Oryzaephilus Mercator Research Articles

Excito-repellent and Pesticide-Likeness Properties of Essential Oils on Carpophilus dimidiatus (Fabricius) (Nitidulidae) and Oryzaephilus mercator (L.) (Silvanidae).

Carpophilus dimidiatus (Fabricius) (Nitidulidae) and Oryzaephilus mercator (L.) (Silvanidae) are insect pests that cause severe damage in important walnut growing regions in the northwest of Argentina. The current management approaches for these pests involve the use of unsafe phosphorus pesticides whose overuse have led to farmworker poisoning, pest resistance issues, and environmental contamination. Plant extracts, particularly essential oils, are an alternative source of insect control agents. Excito-repellent essential oils can be used to develop ecofriendly tools for managing the pest population without affecting quality and visual appearance of the stored walnuts. Laboratory studies were conducted to assess the excito-repellent effects of C. dimidiatus and O. mercator of 12 essential oils derived from aromatic plants used as food additives and traditional medicine in Argentina: Aloysia citrodora (AC), Aloysia gratissima (AG), Aloysia gratissima var. Gratissima (AGG), Blepharocalyx salicipholius (BS), Hyptis mutabilis (HM), Lippia junelliana (LJ), Lippia turbinata (LT), Mentha x piperita (MP), Minthostachys mollis (MM), Minthostachys verticillata (MV), Origanum vulgare(OV), and Rosmarinus officinalis (RO). The most bioactive EOs (ERijk ≥ 70%) were Aloysia gratissima var. Gratissima (AGG), Minthostachys verticillata, and Lippia junelliana. Their bioactivity profile and chemical space, characterized from GC-MS measures, Generalized Estimating Equations, and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, revealed that they are mixtures of very functionalized molecules with physicochemical properties similar to those of insecticides with low residual property that enter the insect body through the respiratory system by inhalation. The AGG, MV, and LJ oils are promising as protective agents of walnut products. In our laboratory, studies of their formulations for use in integrated pest management programs are still ongoing.

Survey of insects and Mites Associated with Stored Rice in Nigeria

Insect pest infestation causes quantitative or qualitative losses in stored Rice. Proper identification of the insect species infesting stored Rice is critical for making pest management decisions. This study assesses the species composition and abundance of insect pests of stored Rice in Nigeria. Imported and Local Rice samples each weighing one kilogram were obtained every 6 months from three randomly selected vendors in randomly selected markets in 14 towns in 14 states in Nigeria. 50g were weighed from each sample and kept in vials, covered, strapped with rubber band and kept in the laboratory. The Rice samples were sieved to collect all adult insects present after Six months in storage. Sampling lasted for two years (2016-2017). There were 11 species of insect pests and one Mite species in the stored Imported and Local Rice samples. Most of the species were from the order Coleoptera with the percentage occurrence of 80.9% in Imported Rice and 82% in Local Rice. The insect species composition includes Sitophilus oryzae, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Sitophilus zeamais, Psocids, Sitotroga cerealella, Ahasverus advena, Tribolium castaneum Oryzeaphilus surinamensis, Oryzaephilus mercator and Rhyzopertha dominica. The Psocid and mite species could not be identified. Sitophilus oryzae was the main insect pest of Rice with the percentage occurrence of 39.23% in Imported Rice and 26.87% in Local Rice. The outcome of this study is very important in planning control measures as the knowledge of the species composition and abundance of insect pests is an important component of pest management in stored Rice in Nigeria.

DETEKSI SERANGGA HAMA PADA GUDANG PENYIMPANAN BIJI PINANG (Areca catechu) MENGGUNAKAN BEBERAPA METODEPENGAMBILAN SAMPEL

The research aims to detect insect in betel nut storage (Areca catechu) using some sampling methods. The research was conducted by survey method using three sampling methods, namely hand sampling method, yellow sticky trap method, and dome trap method. The parameters observed were types of insect pests found, insect populations obtained, and abundance of pest insect populations. The research was conducted from July to October 2018 in four betel nut storagesin Jambi City and Muaro Jambi District. Insects found in the betel nut storages with three sampling methods were 28 pest species. In the hand sampling method found 16 types of pest insects, in the yellow sticky trap trap method found 21 types of insect pests, and in the dome trap method found 21 types of insect pests. The dominant insects found in the three sampling methods were Ahasverus advena, Araecerus fasciculatus, Callosobruchus spp., Carpophilus dimidiatus, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Cryptolestes pusillus, Hypothenemus hampei, Lasioderma serricorne, Lophocateres pusillus, Oryzaephilus mercator, Typhaea stercorea, and Tribolium castaneum.

Insect pests of stocks of Acacia macrostachya Reichenb and associated parasitoids in the province of Boulkiemde, central-western region of Burkina Faso

We investigated the diversity and the population dynamics of insects attacking seed stocks of Acacia macrostachya, an indigenous legume tree whose seeds constitute an important food source for rural and urban populations in Burkina Faso. For this purpose, six thousand four hundred and two seeds were collected from newly harvested dry pods in spontaneous vegetation around the research station of Saria, while 50kg of naturally infested seeds of A. macrostachya were purchased from nearby markets. To assess pest diversity and initial infestation, seeds collected from pods were divided into 3 batches of 2134 seeds, each batch representing a replication. Insect emergence in the laboratory was monitored for 45 days. The population dynamics of the pests was studied by incubating the seeds purchased on the market in 4 batches of 12.5kg each in polypropylene bags, which were kept under laboratory conditions and monitored for 8 months. Insects emerged from the samples included Coleoptera from three (3) families: Bruchidae (the most abundant), Tenebrionidae and Silvanidae, and Hymenoptera from four (4) families: Eulophidae, Pteromalidae, Eupelmidae, Eurytomidae. The initial seed infestation rate of the newly harvested pods was 50.67% with 47.14% caused by Bruchidius silaceus, 2.70% by Caryedon furcatus and 0.83% by Bruchidius sp. The most abundant species observed during the two first months of storage of the seeds obtained from the market was B. silaceus, but it disappeared from the stocks after March. Conversely, Caryedon furcatus populations remained steady and increased in February. Among the secondary pests observed, Oryzaephilus mercator was the most important. The initial seed perforation rate and weight loss were 16% and 2.8%, respectively, and increased to 35% and 7% after eight months of storage. The hymenopteran Eupelmus sp. was the most abundant parasitoid observed in storage. Our study allowed us to assess the diversity of A. macrostachya seed pests and their natural enemies. These results will contribute to a better understanding of their population dynamics and hence provide cues for further studies towards effective control methods.

Effectiveness of Hermetic Storage Using PICS Bags and Plastic Jars for Post-Harvest Preservation of <i>Acacia macrostachya</i> Seeds

In Burkina Faso, the availability of Acacia macrostachya “Zamnè” seeds throughout the year is threatened by the attacks of pests. So, the effectiveness of airtight (hermetic) storage for the preservation of these seeds was evaluated using 20-litre plastic jars and 50 kg PICS bags as hermetic containers with 50 kg polypropylene bags as controls. Seeds of Acacia macrostachya (17.5 kg) were stored in each of these storage devices for six months under ambient conditions in the laboratory. The number of storage pest Bruchidius silaceus increased significantly in polypropylene bags from 235 to 715 individuals on average/500 g of seeds. But in PICS bags and plastic drums, the number of this pest did not vary significantly (191 and 239 individuals on average/500 g of seeds for plastic jars and PICS bags respectively). In both hermetic devices, we found few individuals of another major storage pest Caryedon furcatus. However, polypropylene bags, haboured more pests’ in addition high numbers of C. furcatus and Oryzaephilus mercator which were not found in the hermetic devices. Seeds damage and weight loss increased significantly in polypropylene bags from 7.40% to 20.23% and 0.50% to 3% respectively compared to PICS bags and plastic jars. The germination rate of A. macrostachya seeds decreased significantly in PICS bags, plastic jars and polypropylene bags with average percentages of 14%; 11% and 15% respectively compared to the initial average of 27%. PICS bags and plastic jars are therefore effective in preserving the quality of A. macrostachya seeds, but the effects of these hermetic devices on seed viability need to be explored further.

Abundance and diversity of arthropod pests infesting stored maize in smallholder farmers and traders systems highlight critical points for pest management in Uganda: Presentation

Knowledge of the diversity of arthropod pests infesting stored maize value chain in Uganda is very scanty to guide the development and implementation of management strategies. From a cross-sectional study conducted in north western, eastern and central regions of Uganda during 2017/2018, the diversity and economic importance of storage arthropod pests of maize in farmer storage, trader/retailer stores in villages and townships, and in milling and processing facilities is presented. A total of 11 insect pests were recorded feeding internally and externally on stored maize. Rhyzopertha dominica, Sitophilus zeamais and Sitophilus oryzae were the primary insect pests followed by Tribolium spp., Cryptolestes spp., Sitotroga cerealella, and Oryzaephilus mercator. The highest insect diversity and damage was recorded when maize was stored with husked cobs in farmers’ houses, a practice farmers use to store seed for next planting. Meanwhile the distribution pattern of the pests in trader/retailer stores in villages and townships, and in milling facilities indicate waves of insect infestation occurring with stocks of grain being brought in storage. The maize grain at the peak of harvesting was in excellent quality but later stocks brought in several months after harvest were infested with diverse insects. Re-drying at farm level and use of chemical dusts at trader/retailer stores in villages and townships were the most common pest management practice. However, the lack of a differentiated market, whereby better quality would fetch premium price, discourages investment to reduce postharvest losses. Subsequently, most farmers sold their grains immediately after harvest and most traders sold their stocks as soon as there was the next bulk buyer. The critical point for pest management is at farm level where pest diversity and damage is greatest, and at the village/ township stores where the grain may be held in anticipation of improvement in price.

Seed coat and variety of peanut inhibits host preference and development of Oryzaephilus mercator

Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) is a postharvest pest of stored peanuts (Arachis hypogea L.). Although it is only a secondary pest, this insect causes extensive damage and reduces the quantity and quality of peanut kernels. The objective of this research was to study whether host preference and development of O. mercator differ depending on the variety of peanut and/or on whether the peanut retains its seed coat or is bare. We used three varieties of peanut (Kelinci, Bison and Takar1) separating out each variety into groups with or without a seed coat. In the laboratory, we conducted two separate studies examining host preference and development of O. mercator. Host preference was studied using a preference cage consisting of six chambers for all peanut varieties with and without seed coat and each cage contained 15 mating pairs of O. mercator. The development study was conducted by placing 15 mating pairs of O. mercator into a treatment jar and allowing them to feed on different peanut varieties with and without a seed coat. Results from the host preference study indicated that O. mercator preferred bare kernels of the Kelinci variety over other peanut varieties both as a food source and for oviposition. During the development experiment, we observed that O. mercator experienced faster development time when exposed to bare kernels of all three varieties tested as opposed to those with intact seed coat. Results show that peanuts with a seed coat and variety with high kernel hardness (Bison variety) deters predation and inhibits host preference and development of O. mercator.

Efficacy of Ozone Against the Life Stages of Oryzaephilus mercator (Coleoptera: Silvanidae)

Ozone is a highly oxidizing gas with insecticidal activity and it is a potential alternative to conventional fumigants, such as phosphine and methyl bromide, for managing stored product insects. Susceptibility of the merchant grain beetle, Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel; Coleoptera: Silvanidae), an important pest of stored products, to ozone treatments is unknown. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of ozone for controlling O. mercator. We determined concentration-mortality relationships for all stages of O. mercator exposed to 100-400 ppm for 1 h (1 g/m3 = 467 ppm). We also determined time-mortality relationships for adults exposed to 100 ppm for 1-6 h. Mortality was recorded as percentages of eggs that failed to hatch 10 days after treatment (DAT), larvae or pupae that failed to develop into adults 20 or 15 DAT, respectively, and adults that died 2 DAT. Generally, mortality increased with an increase in ozone concentration. Mortality was higher when insects were treated without food. When food was not provided, a minimum of 11030 ppm for 1 h is required to kill 99% of eggs, the most tolerant stage, whereas 500 ppm for 1 h is required to kill 99% of larvae, the least tolerant. When provided with food, adults were the most tolerant and larvae the least tolerant. Adults require exposure time of 7.7 h of 100 ppm ozone to kill 99% of insects in the absence of food. The work reported suggests that ozone could be an alternative fumigant for the management of all O. mercator life stages.

Chemical compositions and biological activities of Scutellaria pinnatifida A. Hamilt aerial parts.

Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic and dichloromethane extracts of the aerial parts of Scutellaria pinnatifida led to the isolation of a phenylpropanoid, 1-o-feruloyl-β-D-glucose (1), two known flavonoids including luteolin-7-o-glucoside (2) and apigenin-7-o-glucoside (3), three known phenylethanoid glycosides composed of phlomisethanoside (4), syringalide A (5), and verbascoside (6), and oleic acid (7). Isolation and structural elucidation of compounds were accomplished by HPLC and spectroscopic methods (UV, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR). The extracts were also evaluated for their radical scavenging activity and insecticidal property by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay and contact toxicity method, respectively. Among the extracts, the methanol extract showed the most potent free radical scavenging activity with a RC50 value of 0.044 ± 0.350 mg/mL which could be attributed to the presence of the isolated phenolic compounds. In the case of insecticidal activity, the n-hexane extract displayed the most potent activity and caused 10%, 15%, and 40% mortality to Oryzaephilus mercator at the concentration of 5, 10, and 15 mg/mL after 4 h of exposure.

Laboratory Evaluation of Residual Phytotoxicity of Some Plant Powders to the Merchant Grain. Beetle, Oryzaephilus mercator Fauvel (Coleoptera: Silvanidae), Infesting Stored Kernels of Irvingia gabonensis

Investigations were conducted on phytochemical composition and residual toxicity of seven plant powders (which had been stored for 4 months) to the merchant grain beetle, Oryzaephilus mercator Fauvel, infesting kernels of Irvingia gabonensis. Beetle mortality data taken at days 1,3,5 and 7 post-infestation showed that all test plants excluding M. myristica caused higher level of beetle mortality than occurred in control. Cashew nut shell, Anacardium occidentale, powder was the most potent (cumulative mean mortality of 52.5 %) matching the efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl, which served as insecticide check in addition to an untreated control. It was followed by powders of J. curcas (35.0 %) and P. guineense (30.2 %), while the least toxic was M myristica. Mortality value for the latter (%), though numerically lower, was not significantly different from those of C. citratus (%) and X. aethiopica (%). Mean residual toxicity increased with duration of exposure The least number of adults emerged from pirimiphos-methyl treated jars, followed by A. occidentale powder, -while M myristica was the least potent. Phytochemical analysis revealed varied proportions of typical plant constituents such as phytates, flavonoids, hydrogen cyanides, alkaloids, tannins, oxalates, phenols and saponins some of which are responsible for the residual action of the tested plants.

Laboratory Evaluation of Residual Phytotoxicity of Some Plant Powders to the Merchant Grain Beetle, Oritzaephilus mercator Fauvel (Coleoptera: Silvanidae), Infesting Stored Kernels of lrvingia qabonensis.

Investigations were conducted on phytochemical composition and residual toxicity of seven plant powders (which had been stored for 4 months) to the merchant grain beetle, Oryzaephilus mercator Fauvel, infesting kernels of lrvingia gabonensis. Beetle mortality data taken at days 1,3,5 and 7 post-infestation showed that all test plants excluding M myristica caused higher level of beetle mortality than occurred in control. Cashew nut shell, Anacardium occidentale, powder was the most potent (cumulative mean mortality of 52.5 %) matching the efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl, which served as insecticide check in addition to an untreated control. It was followed by powders of J. curcas (35.0 %) and P. guineense (30.2 %), while the least toxic was M. myristica. Mortality value for the latter ( %), though numerically lower, was not significantly different from those of C. citratus ( %) and X. aethiopica ( %). Mean residual toxicity increased with duration of exposure The least number of adults emerged from pirimiphos-methyl treated jars, followed by A. occidentale powder, -while M. myristica was the least potent. Phytochemical analysis revealed varied proportions of typical plant constituents such as phytates, flavonoids, hydrogen cyanides, alkaloids, tannins, oxalates, phenols and saponins some of which are responsible for the residual action of the tested plants.

Chemical Composition, Free-Radical-Scavenging and Insecticidal Properties, and General Toxicity of Volatile Oils of Two Artemisia species Growing Wild in Iran

The composition of the volatile oils from the aerial parts of Artemisia spicigera and A. splendens, growing in Iran, was analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. A total of 47 constituents from each of the oils (87.6 % and 58.3 % of the total oil of A. spicigera and A. splendens, respectively) were separated and identified. The major components of the A. spicigera oil were cis-chrysanthenyl acetate (24.0 %), camphor (21.0 %), 1,8-cineol (13.9 %) and cis-chrysanthenol (8.5 %), while 1,8-cineol (4.7 %), caryophyllene oxide (3.8 %), valencene (3.5 %) and α-terpenyl acetate (3.4 %) were detected as the major constituents of the oils of A. splendens. The free-radical-scavenging activity of the oils was assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Both oils showed weak antiradical effect with RC50 values of 55.6 and 106.4 µg/mL, respectively, for A. spicigera and A. splendens. The oils displayed broad and potent insecticidal activity against Oryzaephilus mercator, but no noticeable toxicity towards brine shrimp.

Diversity and community structure of insect pests developing in stored sorghum in the Northern-Sudan ecological zone of Burkina Faso

Stored insect pests often create major problems for farmers worldwide. Comprehensive data of insect pests of stored sorghum in Burkina Faso are scarce. Understanding the population structure of insect fauna infesting stored sorghum is important for development of management strategy. Sorghum panicles were collected from January to September 2011 in farmers' granaries in the Northern-Sudanian ecological zone of Burkina Faso to determine the diversity of insect pests and their importance in post-harvest losses. A total of 14 species of insect pests were recorded, including twelve coleopteran and two lepidopteran species. Species diversity peaked between May and September. The highest insect diversity was recorded in sorghum stored in straw granaries and on red coloured grains when compared with that of sorghum stored in mud granaries and on white coloured grains. Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius) appears to be the primary insect pest followed by secondary pests including Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel), Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) and Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky). The distribution pattern of the pests in granaries corresponds to the Mandelbrot model in which colonization of species in an environment depends on the physical conditions of that environment and on the species currently present, which suggest a progressive colonization occurs in waves with stocks of grain.

Prevalence and diversity of Wolbachia bacteria infecting insect pests of stored products

Wolbachia are common bacterial symbionts of insects. Because infections of these bacteria can alter the reproduction and biology of the host, there is interest in the potential use of Wolbachia to control populations of pest species. To advance this research, we screened 38 species (88 populations from 16 countries) of stored-product insect pests for Wolbachia infections. Infections were detected in nine species of Coleoptera (Anobiidae – Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius), Stegobium paniceum (Linnaeus); Curculionidae – Sitophilus oryzae (Motschulsky), Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky; Dermestidae – Attagenus unicolor (Brahm), Dermestes lardarius Linnaeus; Silvanidae – Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Linnaeus); Tenebrionidae – Tribolium confusum Jaquelin Du Val), one species of Hymenoptera (Trichogrammatidae – Trichogramma deion Pinto & Oatman), and one species of Lepidoptera (Pyralidae – Ephestia kuehniella Zeller). Phylogenetic analyses based on wsp gene sequences identified all Wolbachia isolates as members of Supergroups A or B. Additional sequences for the genes gatB, coxA, hcpA, fbpA and ftsZ were obtained for use in multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to identify the sequence types to which the isolates belonged. Our results identify five new Wolbachia-insect associations and support previous findings that infections of Wolbachia in stored-product insect pests are members of Supergroups A or B.

Entomocidal Activity of Powders and Extracts of Four Medicinal Plants against Sitophilus Oryzae ( L ) , Oryzaephilus Mercator ( Four ) and Ryzopertha Dominica ( Fabr. )

Powders and extracts of Azadirachta indica, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, Anacardium occidentale and Moringa oleifera were assessed in the laboratory at ambient temperature of 28±2 o C and relative humidity of 75±5% for their insecticidal activity against Sitophilus oryzae, Oryzaephilus mercator and Ryzopertha dominica infesting paddy rice. The powders of these plants were tested against these insects at 0.4g, 0.6g, 0.8g and 1g/50g of paddy while the extracts were tested at 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% concentrations. Both the powders and extracts of these botanicals evoked a high mortality effect on the insects. Moreover, both the extracts and powders of A. indica and Z. zanthoxyloides showed greater insecticidal bustle than the powders and extracts of A. occidentale and M. oleifera as they both achieved 100% insect mortality within a short period after treatment. The extracts of these plants were also able to prevent the emergence of adult insects. S. oryzae and R. dominica were more affected with all the powders and extracts of these botanicals than O. mercator which was more vulnerable to the extracts and powders of Z. zanthoxyloides than other botanicals. Moreover, all the plants used showed a greater insecticidal effect and could be integrated into pest management system.

Genetic variability in esterases and the insecticide resistance in brazilian strains ofOryzaephilus mercatorandOryzaephilus surinamensis(Coleoptera: Silvanidae)

Oryzaephilus mercator and O. surinamensis are stored grains and processed food pests, the latter being responsible for major economical losses. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to analyse esterase patterns during insect development. Seven esterases, three cholinesterases, two carboxylesterases and two acetylesterases, were identified in O. mercator, one of which was proper to adults. Five esterases, of which four were cholinesterases, occurred in O. surinamensis. Strains of O. mercator and O. surinamensis were also exposed to malathion and chlorpyrifos-methyl. According to the LC50 estimates, OmLC-M and OmLA strains of O. mercator and OsLB strain of O. surinamensis were the most resistant to both insecticides. However, higher sensitivity to malathion and chlorpyrifos-methyl has also been verified in some of its esterases. Cholinesterases OmEST-1 and OsEST-5 seem to be involved in this resistance. These results suggest that organophosphate tolerance may be related to genetic variability in esterase isoenzymes.

Hunting for moving hosts: Cephalonomia tarsalis, a parasitoid of free-living grain beetles

Abstract The parasitic wasp Cephalonomia tarsalis parasitizes larvae of the saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis, which feed on wheat grains. In contrast to most other host–parasitoid systems studied so far, the grain beetles are highly mobile within their habitat, bulk of grains in grain stores. This should increase the wasps’ problem to locate the hosts. To study the host-finding strategy of C. tarsalis females, the reaction of wasps to different grain and host-derived odour sources was tested in a four-chamber-olfactometer. These experiments revealed that wasps were attracted by healthy grains and mechanically damaged grains. In direct comparison, healthy and mechanically damaged grains are equally attractive. Both potential sources of host-derived odours, host faeces and trail-traces of larvae on filter paper were attractive to the wasps. The response to trail-traces vanished 30 min after larvae had been removed from the filter paper. With respect to the specificity of the odours, it turned out that wasps were attracted to odours from the seed–host complexes from O. surinamensis and Oryzaephilus mercator and the non-host complex of larvae of the granary weevil Sitophilus granarius in wheat grains. Odours from the seed–host complex were preferred. From these results, we hypothesize that host habitat location in C. tarsalis is achieved by using grain-derived odours. Within the habitat, wasps search for kairomones from host faeces and host trails. Following these larval trails finally leads wasps to their hosts.

Stored-product insects associated with a retail pet store chain in Kansas.

The types and numbers of insect species associated with eight Kansas retail stores belonging to a pet store chain were surveyed during February to August 2001. Insects were monitored at 1-3-wk intervals using food- and pheromone-baited pitfall traps for beetles and pheromone-baited sticky traps for moths. Thirty traps of each type were placed within a store. Thirty insect species belonging to 20 families in four orders were recorded from the eight stores. The weevils, Sitophilus spp.; Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner); and merchant grain beetle, Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel), were the most common and abundant species in all stores, whereas the red-legged ham beetle, Necrobia rufipes (Degeer), and red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), were abundant only in one store. The numbers of each insect species captured varied from store to store. In each of the stores, a total of 12-19 stored-product species were captured in traps, and seven of the eight stores had relatively high species diversity. With the exception of one store, the different types of insect species found among the remaining seven stores were essentially similar. The mean density of insects in infested bulk-stored and bagged pet food products removed from a store ranged from 65 to 656 adults/kg. The types and numbers of insect species captured in traps indicated that infestations were well established in the surveyed stores. Early detection and management of these infestations is critical for maintaining quality and integrity of food products sold in the pet stores.

The I-SPy Insect Indicator: an effective trap for the detection of insect pests in empty stores and on flat surfaces in the cereal and food trades

Abstract A new trap, the CSL I-SPy Insect Indicator®, has been assessed for monitoring adults of the principal crawling beetle pests of stored products in empty premises and on flat surfaces in grain stores and flour mills in the UK. The new trap was compared with the Igrox Insect Monitoring Peanut-free Bait Bag, the Storgard® Flit-Trak M2 trap and the Pantry Patrol™ trap in laboratory arenas using six beetle species of important pest status or which might be difficult to trap. The Pantry Patrol trap performed least well. The I-SPy Insect Indicator containing a carob lure was as good as, or better than, the Flit-Trak M2 trap containing both food oil and pheromone lures in catching Oryzaephilus mercator (81.0% and 51.1%, respectively), Typhaea stercorea (87.4% and 31.1%), Tribolium confusum (44.6% and 37.5%) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (45.1 and 53.8%). For the Bait Bag the catches for these species were 67.2%, 59.5%, 55.7% and 81.9% respectively. The I-SPy Insect Indicator containing a carob lure and the Flit-Trak food oil was as good as the Flit-Trak M2 trap in catching Sitophilus granarius (92.9% and 99.2%, respectively) and Rhyzopertha dominica (50.6% and 51.5%). In limited trials in premises with unknown levels of infestation, the I-SPy Insect Indicator containing the carob lure and the Flit-Trak food oil was at least as good as the Flit-Trak M2 trap in a grain store. In a flour mill, the I-SPy Insect Indicator with this combination caught more species, higher numbers of insects and was better at demonstrating the presence of infestation. The I-SPy Insect Indicator is also sturdy, reusable, easy to assemble and leaves the catch easy to identify. Importantly, it contains no food which might act as a source of re-infestation.

Insect infestation of a botanicals warehouse in north-central Florida

The insect populations of a botanicals warehouse in north-central Florida were studied to gain a better understanding of insect problems associated with stored botanicals and to identify measures that could be taken to mitigate the problems. The warehouse contained either dried saw palmetto berries, Serenoa repens (Bartram) Small, or dried passion-flower (maypop) vines, Passiflora incarnata (L.), depending on the season. Insect populations were monitored intermittently for one year using arrays of moth and beetle traps. Capture rate, relative abundance, and spatial distribution of different species were examined over time. The six most abundant species in order of abundance were: Cadra cautella (Walker), Lasioderma serricorne (F.), Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel), Typhaea stercorea (L.), Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). All of these appear capable of infesting saw palmetto, but the major pests were C. cautella and L. serricorne. Oryzaephilus mercator and P. interpunctella were also important, but T. castaneum and T. stercorea were minor. Passion-flower was a less suitable host than saw palmetto for all of the species except T. stercorea. Nevertheless, all of the six species infesting saw palmetto except O. mercator were captured in numbers sufficient to indicate that they were also capable of infesting passion-flower. Lasioderma serricorne was the major pest. Spatial analysis of trap captures revealed that the insect distributions changed as different botanicals were brought in, removed, or redistributed in the storage area. Potential measures to mitigate insect problems in stored botanicals are discussed, including spatial targeting of insect control and sanitation efforts.