In vitro assay and morphological characterization of a new product based on diatomaceous earth for lesser mealworm control in poultry houses

Luis Francisco Angeli Alves,Claudecir Castilho Martins,Victor Michelon Alves,Margaret Seghetto Nardelli

doi:10.1590/1808-1657000782015

Luis Francisco Angeli Alves, Claudecir Castilho Martins + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1808-1657000782015

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Abstract

ABSTRACT: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an inert powder obtained from milling the fossilized deposits of diatoms. Mainly composed of silica dioxide, DE is highly hygroscopic and is recommended for use in poultry houses as an evironmental conditioner, with a secondary action being the reduction of lesser mealworm populations Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer). This study aimed to characterize and assess the insecticidal activity of a new environmental conditioner for poultry houses (Poultry Sec®, Vet Science Bio Solution, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil) in the laboratory. The study was conducted by adding DE to poultry feed (1, 2 and 3 g DE/kg feed), as well as by applying the DE to the poultry litter (86 and 172 g DE/m2), with A. diaperinus adults (26°C in the dark for 10 days). DE samples were analyzed by optical microscopy to measure and count the frustules and to identify the genera of the components. The insecticidal action of the product was observed. When applied to the litter, the DE caused between 83 and 85% mortality. With respect to the qualitative analysis of the diatoms, we estimated the concentration of 1.2 × 106 individuals/g of the product, distributed in nine distinct genera, with Brachysira Kützing being the predominant genus (40%).

Highlights

The lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) is a worldwide pest of poultry facilities
This lesser mealworm is controlled by pyrethroid insecticides applied superficially on the poultry litter
The insecticidal action of diatomaceous earth (DE) against the lesser mealworm has been proven in the laboratory (ALVES et al, 2006; JAPP et al, 2008; JAPP et al, 2010)

Summary

Introduction

The lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) is a worldwide pest of poultry facilities. Adults live in the litter (CHERNAKI; ALMEIDA, 2001) These insects are ingested by the poultry instead of feed, which affects the growth and health of the birds because these insects are a potential vector of pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella sp., Campylobacter sp. (SKOV et al, 2004; VITTORI et al, 2007; HAZELEGER et al, 2008; JAPP et al, 2008; CHERNAKI-LEFFER et al, 2010) This lesser mealworm is controlled by pyrethroid insecticides applied superficially on the poultry litter. Studies with entomopathogenic fungi (ROHDE et al, 2006; ALVES et al, 2015), insecticidal plants (MARCOMINI et al, 2009; ALVES et al, 2012) and inert powders (SANTORO et al, 2010; ALVES et al, 2012) have shown them to be potential alternatives for insect control Among the latter, highlight is given to diatomaceous earth (DE). The insecticidal action of DE against the lesser mealworm has been proven in the laboratory (ALVES et al, 2006; JAPP et al, 2008; JAPP et al, 2010)

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