Mortality of black field crickets (Teleogryllus commodus) in carbon dioxide atmospheres

Abstract

Abstract The efficacy of controlled atmospheres (CA) incorporating 5, 9, 18, 30, and 57% CO2 with 20% O2, balance N2or 57% CO2 with 12% O2, balance N2 were tested for the postharvest disinfestation of horticultural crops using black field crickets (Teleogryllus commodus Walker) as a model insect. Crickets were also exposed to air as a control. Exposure times ranged from 2 to 48 h at 20°C. Crickets were then left for 24 h in air, and mortality was assessed. Exposure time and CA significantly affected insect mortality. There was very low mortality ( 18% CO2. The estimated exposure time required to achieve 99% cricket mortality (LT99) was 62.8 h for 18% CO2, 20% O2, and 31.7 h for 57% CO2, 20% O2. The longer LT99 for 57% CO2, 12% O2 of 42.4 h indicates that a combination of high CO2 (57%) and 20% O2 could be an effective CA for postharvest insect disinfestation.