Use Of Modified Atmosphere As A control Method Against Some Insects Of stored Products

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of modified atmosphere method for controlling the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae and the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella. Data revealed that cumulative mortality percentages of the different stages were increased as the exposure period to the tested gas (CO2, N2 and O2 and their mixtures) increased. Adult stage was the most sensitive to the gases than the other stages of both tested insects. Recording the shortest period to induce a complete kill. Some biological aspects ofP. interpunctella individuals descended eggs and larvae such as %pupation and %emergence were studied. Data revealed that pupation and emergence percentages were differed depending on the ages treated of eggs and larvae as well as the exposure periods. Carbon dioxide was more effective at the highest temperature (30 ˚C) than the lowest one (20 ˚C). It was noticed that N2 was less toxic than CO2 against the tested insect at different periods of exposure. Comparative study of one of the most known pesticides (malathion) as a chemical protectant for stored grains and the controlled atmosphere method was estimated. Germination of wheat grains, which were exposed to two tested gases, was also tested.