Comparative effectiveness of different modified atmospheres enriched with carbon dioxide and nitrogen on larval instars of almond moth Ephestia cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

• Published in: Journal of stored products research 2014-10, Vol.59, p.314-319
• Main Authors: Hashem, Mohamed Y., Ahmed, Sayeda S., El-Mohandes, Mohsen A., Hussain, Abd Rabou E., Ghazy, Saad M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; Dried fruits; Ephestia cautella; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gases; General agronomy. Plant production; Harvesting. Postharvest. Storage; Invertebrates; Lepidoptera; Medically important nuisances and vectors, pests of stored products and materials: population survey and control; Mortality; Pests of stored products; Prunus dulcis; Pyralidae; Susceptibility; Toxicity; Vegetative propagation. Sowing and planting. Harvesting
• ISSN: 0022-474X; 1879-1212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jspr.2014.09.006

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of modified atmospheres (MAs) based on either high carbon dioxide (CO2) or high nitrogen (N2) contents at 30 °C in controlling all larval instars of the almond moth Ephestia cautella, a major pest of dried fruits. The tested MAs were 20%, 40%, and 60% CO2 in air, as well as 97% and 98% N2, with different exposure times. Results showed that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th instar larval mortalities of E. cautella responding to modified atmospheres (MAs) enriched with either CO2 or N2 increased significantly (P