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Stejskal V, Vendl T, Aulicky R, Athanassiou C. Synthetic and Natural Insecticides: Gas, Liquid, Gel and Solid Formulations for Stored-Product and Food-Industry Pest Control. INSECTS 2021; 12:590. [PMID: 34209742 PMCID: PMC8305526 DOI: 10.3390/insects12070590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The selective application of insecticides is one of the cornerstones of integrated pest management (IPM) and management strategies for pest resistance to insecticides. The present work provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional and new methods for the application of gas, liquid, gel, and solid physical insecticide formulations to control stored-product and food industry urban pests from the taxa Acarina, Blattodea, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Psocoptera, and Zygentoma. Various definitions and concepts historically and currently used for various pesticide application formulations and methods are also described. This review demonstrates that new technological advances have sparked renewed research interest in the optimization of conventional methods such as insecticide aerosols, sprays, fumigants, and inert gases. Insect growth regulators/disruptors (IGRs/IGDs) are increasingly employed in baits, aerosols, residual treatments, and as spray-residual protectants for long-term stored-grain protection. Insecticide-impregnated hypoxic multilayer bags have been proven to be one of the most promising low-cost and safe methods for hermetic grain storage in developing countries. Insecticide-impregnated netting and food baits were originally developed for the control of urban/medical pests and have been recognized as an innovative technology for the protection of stored commodities. New biodegradable acaricide gel coatings and nets have been suggested for the protection of ham meat. Tablets and satchels represent a new approach for the application of botanicals. Many emerging technologies can be found in the form of impregnated protective packaging (insect growth regulators/disruptors (IGRs/IGDs), natural repellents), pheromone-based attracticides, electrostatic dust or sprays, nanoparticles, edible artificial sweeteners, hydrogels, inert baits with synthetic attractants, biodegradable encapsulations of active ingredients, and cyanogenic protective grain coatings. Smart pest control technologies based on RNA-based gene silencing compounds incorporated into food baits stand at the forefront of current strategic research. Inert gases and dust (diatomaceous earth) are positive examples of alternatives to synthetic pesticide products, for which methods of application and their integration with other methods have been proposed and implemented in practice. Although many promising laboratory studies have been conducted on the biological activity of natural botanical insecticides, published studies demonstrating their effective industrial field usage in grain stores and food production facilities are scarce. This review shows that the current problems associated with the application of some natural botanical insecticides (e.g., sorption, stability, field efficacy, and smell) to some extent echo problems that were frequently encountered and addressed almost 100 years ago during the transition from ancient to modern classical chemical pest control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaclav Stejskal
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovska 507/73, 16106 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.V.); (R.A.)
| | - Tomas Vendl
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovska 507/73, 16106 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.V.); (R.A.)
| | - Radek Aulicky
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovska 507/73, 16106 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.V.); (R.A.)
| | - Christos Athanassiou
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str., 38446 Nea Ionia, Greece;
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Sakka MΚ, Athanassiou CG. Insecticidal effect of diatomaceous earth and pirimiphos-methyl against phosphine-susceptible and phosphine-resistant populations of two stored product beetle species. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:10.1007/s11356-021-12971-1. [PMID: 33635464 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12971-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we evaluated the insecticidal efficacy of diatomaceous earth (DE) and pirimiphos-methyl for the control of phosphine-susceptible and phosphine-resistant populations of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Sitophilus oryzae (L.). Insecticides were applied on wheat or rice at two doses: DE was applied at 1000 and 2000 ppm and pirimiphos-methyl at 1 and 5 ppm. Adult mortality was measured after 7, 14, and 21 days of exposure, and progeny production capacity on the treated substrates was evaluated 65 days later. For T. castaneum, we found that DE, at 2000 ppm, was able to provide 100% control of two of the three populations tested, while for the third population mortality reached only 84%. Similarly, there were differences in mortality levels after exposure to DE-treated grains between the two S. oryzae populations tested. At 1 ppm, pirimiphos-methyl was not effective for any of the T. castaneum populations tested, but complete mortality was recorded for all populations at 5 ppm. In general, populations of S. oryzae were more susceptible than those of T. castaneum, for both commodities. Our data indicate that both insecticides can be used with success in phosphine resistance management programs, but there are populations of a given species that may be less susceptible, which constitutes a preliminary screening essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Κ Sakka
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou str, 38446, Nea Ionia, Magnesia, Greece
- Institute of Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology, Center for Research and Technology, Volos, Greece
| | - Christos G Athanassiou
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou str, 38446, Nea Ionia, Magnesia, Greece.
- Institute of Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology, Center for Research and Technology, Volos, Greece.
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Khun KK, Wilson BAL, Stevens MM, Huwer RK, Ash GJ. Integration of Entomopathogenic Fungi into IPM Programs: Studies Involving Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) Affecting Horticultural Crops. INSECTS 2020; 11:E659. [PMID: 32992798 PMCID: PMC7599691 DOI: 10.3390/insects11100659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Weevils are significant pests of horticultural crops and are largely managed with insecticides. In response to concerns about negative impacts of synthetic insecticides on humans and the environment, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have been developed as an alternative method of control, and as such appear to be "ready-made" components of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. As the success of pest control requires a thorough knowledge of the biology of the pests, this review summarises our current knowledge of weevil biology on nut trees, fruit crops, plant storage roots, and palm trees. In addition, three groups of life cycles are defined based on weevil developmental habitats, and together with information from studies of EPF activity on these groups, we discuss the tactics for integrating EPF into IPM programs. Finally, we highlight the gaps in the research required to optimise the performance of EPF and provide recommendations for the improvement of EPF efficacy for the management of key weevils of horticultural crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Khuy Khun
- Faculty of Agronomy, Royal University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 2696, Dangkor District, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Centre for Crop Health, Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia; (B.A.L.W.); (G.J.A.)
| | - Bree A. L. Wilson
- Centre for Crop Health, Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia; (B.A.L.W.); (G.J.A.)
| | - Mark M. Stevens
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Yanco Agricultural Institute, Yanco, New South Wales 2703, Australia;
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Department of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Wagga Wagga, New South Wales 2650, Australia
| | - Ruth K. Huwer
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute, Wollongbar, New South Wales 2477, Australia;
| | - Gavin J. Ash
- Centre for Crop Health, Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia; (B.A.L.W.); (G.J.A.)
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Agrafioti P, Faliagka S, Lampiri E, Orth M, Pätzel M, Katsoulas N, Athanassiou CG. Evaluation of Silica-Coated Insect Proof Nets for the Control of Aphis fabae, Sitophilus oryzae, and Tribolium confusum. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 10:E1658. [PMID: 32847010 PMCID: PMC7557586 DOI: 10.3390/nano10091658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Insect proof nets are widely used in agriculture as mechanical and physical barriers to regulate pest populations in a greenhouse. However, their integration in the greenhouse ventilation openings is highly associated with the decrease of air flow and the adequate ventilation. Thus, there is need for alternative pest management tools that do not impair adequate ventilation. In the present study, we tested four net formulations of relatively large mesh size coated with SiO2 nanoparticles, namely, ED3, ED3-P, ED5, and ED5-P to evaluate their insecticidal properties against adults of Aphis fabae and Sitophilus oryzae and larvae of Tribolium confusum. ED3 and ED5 nets were coated with SiO2 nanoparticles of different diameter, while in the case of ED3-P and ED5-P, paraffin was added to increase the mass of the deposited particles on the net's surface. In the first series of bioassays, the knockdown and mortality rates of these species were evaluated after exposure to the aforementioned net formulations for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 60, 90, and 180 min. In the second series of bioassays, knockdown and mortality of these species were recorded after 1, 7, and 10 days of post-exposure to the nets for different time intervals (15, 30, and 60 min). Based on our results, all nets significantly affected A. fabae, since all insects were dead at the 1-day post-exposure period to the silica-treated nets. Conversely, at the same interval, no effect on either S. oryzae adults or T. confusum larvae was observed. However, in the case of S. oryzae, the efficacy of all nets reached 100% 7 days after the exposure, even for adults that had been initially exposed for 15 min to the treated nets. Among the species tested, T. confusum larvae exhibited the lowest mortality rate, which did not exceed 34% at the 10 days of post-exposure interval. Our work underlines the efficacy of treated nets in pest management programs, under different application scenarios, at the pre- and post-harvest stages of agricultural commodities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Agrafioti
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou str., 38446 Volos, Magnesia, Greece; (E.L.); (C.G.A.)
| | - Sofia Faliagka
- Laboratory of Agricultural Constructions and Environmental Control, Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Street, 38446 Volos Magnesia, Greece; (S.F.); (N.K.)
| | - Evagelia Lampiri
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou str., 38446 Volos, Magnesia, Greece; (E.L.); (C.G.A.)
| | - Merle Orth
- Institut für Textiltechnik der RWTH Aachen University, Otto-Blumenthal-St. 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.O.); (M.P.)
| | - Mark Pätzel
- Institut für Textiltechnik der RWTH Aachen University, Otto-Blumenthal-St. 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (M.O.); (M.P.)
| | - Nikolaos Katsoulas
- Laboratory of Agricultural Constructions and Environmental Control, Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Street, 38446 Volos Magnesia, Greece; (S.F.); (N.K.)
| | - Christos G. Athanassiou
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou str., 38446 Volos, Magnesia, Greece; (E.L.); (C.G.A.)
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Carnauba wax enhances the insecticidal activity of entomopathogenic fungi against the blowfly Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae). J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 174:107391. [PMID: 32416086 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Blowfly, Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is a problematic synanthropic insect pest, a vector of microbial pathogens, and the causal agent of secondary myiasis. Fungal biopesticides are considered eco-friendly tools, alternative to synthetic pesticides, for the control of arthropod pests; however, to date, little is known about their bioactivity against blowflies. In this study, we assessed the insecticidal activity of three well-known entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria pseudobassiana and Akanthomyces muscarius against L. sericata. In addition, we tested powdered carnauba wax as an electrically charged dust carrier in an attempt to enhance the virulence of fungal spores. Pathogenicity tests on adult flies, by adult immersion in conidial suspension (108 conidia mL-1), showed that the median lethal time (LT50) was 5.3, 5.9, and 6.2 days for B. bassiana, A. muscarius and B. pseudobassiana, respectively. In topical tests, when 108 dry conidia were mixed with or without carnauba wax, the LT50 was 7.7, 10.2, and 14 days without this carrier and 6.9, 8.6, and 13.8 days with it for B. bassiana, B. pseudobassiana and A. muscarius, respectively. Overall, our findings showed that, among the tested fungi, B. bassiana was the most virulent when formulated as a dry powder with carnauba wax, which greatly improved fungal efficacy against the blowfly. We discuss the utility of carnauba wax for electrostatic formulation powder of fungal spores in the integrated management of blowflies as an environmentally sustainable tool to reduce the over-reliance on chemical insecticides and their risk of resistance.
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Athanassiou CG, Rumbos CI, Sakka M, Potin O, Storm C, Dillon AB. Delivering Beauveria bassiana with electrostatic powder for the control of stored-product beetles. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2017; 73:1725-1736. [PMID: 28066976 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of a Beauveria bassiana-based formulation (Bb38) with Entostat, an electrostatically charged powder, was investigated as a surface treatment against Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Oryzaephilus surinamensis and Sitophilus granarius adults. In lab bioassays, the efficacy of Bb38 against the aforementioned species was examined on concrete, plywood, steel and ceramic, whereas its residual efficacy against the same species was assessed on concrete and steel in the presence or absence of illumination. Finally, the efficacy of Bb38 against O. surinamensis and S. granarius adults was assessed in a commercial grain storage facility under realistic field conditions. RESULTS In the lab trials, O. surinamensis and C. ferrugineus were much more susceptible to Bb38 than S. granarius on all types of surfaces. Moreover, Bb38 was, at least for O. surinamensis and C. ferrugineus, as effective as the chemical standard (deltamethrin) for at least 2 months after the application, regardless of the presence or absence of illumination. Finally, in the field trial Bb38 provided a satisfactory level of control against O. surinamensis. CONCLUSION Bb38 is an effective surface treatment, but its efficacy varies according to the target species, the type of surface and the time post-application. This is the first published report that examines the efficacy of Bb38 as a surface treatment for wider uses in empty warehouses and related storage facilities. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos G Athanassiou
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Magnesia, Greece
| | - Christos I Rumbos
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Magnesia, Greece
| | - Maria Sakka
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Magnesia, Greece
| | | | - Clare Storm
- Exosect Ltd, Leylands Business Park, Colden Common, Winchester, UK
| | - Aoife B Dillon
- Exosect Ltd, Leylands Business Park, Colden Common, Winchester, UK
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