Modified Atmosphere Enriched with Argon Gas as An Alternative Measure for Controlling Four Stored Dates Pests

El-Shafei, M,El-Deeb E,Rasha Zinhoum

doi:10.21608/eajbsa.2020.80069

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of modified atmosphere (MA) enriched with Argon gas as an alternative measure for controllingfour stored dates pests, two from order: Lepidoptera, Ephestia cautella (Walker) & Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) and two from order Coleoptera; Oryzaephilus surinamensis Linnaeus & Stegobium paniceum (L.) and its effect on some enzymes activity of tested insects. Argon gas concentrations of (60, 80 and 100 %) had been tested against the four mentioned insects at different exposure times ranged from 3 to 144 hrs. The results revealed that Lepidopterous were more sensitive to Argon gas than Coleopterous. Also, data indicated that not all tested insects have the same sensitivity to Argon gas. Obtained results indicated that the reduction % of adult emergence increased by increasing exposure duration and or concentration. At the concentration of 100 % Argon, data reported that the larvae of E. cautella were the most susceptible and reached a 100% reduction after 12 hrs. While the adults of O. surinamensis was the most tolerant insect stage to Argon gas where reached 74.60 % reduction after 72 hrs. Exposure of P. interpunctella and O. surinamensis to LT 50 of Argon increased the activity of two defensive enzymes within tested insects, Acid phosphatase, &Carboxlesterases. and decreased the activity of LDH enzyme.

Highlights

In many countries palm is consederd as one of the most important crops, with mor than 2200 species distributed throughout the tropic and subtropic areas (Johnson, 1996); representing an important part of tropical forests (Johnson 1995)
The results revealed that Lepidopterous were more sensitive to Argon gas than Coleopterous
Complete reduction (100%) was observed in Lepidoptera (E. cautella and P. interpunctella) after the exposure time of 12 hrs. in the larval stage but in the case of the Egg stage after 18 hr and 24 hrs. resp., Whereas, in the case of Coleoptera (O.surinamensis and S. paniceum) complete reduction (100%) was noticed only for O.surinamensis larval stage after the exposure time of 18 hrs

Summary

Introduction

In many countries palm is consederd as one of the most important crops, with mor than 2200 species distributed throughout the tropic and subtropic areas (Johnson, 1996); representing an important part of tropical forests (Johnson 1995). The palm trees have a significant effect on the economy of millions of people around the world. Many products can be obtained from these different palm species. There is wide variation in palm products such as, fruits, oil, starch, seeds, honey, crystallized sugar and sap products. Palm trees which can be used in food, feed, furniture, energy, clothing and gardens Jones (1995). Beside date palm fruits, dried fig, cereal and its' products, cocoa, chocolate, raisin, dried fruit, spices, El-Shafei, W.

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