Evaluation of different control methods on the rust flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

The presented study aimed to evaluate the different control methods of the rusty flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of a chemical pesticide (Mala-thion), biopesticide (Tracer 24% SC), plant oil (Lemongrass oil), plant extraction (Ac-etone extracts from Rosemary), powder (Diatomaceous earth) and modified Atmosphere (argon gas). Mortality percentage increased with increase of exposure times at all tested concentrations. The toxicity effect of different treatments against adults of T. castaneum at the LC 50 after 7 days post-treatment at 30±1°C could be arranged in descending order as follows: Malathion, Tracer 24% and lemongrass oil, while, acetone extracts from Rosemary and diatomaceous earth (DE) were the least effective. The LT 50 values against the adult stage of T. castaneum were 19.99, 2.33 and 4.86 hr. for Argon 100, 80 and 60%, respectively. In order to avoid the disadvantages of using chemical insecticides such as malathion, it is recommended to use other more safe control methods for the environment as Tracer 24%