Potential of three enhanced diatomaceous earths against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky and Prostephanus truncantus (Horn) on stored maize grain

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jspr.2020.101608
• Publication Date: 2020-04-12T03:08:09Z
• Authors: Justice Zhanda; Brighton M. Mvumi; Honest Machekano
• Keywords: Maize weevil

Abstract Global health and environmental concerns against synthetic pesticides in stored-grain coupled with high cost, unavailability and inaccessibility of modern non-chemical grain treatment technologies in Africa are driving the need for low-cost and low-dose combination of readily available alternatives. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of non-registered low-dose food grade diatomaceous earths enhanced with natural grain protectants: IBS at 50, 75 and 100 ppm; IPE1 at 200, 300 and 400 ppm; IPE2 at 100, 150 and 200 ppm against Prostephanus truncatus and Sitophilus zeamais adult insects on maize. Adult insect mortality was assessed at 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment (DAT) while progeny emergence was assessed at 49 and 70 DAT for S. zeamais and P. truncatus, respectively. IBS caused significant (p