Synergistic Effect of CO₂ and O₂ Mixtures on Two Stored Grain Insect Pests
Calderon, M. and Navarro, S.
Division of Stored Products, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel.
Abstract: Tribolium castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica adults and eggs were exposed to atmospheres containing 2%-8% 0₂ supplemented with 5%-30% CO₂ at 26°C and 55% r.h. for 24-144 h. Eggs of both species were more susceptible than their adult stage to low 0₂ concentrations per se as well as to the 0₂ and CO₂ mixtures tested. R. dominica eggs were more tolerant than T. castaneum eggs to the above treatments.
Addition of CO₂ to low O₂ atmospheres resulted in a synergistic effect on adult mortality of both species, while there was only an additive effect on the eggs exposed to the same treatments.
These results provide additional information to be considered in the use of controlled atmospheres for grain storage.
