaucus strains were tested for cytotoxicity in three tissue culture cell lines with positive results.     

Voracity of the main stored-product insect pests on wheat grain

The results of an experimental study of voracity of adults and larvae of seven main stored-product insect pests are described. One adult of Sitophilus oryzae, S. granarius, Rhizopertha dominica, Tribolium castaneum, T. confusum, and Oryzaephilus surinamensis consumed 0.38, 0.48, 0.89, 0.15, 0.16, and 0.11 mg of wheat grain per day, respectively. During their development, larvae of these insects consumed 7.60, 13.77, 7.92, 3.32, 3.60, and 2.32 mg of wheat grain, respectively. One larva of Sitotroga cerealella consumed 17.46 mg of wheat grain. The coefficients of harmfulness of these species are calculated, and a method for estimating the “total infestation density” of grain is proposed.     

The behaviour of 9 stored product beetles at pitfall trap arenas and their capture in millet

Pitfall trap capture forSitophilus oryzae (L.),S. zeamais (Motschulsky),S. granarius (L.),Tribolium confusum (Duval),T. castaneum (Herbst);Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.),Cryptolestes pusillus (Schonherr),Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabr.), andProstephanus truncatus (Horn) in millet was assessed by visual and time-lapse video recordings. The behaviour of different beetle species in arenas containing millet was monitored over 24 h and the frequency of encounters with the trap rim resulting in capture recorded. The capture efficiency of four types of pitfall traps (i.e. polystyrene, polythene, glass and tin-plated steel can) with rims exposed or submerged below the millet surface level were compared. Capture was related to beetle size, locomotory rate, and beetle behaviour at the trap rim as well as trap design and placement. The lighter and smaller species were least captured. Glass jars were more effective than plastic and metal containers. Traps placed with their rims submerged below the grain surface level were more efficient than those with rims exposed. Capture rate was unrelated to trap size. The frequency of encounters with trap rims was not correlated with capture rate. Three types of avoidance behaviours at the trap rims i.e. probing, skirting and spontaneous retreat, were related to capture rate, spontaneous retreat being the most effective escape mechanism and probing least.     

Potential of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid and the oxadiazine indoxacarb for controlling five coleopteran pests of stored grain

Abstract The potential for using imidacloprid (a neonicotinoid) and indoxacarb (an oxadiazine) as grain protectants was investigated in bioassays against resistant strains of five stored grain beetles. The species investigated were Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (the lesser grain borer), Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (the rice weevil), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (the rust‐red flour beetle), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (the saw tooth flour beetle), and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (the flat grain beetle). Each of these species has developed resistance to one or more protectants, including organophosphorus insecticides, synthetic pyrethroids and the juvenile hormone analogue methoprene. Mortality and reproduction after a 2‐week exposure of adults to treated wheat depended on species, dose and insecticide. Imidacloprid had no effect on S. oryzae at any dose, but none of the other species produced any live progeny at 10 mg/kg. Indoxacarb had no effect on T. castaneum at any dose, but none of the other species produced any live progeny at 5 mg/kg. The results show that although both imidacloprid and indoxacarb can control at least four of the five key pests tested at doses comparable to those used for organophosphorus protectants, more potent neonicotinoid or oxadiazine insecticides would be needed than either of these to provide broad spectrum protection of stored grain.     

Parasitism by the mite Acarophenax lacunatus on beetle pests of stored products

Recent reports of the biocontrolpotential of the mite species Acarophenaxlacunatus (Cross & Krantz) (Prostigmata:Acarophenacidae) and the lack of biologicalstudies on this regulatory agent led to thepresent study carried out under laboratoryconditions. The objective of the investigationwas to assess the host range of A. lacunatus,so far only reported as egg parasite ofRhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera:Bostrichidae). Four Coleoptera species ofstored cereals were used: R. dominica,Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Tenebrionidae),Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens)(Laemophloeidae) and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Cucujidae). The highest rates of eggparasitism were observed on R. dominica and T.castaneum, leading to a significant decrease ofpopulations of both species and reduced wheatweight loss. A. lacunatus was also able toparasitize eggs of C. ferrugineus, but not ofO. surinamensis. These results indicate abroader host range of A. lacunatus thaninitially suspected and also strengthen itspossibility of use in integrated pestmanagement programs in storage environments.     

Canonical correlation analysis of abiotic and biotic variates in insect-infested grain bulks

Summary The impact of insect infestation on several biotic and abiotic variates in 3 small bulk-wheat ecosystems was studied by measuring these variates at monthly intervals during 1969–1970. One ecosystem was insect-free, the second was artificially infested with Cryptolestes ferrugineus and Oryzaephilus surinamensis, and the third with Sitophilus granarius and Tribolium castaneum. The relationships between 8 environmental and 8 entomological and microbial variates were examined by canonical correlation analyses. The degree of predictability (R _c ² ) of the first pair of canonical variates in the 3 ecosystems ranged from 80% to 95%. The first 2 pairs of canonical variates were highly significant in all 3 analyses (P<0.01). In the insect-free ecosystems the canonical variates revealed that temperature and the period of storage were the primary environmental antecedents involved and the criterion was composed primarily of the field fungus Alternaria and the storage fungus Aspergillus. In the second ecosystem uric acid level in the grain bulk was an additional environmental factor that affected the population of both species of insects and 3 kinds of fungi Altrnaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. In the third ecosystem temperature, time, uric acid and moisture interacted collectively, with density of insect populations, reduction of Alternaria, and increase of Aspergillus.Contribution No. 502 from Research Station, Canada Department of Agriculture, Winnipeg, Canada. Based partly on a paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of America, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., on 28 December, 1970.     

Studies on seed-borne fungi of wheat in seed health testing programme

Seed mycoflora associated with wheat was studied on different media with a particular reference to Blotter and potato dextrose agar (PDA) procedures of ISTA. Seed-borne fungi, viz. Fusarium moniliforme, Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata, Drechslera spp, Alternaria spp. and Penicillium spp., were isolated from the variety HD264. Blotter method was found to be the best media for the isolation of mycoflora whether borne externally or internally. Total number and frequency of occurrence of fungi were recorded. The effect of seed treatment with different chemicals and eco-friendly botanicals was analysed on germination, and growth, better percentage of seed germination and reduction in fungal pathogen were due to biochemical seed treatment.     

Fungi Isolated from Damaged Flue-cured Tobacco

Species of Aspergillus were the most prevalent fungi isolated from 51 samples of damaged flue-cured tobacco of the 1966 U.S. crop, comprising 57% of the total isolates. Other prevalent fungi were Penicillium (16%), Alternaria (8%), Cladosporium (4%), and Chaetomium (4%). Members of the Aspergillus glaucus group were isolated most frequently from samples with moisture contents ranging from 18 to 28%, whereas Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Penicillium were isolated consistently from samples containing 24 to 32% moisture. Aspergillus niger was prevalent in tobacco ranging in moisture content from 18 to 30%.     

The relative toxicity and persistence of insecticides applied as water-dispersible powders against stored-product beetles

Twelve insecticides, formulated as water-dispersible powders, were applied to strips of filter paper and their toxicities to eight species of stored-product beetles were determined. The insecticides were DDT, methoxychlor, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, synergized pyrethrins, malathion, fenthion, Chlorthion, diazinon, trichlorphon and carbaryl. The insects were adults of Sitophilus granarius (L.), S. zeamais Mots., Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Stegobium paniceum (L.), Lasioderma serricorne (F.), and Ptinus tectus Boield. Tables of LD 50 values are presented in terms of deposits of active ingredient between the limits investigated, namely 0.625 and 80 mg./sq.ft., for 2-day and 3-day periods of continuous exposure at 25d? C. and 70% R.H. The data give a broad view of the susceptibility of each insect species to the different insecticides, the effectiveness of each insecticide against the range of insect species, and the speed of action of the insecticides. Trichlorphon had a very low toxicity to all species except O. surinamensis and was omitted from further testing. Deposits of the remaining eleven water-dispersible powders on filter paper were stored and tested at intervals up to 16 months. This yielded information on the persistence of the formulations after application to a chemically inert substrate. Five of the insecticides-malathion, fenthion, Chlorthion, diazinon and carbaryl were then investigated for their persistence on cement, tile, whitewash on tile, wood, and sacking. This test revealed loss of effectiveness of some of the organophosphorus insecticides because of volatility or of alkalinity of the substrate, although some of the results obtained with tiles were difficult to explain. Factors such as surface activity, porosity and real surface area may have played a role, as well as the physical state of the insecticide in the formulation.     

Fumigant toxicity of essential oil of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.) against three major stored product beetles

Application of plants essential oil for the evaluation of their fumigant toxicity and insecticidal properties is the goal of many researches. In this study, aerial parts of Artemisia vulgaris L. were subjected to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, and the chemical composition of the volatile oils was studied by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Alpha-Pinene (23.56) was the main component of the essential oil. Insecticidal activity of the oil was evaluated against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and Rhizopertha dominica (F.) after 24, 48 and 72 h. After 24-h exposure time, C. maculatus was more susceptible (LC₅₀ = 52.47 μl/l air) and T. castaneum was more tolerant (LC₅₀ = 279.86 μl/l air) than other species. LT₅₀ values were indicated using highest concentration of LC₅₀ tests for three species. In general, mortality increased as the doses of essential oil and exposure time increased. These results proposed that A. vulgaris oil might have potential as a control agent against T. castaneum, R. dominica and especially C. maculates in storages.     

水菖蒲活性物质β-细辛醚对四种储粮害虫的熏蒸活性

植物性次生物质在植物-害虫的关系中起着非常重要的作用, 植物中的一些成分对害虫具有熏蒸、触杀和驱避等作用。水菖蒲Acorus calamus L.是一种常用中药, 它的主要杀虫活性成分为β-细辛醚。本研究通过室内生测试验研究了水菖蒲根茎提取物β-细辛醚对玉米象Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky、谷蠹Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius)、赤拟谷盗Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)和四纹豆象Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) 4种储粮害虫的熏蒸击倒和致死作用。结果表明: β-细辛醚对4种试虫的熏蒸击倒和致死作用明显。以50 μL/L的浓度处理120 h后, 对玉米象、谷蠹和四纹豆象的击倒作用均达到100%, 而对赤拟谷盗击倒率为50%; 玉米象、谷蠹和四纹豆象的死亡率分别为81.23%, 97.78%和100%, 而赤拟谷盗死亡率仅为8.89%。处理24 h, β-细辛醚对玉米象、谷蠹、赤拟谷盗和四纹豆象的KC50分别为49.38, 102.96, 124.04和1.07 μL/L; 处理120 h, β-细辛醚对玉米象、谷蠹、赤拟谷盗和四纹豆象的LC50分别为17.82, 4.42, 116.48和0.73 μL/L。结果显示水菖蒲根茎提取物β-细辛醚对4种储粮害虫均具有明显的熏蒸效果, 具有开发为储粮害虫熏蒸剂的潜力。