The effect of temperature and concentration on the virulence of some entomopathogenic fungi on Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The insect silk protects the larvae that produce it. This implies that it may contain biologically active substances that can be used in medicine. In this paper, the cytotoxic and proapoptotic potential of Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) silk extract was examined after 72 h of exposure to the SW-480 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line. Apoptosis was examined by monitoring the cell morphological changes by fluorescent staining, acridine orange/ethidium bromide, and DAPI, as well as by flow cytometry. The results showed that silk extract has a very good cytotoxic and proapoptotic activity. The selective effect of silk indicates the presence of a high level of biocompatibility with normal human cells. Based on the results of increased gene expression for caspase 8 and 9 in silk extract-treated cells compared to control, apoptosis was induced by a caspase-dependent pathway.

Indian meal moth (plodia interpunctella) is the most important stored-product pest, which causes damage to agricultural commodities such as pistachio. Microwave heat treatment method in stored-product pests control is a new way that can be an alternative method to chemical fumigation because of its fast and safe operation. In this research, mortality and quality of infested pistachio was studied when subjected to several microwave treatment times. The mortality of third-fourth and fifth instars Indian meal moth larvae in 20, 30, 40 and 50 (s) microwave treatments and the effect of 30, 50 and 70 (s) microwave treatments on quality properties such as moisture content, peroxide value and free fatty acid value was studied. The results showed that in 20, 30, 40 and 50 (s) the percent mortality of third-fourth instars larvae was 71.66, 90.83, 97.5 and 100 respectively. The percent mortality of fifth instars larvae was 39.11, 62.75, 95.78 and 100 respectively. The moisture content of pistachio significantly decreased when treatment time increased from control to 50 and 70 (s). In contrast, Free fatty acid significantly increased when treatment time increased from control to 70 (s). The results showed that microwave treatment method in disinfestations of Indian meal moth in pistachio, considering mortality and quality of infested pistachio in a microwave treatment time, is effective.

The primary objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of using three temperature management strategies (no aeration, ambient aeration and chilled aeration) to control insect pest densities in stored maize during the warm spring and hot summer months. From the spring through the summer of 2001, these three strategies were implemented in 11 pilot bins with approximately 9.1 tonnes (362 bushels) of shelled maize at the Purdue University Post-Harvest Education and Research Center (PHERC). Probe traps and pheromone-baited sticky flight traps were installed in the bins to monitor crawling insects in the grain bulk and flying insects (primarily the Indian meal moth) in the bin headspace, respectively. Temperatures in the bins with no aeration and ambient aeration were above 64°F (18°C) for most of the sampling period - the lower developmental threshold for most stored-product pests. However, the target temperature set at 60°F (15.6°C) for the bins with chilled aeration was maintained by the chiller for most of the storage period. The average moisture content of the stored maize bulk was within the safe storage limit to maintain quality and prevent moulding. A wide variety of insects in the order Coleoptera (beetles) were found in the probe traps. Insect density per day estimated from probe trap catch in the grain bulk indicated that insect density increased as temperature increased from spring into the summer months. Insect density in the bins with no aeration was significantly higher than in bins with ambient and chilled aeration between July and September. Chilled aeration indicated better control of insect pests than ambient aeration. Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) density per day estimated from pheromone-baited sticky flight traps indicated an increase as a function of head-space air and grain surface temperatures in all three pest management strategies. The Indian meal moth population density was not significantly different between the three management strategies for most of the sampling periods. The radiation from the bin roof created similar headspace conditions, and hence dissipated the effects of any cooling of the grain mass. Nevertheless, the chilled aeration strategy provided the lowest Indian meal moth density overall.

The Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) is becoming an important biological model to study silk. While there are many potential applications to materials science and medicine, many aspects of silk production in this species remain unknown. Here we characterize the silk of P. interpunctella by measuring the width of larval wandering and pupal silk strands and find that the latter is significantly thicker than the former. We also report intraspecific variation in pupal silk production in our lab-reared colony with a very small number of individuals forgoing pupal silk production entirely (< 4%). Overcrowding had no effect on silk formation, but exposure to elevated temperature reduced pupal silk production.

The first evidence of the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) interaction with the silicone moulds

The quality and type of food packaging affect the level of food protection against pests. This work first evaluated the effect of package perforations on the infestation of cereal-fruit bars by the eggs of the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). We measured the differential oviposition of moths on the unpackaged bars, empty packages, bars in packages and bars in perforated packages in choice and no-choice experiments. Almost 100% of the laid eggs were laid directly on the bars when they were placed in the enclosure without packaging. A low proportion of the eggs (0.4-3%) were laid on either the empty or non-perforated polypropylene foil packages. Plodia interpunctella efficiently located and infested the bars with eggs when 5mm package perforations were present in no-choice test. In choice test P. interpunctella preferred to oviposit on open bars than on the packaged or perforated bars. After deposition on the bars the egg hatchability ranged between 40 and 74%. For the food industry, the most significant practical conclusions of this study are that non-perforated packages provide protection against oviposition of P. interpunctella, but small perforations enable the moth to infest the resource with eggs.

BackgroundIndian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) is a significant pest infesting stored grains, particularly maize. Over time, synthetic insecticides have been employed to control insect. The residual effects posed on non-target organisms have called for replacement of synthetic insecticides with botanicals. This study therefore aimed at comparing the insecticidal consistency and oxidative stress invoked by dichlorvos (DDVP) and the oil extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on Indian meal moth infesting maize. Disinfested maize grains were treated with DDVP and ginger oil extract separately. Adults P. interpunctella were introduced to the treated grains daily using complete replacement method. The percentage mortality was calculated daily for 10 d. Furthermore, the oxidative stress caused by DDVP and ginger oil extract on the moth was evaluated by measuring the level of some oxidative stress biomarkers such as glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activity in the exposed insects.ResultsPreliminary results indicated that both DDVP and ginger oil extract exhibited insecticidal properties against Indian meal moth infesting maize. However, the insecticidal (active) period of ginger oil extract was found to be longer than that of DDVP. Nevertheless, DDVP provoked greater oxidative stress in the exposed moth.ConclusionsGinger oil extract and DDVP show potential for controlling Indian meal moth infestations in stored maize. Yet, ginger oil offers a longer-lasting effect on pest suppression and control. Consequently, it could be a replacement or synergistic insecticide with DDVP to provide ecofriendly insecticide application.

The prospects of using low pressure that creates a low-oxygen atmosphere to control stored-product insects were investigated in the laboratory. Eggs, larvae, and pupae of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) were exposed to 32.5 mmHg in glass chambers at 25, 33, 37, and 40 degrees C for times ranging from 30 min to 144 h. Time-mortality data were subjected to probit analyses and lethal dose ratios were computed to determine differences in lethal time (LT) values among all species-life stage combinations across the four temperatures. Eggs of each species were the life stage most tolerant to low pressure. Pupae of T. castaneum and R. dominica were more tolerant to low pressure than larvae. In all life stages, mortality increased with increasing exposure time to low pressure and also with increasing temperature. Immature stages of R. dominica were more tolerant to low pressure than immature stages of the other two species. The LT99 for R. dominica eggs was 176.32 h at 25 degrees C and that for P. interpunctella eggs was 28.35 h at the same temperature. An increase in temperature to 33 degrees C resulted in a LT99 < of 85.98 h for R. dominica and 6.21 h for P. interpunctella. Higher temperatures resulted in further significant reduction in lethal time values. Low pressure represents a simple, nonchemical alternative to fumigants such as methyl bromide and phosphine for controlling pests of stored-products or other commodities.

Synthetic and natural insecticides have successfully controlled the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella Hübner). However, little is known about how Indian meal moth reacts in a stressed environment caused by synthetic and botanical insecticides. Therefore, this study compared the effects of dichlorvos (DDVP) and ginger (Zingiber officinale L.) rhizome extract oil on larval and adult mortality, hatchability and adult emergence, and on neurotransmitters and digestive enzymes of Indian meal moth under laboratory conditions of 75 ± 5% relative humidity and 25 ± 5 °C. The insects were exposed to different concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5% of dichlorvos and ginger extract oil for 96 h. Ginger rhizome extract oil caused 100% mortality in newly emerged adult Indian meal moths within 96 h at all concentrations. DDVP and ginger extract oil were ineffective against the third instar larval stage of the Indian meal moth, at varying concentrations that caused adult mortality. DDVP and ginger rhizome extract oil significantly affected digestive enzymes and acetylcholinesterase activities at lethal concentrations used in treatment. Protease activity was significantly increased in larvae exposed to extract oil than DDVP. Acetylcholinesterase activities in the adult insects exposed to maize grains treated with DDVP were higher than those exposed to maize treated with ginger extract oil. DDVP and the ginger extract oil have significant effects on the digestive enzymes. Nevertheless, ginger extract oil increased larval protease activity more than DDVP.

Background The parasitoid species Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae ) is one of the most important biological control agents against pests in family Pyralidae, which associated with stored food products. This study was conducted between 2023 and 2025 under laboratory conditions in Idlib Governorate. Life cycle of the parasitoid and life table parameters were studied when reared on three hosts: Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella Hübner, fig moth Cadra cautella Walker and wax moth Galleria mellonella Linnaeus. Results Showed that all hosts were suitable for rearing the parasitoid, with the average developmental duration of immature stages being (12.36, 12.16, 11.54) days on fig moth, Indian meal moth, and wax moth, respectively. The highest daily net reproductive rate (R 0 ) (female/female) of the parasitoid was observed when reared on the wax moth, reaching 49.73. The highest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) (female/female/day) for the parasitoid was observed on the wax moth, with a value of 0.22. The shortest generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) for the parasitoid were recorded when reared on the wax moth, with values of 17.58 and 3.12 days, respectively. The highest finite rate of increase (λ) (female/female/day) for the parasitoid was recorded when reared on the wax moth, with a value of 1.25, followed by the Indian meal moth with 1.21, and the fig moth with 1.19, while the lowest value was found in the pest, at 1.09. Conclusions The study demonstrated that H. hebetor can successfully develop on all three tested hosts under laboratory conditions. However, G. mellonella (wax moth) proved to be the most suitable host, as evidenced by its shorter developmental duration, highest reproductive and population growth parameters (R₀, rₘ, λ), and shortest generation and doubling times. These findings suggest that the wax moth is the optimal host for mass rearing H. hebetor , enhancing its potential for use in biological control programs targeting pyralid pests in stored product environments.

A stored-product insect community including a parasite and a predator was evaluated to determine interactions that might exist and the degree of biological control achieved. The insect community was composed of the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella (Hubner); the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst); Bracon hebetor, a parasite; and Xylocorisflavipes, a predator, on a substrate of shelled corn. Bracon hebetor was an ineffective parasite of the Indian meal moth. The red flour beetle was opportunistic and increased its population numbers by feeding on parasitized and dead and moribund Indian meal moths. Because of the strong interaction between the Indian meal moth and the red flour beetle, the interactions of the parasite and predator with the hosts were obscured. INTRODUCTION Recently, two insect species with potential as biological control agents have come to the attention of researchers working with postharvest insect pests. The predaceous bug, Xylocorisflavipes (Reuter), preys on most immature stages of many species of postharvest Coleoptera and Lepidoptera (Jay et al., 1968; Press et al., 1975; Arbogast, 1976; LeCato et al., 1977). The parasitic wasp, Bracon hebetor Say, is a natural enemy of the migrating larvae of postharvest pyralid moths (Morrill, 1942). Press et al. (1974a and 1974b) attempted to use X. flavipes and B. hebetor simultaneously to enhance the management of Cadra cautella (Walker) the almond moth, and Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) the Indian meal moth. These studies indicated that X. flavipes fed on the immature siages of the parasite as well as on moth eggs and larvae. Other studies have shown that X. flavipes is effective as a predator of the exposed larvae of stored-product pests, preferring the larger larvae of smaller species and the smaller larvae of larger species and that its predaceous activities are influenced by the size of the interstitial spaces allowing for freedom of movement in the food (habitat of the prey) (LeCato and Davis, 1973; Press et al., 1973; LeCato, 1975; and Press et al., 1978). Thus as postharvest moths are largely surface dwellers and postharvest beetles tend to disperse throughout the depth of a raw agricultural commodity, it may be the predator occupies space other than that of the parasite. The purpose of our study was to determine if these natural enemies of postharvest pests occupy different niches in the presence of their preferred hosts and if they interact. MATERIALS AND METHODS Xylocorisflavipes, Bracon hebetor and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) the red flour beetle, the host for X. flavipes in this study, were obtained from stock colonies maintained at the Stored-Product Insects Research and Development Laboratory, Savannah, Georgia. Bracon hebetor and X. flavipes were reared on the last instar larvae and eggs of the Indian 1Present address: Agricultural University of Warsaw, 02-776 Warsaw, 02-766 Warsaw wl. Nowoursynowska 166, Poland. 2Research entomologist.

In this study, we summarize the recent advances on chemical composition and bioactivity of giant hyssop (Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze) and catnip (Nepeta cataria L.). Extracts from giant hyssop and catnip have a significant bioactivity, antibacterial and antioxidant activity (Suschke et al., 2007; ZieliA„ska and Matkowski, 2014; Mihaylova et al., 2013). This literature review wants to emphasize the value of these two plants and the opportunity of using them to obtain bioactive extracts with applicability in beekeeping for different pest control. Different parts of the mentioned plants were used for the determination of active principles from macerates and essential oils. Spectrophotometric methods as well as high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography are generally used for determination of bioactive principles from the classes of polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and aromatic acids. Remarkable results have been obtained using the essential oil from Agastache foeniculum as an insecticide for the control of pests like the Red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum Herbst), Lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.), Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella) and the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) from the grain and food warehouses (Ebadollahi, 2011). The anti-microbial activity of catnip (Nepeta cataria) was proven in over five bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtillis (Bandh et al., 2011).Considering the results obtained and reported in the literature on the control of various pests and diseases, we consider appropriate to extend the research in the field of beekeeping as well, for a natural treatment of different bacterial diseases and pests.

Simple SummaryAlmonds and pistachios are fed upon by a diverse assemblage of lepidopteran insects, several of which are economically important pests. Unfortunately, identification of these pests can be difficult, as specimens are frequently damaged during collection, occur in traps with non-target species, and are morphologically similar up to their third instar. Here, we present a quantitative PCR based melt curve analysis for simple, rapid, and accurate identification of six lepidopteran pests of almonds and pistachios: navel orangeworm, peach twig borer, oriental fruit moth, obliquebanded leafroller, raisin moth, and Indian meal moth. We demonstrate that the dissociation or the “melt” temperature(s) of a 658 bp section of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 provides unambiguous species level identification of these six species and is reproducible in field specimens collected following conventional orchard practices. The melt curve’s simplicity allows it to be performed in any basic molecular biology laboratory with a quantitative PCR.Almonds and pistachios are fed upon by a diverse assemblage of lepidopteran insects, several of which are economically important pests. Unfortunately, identification of these pests can be difficult, as specimens are frequently damaged during collection, occur in traps with non-target species, and are morphologically similar up to their third instar. Here, we present a quantitative PCR based melt curve analysis for simple, rapid, and accurate identification of six lepidopteran pests of almonds and pistachios: navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella), peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella), oriental fruit moth (Grapholita molesta), obliquebanded leafroller (Choristoneura rosaceana), raisin moth (Cadra figulilella), and Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella). In this approach, the dissociation (melt) temperature(s) of a 658 bp section of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 was determined using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Within these six species, the distribution and the number of melt peak temperatures provide an unambiguous species level identification that is reproducible when unsheared DNA can be extracted. The test is robust across a variety of sampling approaches including insects removed from sticky card traps, museum specimens, and samples that were left in the field for up to 7 days. The melt curve’s simplicity allows it to be performed in any basic molecular biology laboratory with a quantitative PCR.

Sultana grapes grown in Australia for dried fruit are attacked by insects before and during harvest, and during drying and storage. Insect damage, including crop loss and contamination of the dried grapes with insect matter, varies between and within seasons according mainly to the incidence of rain damage. The effectiveness of chlorpyrifos for control of vinegar flies (Drosophila simulans Meigen, D. melanogaster Sturtevant), dried fruit beetles (Carpophilus hemipterus L., C. dimidiatus Fabricius, and C. humeralis Fabricius), raisin moth (Ephestia figulilella Gregson), Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella (Hiibner)), and saw-toothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Linnaeus)) was investigated at Irymple, Victoria, in field experiments during 1979 and 1980. In 1979, pre- and post-harvest treatments of chlorpyrifos, applied at a rate designed to give an initial residue of 25 mg/kg in the grapes, reduced insect infestation in drying and dried grapes. In 1980, chlorpyrifos was applied pre-harvest at three rates designed to give initial residues of 50, 5, and 2 mg/kg, respectively. Treatments of 50 and 5 mg/kg were effective in controlling insects in the fresh, drying and dried grapes for each of four successive harvest occasions, and during storage in a commercial packing shed. Chlorpyrifos 2 mg/kg was less effective than the higher rates in controlling raisin moth, Indian meal moth and saw-toothed grain beetle in the latter phases of the experiment. An application of dip mixture (1 % drying oil plus 17 g/litre K2CO3) suppressed vinegar flies and dried fruit beetles for a short period but had no effect on the other insect pests.

초콜렛 포장에 스티커를 붙이기 위해 사용되는 접착물에 계피(Cinnamonum cassia Blume) 추출물을 혼합하는 것은 화랑곡나방(Plodia interpunctella Hubner)에 의한 침입으로부터 초콜렛 제품을 보호하기 위한 효과적인 한 방법이다. 처리농도별 제품을 개별적으로 투입한 비선택 실험에서 0.02와 0.025%의 계피 추출물을 처리한 포장지로 포장된 초콜렛 제품은 <TEX>$28.1^{\circ}C$</TEX>와 70-75%의 실험 조건에서 30일까지 화랑곡나방이 침입하지 않았으나, 계피 추출물이 첨가되지 않은 포장은 화랑곡나방에 의해 침입되었다. 처리농도별 제품을 혼합 투입한 선택 실험에서 0.02와 0.025%의 계피 추출물을 처리한 포장지로 포장된 초콜렛 제품은 <TEX>$28.1^{\circ}C$</TEX>와 70-75%의 실험 조건에서 60일까지 화랑곡나방에 의해 침입받지 않았는데 반해, 계피 추출물이 첨가되지 않은 제품은 화랑곡나방에 의해 침입을 받았다. 제품의 계피향 흡착 유무를 알아보기 위해 실시한 패널 테스트 결과 포장지에 계피 추출물을 처리하여도 제품에 향이 흡착되지 않아 소비자의 선택에 영향을 미치지 않을 것이라 판단되었다. Adding cinnamon (Cinnamonum cassia Blume) extract into the adhesive used to affix stickers to a chocolate package is an effective method for protecting chocolate products from infestation by the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella Hubner). Chocolate packages treated with adhesive including 0.02% and 0.025% of cinnamon extract were not infested with the Indian meal moth for up to 30 days at <TEX>$28.1^{\circ}C$</TEX> and 70-75% RH, whereas 100% of the packages without the extract were infested in the no-choice test. Chocolate packages treated with adhesive including 0.02% and 0.025% of cinnamon extract in the quadruple choice test were not infested with the Indian meal moth for up to 60 days at <TEX>$28.1^{\circ}C$</TEX> and 70-75% RH, whereas 100% of the packages without the extract were infested. A panel test showed that the cinnamon extract treatment would not affect consumers' choices.