Control of the Angoumois Grain Moth, Sitotroga cerealella, In Stored Earcorn with Malathion in Illinois, 1959-1960

Abstract

Farm storages of earcorn were treated at various times with dusts and sprays of premium grade malathion to protect against damage by the Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Oliv.). Various dosages and two different dust formulations of premium grade malathion were tested. Untreated cribs of earcorn were utilized for comparative purposes. The tests were conducted over the spring and summer months in four counties located in the area of southern Illinois threatened by the Angoumois grain moth. All treatments tested provided good to excellent control of the Angoumois grain moth from April through August. An 89.4% average reduction in damage was obtained for all treatments during the two seasons of tests. This amounted to a savings due to treatment each year of 952 pounds, or 17 bushels, in each 1000 bushels of earcorn under storage. Eleven of the twelve cribs of untreated earcorn dropped one or more grades due to damage by the Angoumois grain moth while not a single treated crib of earcorn dropped in grade. The numbers of other stored-grain insect pests were reduced 80% by these treatments. It was suggested that a single application of a spray to the surface and sides of the earcorn in April or a single dust treatment applied at the time the corn is cribbed in the fall is the most practical method of application. Treatments of this type would adequately protect stored carcorn in southern Illinois from damage by the Angoumois grain moth for approximately a full season, This would be an advantage to any farmer storing earcorn beyond the middle of June in this area.