Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audiences for this research are those associated with or responsible for insect pest management in flour mills, rice mills, pet food plants, processing plants, food warehouses, distribution centers, and retail stores. Changes/Problems: We need additional time to assure the completion of our originally approved project scopes and objectives. Specifically, due to an earlier leave of a postdoctoral research associate, some parts of our research have been delayed. A one-year no-cost extension for this project has been approved to allow us to complete our research and validate our research findings in food processing facilities. In addition, due to the time change of the 8th National Stored Product IPM Training Conference, we have not had a chance to incorporate our research findings into the conference as we originally proposed (Year 3, Objective 6). The one-year no-cost extension will allow us to complete our analysis of significant amounts of data sets generated from this project and incorporate our new findings into the conference that has been rescheduled for 2014. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project has provided opportunities for training graduate students, postdoctoral research associates, undergraduate research assistants and visiting scholars. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Research papers describing the major findings of the project were either published or submitted to peer-reviewed scientific journals. Results were also presented at scientific meetings, technology transfer meetings, and in training sessions conducted by private industry. In addition, results were distributed to pest management professionals, firms that provide insecticides to pest managers, and industry trade organizations, who in turn communicated those results to their customers and clients. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We expect to complete an economic analysis focusing on the cost comparison of an insect pest management program that relies primarily on fumigations versus one that employs a more integrated approach. We will integrate the education and outreach components of the project into the industry training sessions during the National Stored Product IPM Training Conference.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Several experiments were completed to evaluate the efficacy of pyrethrin alone and combined with methoprene on various life stages of the red flour beetle. Aerosol studies were also conducted in small scale experimental sheds in which dispersal underneath a simulated obstruction was assessed. Preliminary studies were also conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different aerosol particle sizes on adults of the confused flour beetle. The pyrethrin aerosol was effective on adults and pupae of the confused flour beetle when these life stages were exposed in open areas, but as the distance underneath the simulated obstruction increased from the open area there was a corresponding decrease in efficacy. In other direct exposure studies, adults of the red flour beetle were initially incapacitated by pyrethrin aerosol but recovered and were able to reproduce. However, the pyrethrin aerosol did have some effect on development of immature stages and reduced adult emergence relative to untreated controls. Results show that the presence of food material either during or after aerosol application increases survival of adult flour beetles to pyrethrin aerosol, indicating the importance of sanitation in conjunction with pesticide applications. Horizontal transfer of the insect growth regulator methoprene from treated flour to untreated flour was also investigated using different life stages of the red flour beetle. Cannibalization and feeding by the red flour beetle did not result in significant transfer of the insecticide; however, the insecticide apparently was transferred from treated to untreated flour. The susceptibilities of field strains of the red flour beetle, sawtoothed grain beetle, and lesser grain borer to different insecticides were also evaluated. These insects differed markedly in their susceptibility to beta-cyfluthrin applied to concrete surfaces whereas they were susceptible to chlorpyrifos-methyl plus deltamethrin. The latter compound also performed well on stored wheat, whereas spinosad was effective only against the lesser grain borer. The reduced susceptibility of two sawtoothed grain beetle and red flour beetle strain to four times the labeled rate of beta-cyfluthrin indicated tolerance or resistance in these species. Data from commercial heat treatments from six facilities indicated that eggs, young larvae, and adults of the red flour beetle can be easily killed within 24 hours of exposure, and the mortality of insects was related to how quickly temperatures reached 50oC, how long temperatures were held above 50oC and the maximum temperature.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Kharel, K., Arthur, F. H., Campbell, J. F., Zhu, K. Y., and Subramanyam., Bh. 2014. Evaluation of synergized pyrethrin aerosol for control of Tribolium castaneum and Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) . J. Econ. Entomol. 107: 462-468.
Campbell, J. F., Arthur, F. H., and Zhu, K. Y. 2014. Spatial pattern in aerosol insecticide deposition inside a flour mill. J. Econ. Entomol.107: 440-454.
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The effectiveness of pyrethrins, synergized pyrethrins plus pyriproxyfen, synergized pyrethrins plus methoprene, and dichlorvos aerosols against eggs, old larvae, pupae, and adults of the confused flour beetles and red flour beetles at 25 and 40 degree Celsius were evaluated in the Hal Ross Flour Mill at Kansas State University (KSU). The spatial pattern of aerosol deposition was measured using a grid of bioassay and this information was used to generate contour maps of efficacy. In addition, during each aerosol application boxes were used to measure the level of dispersion under obstacles. Stored-product insect populations were also monitored in commercial food facilities where aerosol insecticide applications were applied. A computer model of the red flour beetle in flour mills was built and validated. The model can predict the effects of various treatments, such as methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride fumigation, heat treatment, and aerosols on flour beetle control and subsequent population rebound. In addition, the first phase of economic model for measuring costs and benefits of insect control in a processing facility was developed. Results from these studies were shared in the Milling Journal, an industry magazine for the grain processing industry and in a book chapter (see Publications). Results were also disseminated by oral presentations at scientific meetings, training sessions sponsored by private industry and state universities, and verbally shared at the Food Protection Committee (FPC) of the International Association of Operative Millers during September 5-6, 2012 at the Committee's winter meeting in Nisswa, MN. The FPC consists of members from the grain processing industry within the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Franklin H. Arthur, USDA-ARS Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Manhattan, KS Dr. James F. Campbell, USDA-ARS Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Manhattan, KS Dr. Paul W. Flinn, USDA-ARS Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Manhattan, KS Dr. Brian D. Adam, Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. Dr. Dhana Raj Boina, former postdoctoral research associate, Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. Dr. Mukti Ghimire, postdoctoral research associate, Department of Grain Science and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. Dr. Angela Tucker, former graduate student, Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS Kabita Kharel, graduate student, Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS Suling Duan, graduate student, Department of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. Li Niu, graduate student, Department of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. Cooperators from IFC performed the aerosol tests at Kansas State University Flour Mill. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences that could benefit from this research include pest management service providers, elevator managers, warehouse managers, and grain processing industry managers involved in management of insect pests in their facilities. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Only modification is to use two temperatures to evaluate the aerosols rather than the originally proposed three temperatures. This was done to reduce the work load and complete the work in the allotted time in the Hal Ross Flour Mill which is practically used by Kansas State University students and staff for teaching and for hands-on demonstration during mill management short courses. This modification is not expected to result in significant changes of the results and/or outcome of the project.
Impacts
The synergized pyrethrins plus pyriproxyfen, synergized pyrethrins plus methoprene, and dichlorvos were highly effective against all life stages of both species at 25 degrees Celsius with mortalities ranging from 95 to 100 percent irrespective of simulated sanitation levels. However, reduced mortality (84 percent) was observed in the case of red flour beetle adults exposed to treated concrete- poured dishes at 24 h. The effectiveness of dichlorvos sharply decreased from 100 to 1 percent when the adults of both species were exposed to four-week old residues on metal surfaces. In contrast, adults exposed to synergized pyrethrins plus pyriproxyfen and synergized pyrethrins plus methoprene treated metal surfaces showed 78 to 96 percent mortality on four-week old residues. At 40 degree Celsius, mortalities of confused flour beetle adults exposed to synergized pyrethrins plus pyriproxyfen and dichlorvos ranged from 94 to 100 percent and was unaffected by sanitation level, whereas that of synergized pyrethrins plus methoprene was adversely affected by the presence of flour. Red flour beetle adult mortality was affected by presence of flour. The morality of immature stages of both species in the presence of 2-cm deep flour was 80-100, 89-100, and 64-100 percent for eggs, larvae, and pupae, respectively. However, a reduced mortality of pupae (64-73 percent) was observed after exposed to synergized pyrethrins plus methoprene. The pyrethrin aerosol was also highly effective against all life stages of both species with mortalities generally greater than 88 percent when insects were directly exposed. However, the mortality was significantly reduced when the insects were either treated together with flour or untreated insects were transferred to treated flour. When different life stages of beetles were exposed in dishes with different amounts of flour, mortality of all life stages was reduced with increasing flour depths. These results suggest that accumulated flour residues during application of an aerosol can reduce effectiveness; therefore sanitation should be emphasized prior to aerosol application. The pattern of deposition of the aerosol applications in the KSU mill showed differences among temperatures and insecticide formulations. For most treatment combinations there was spatial variation, with areas with identifiable characteristics tending to have reduced deposition. Higher temperatures during treatment were associated with increased dispersion under obstacles. The gap size under the obstacle was important in terms of the level of dispersion. Simulations with the computer model showed that the number of fumigations can be reduced to once a year when combined with sanitation and bi-weekly aerosol applications. Monthly aerosol applications can also be used; however, this resulted in slightly higher population peaks between applications. This model will be an important tool to evaluate treatment strategies and as a teaching tool for flour mill managers.
Publications
- Boina, D.R. and Subramanyam, Bh. 2011. Insect management with aerosols in food-processing facilities, pp. 195-212. In Insecticides: Advances in Integrated Pest Management, F. Perveen (ed.), Intech-Open Access Publisher. http://www.intechopen.com/books/show/title/insecticides-advances-in-i ntegrated-pest-management.
- Subramanyam, Bh. 2011. Aerosols for managing insects. Milling Journal, Volume 19, Fourth Quarter, pp, 52-53.
- Subramanyam, Bh. 2012. Aerosols for managing mill insects. Milling Journal, Volume 20, First Quarter, pp. 38-40.
- Tucker, A.M. 2012. Horizontal transfer of methoprene and its impact on Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) individuals and populations. Ph.D. Dissertation, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.
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Progress 09/01/10 to 08/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The efficacy of a pyrethrin + methoprene aerosol on resident populations of the red flour beetle was assessed. Food patches infested with different life stages of the red flour beetle were placed underneath coverings inside small-scale experimental sheds. The sheds were treated with the aerosol, and the food patches were periodically sampled. A study was also conducted in experimental sheds by exposing open Petri dishes containing adult red flour beetles, along with a refugial area containing flour, inside the sheds. The dishes inside the sheds were subjected to one or more pyrethrin + methoprene aerosol treatments, and impact on populations were assessed at various post-exposure intervals by monitoring the beetle populations. A simulation model to predict the effects of fumigation and aerosols on population rebound for red flour beetle in flour mills is being developed. Simulation studies will be conducted with the model to determine optimum timing of fumigation and frequency of aerosols. The distribution, efficacy, and residual activity of dichlorvos applied as an aerosol were also evaluated using the red flour beetle and the confused flour beetle in Hal Ross flour mill (Kansas State University). Results from these studies have been communicated to the milling industry through oral presentations at training sessions sponsored by university Extension departments and private industry, and at the Annual Methyl Bromide Alternatives Conference, and to industry groups directly associated with insect pest management (for example, the Food Protection Committee of the International Association of Operative Millers). These results will also be disseminated by publishing a manuscript in a peer review journal and a book chapter describing the usefulness of aerosol treatments for insect management in food-storage and food-processing facilities. Both manuscripts are currently under preparation. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Kun Yan Zhu is the Principal Investigator (PI) from the Department of Entomology at Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. The co-PIs of this project are Dr. Bhadriraju Subramanyam from the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS; Drs. Frank Arthur, James Campbell, Paul Flinn and Emily Fontenot from the Center for Grain and Animal Health Research of USDA-ARS, Manhattan, KS; and Dr. Brain Adam from the Department of Agricultural Economics at Oklahoma State University, Stillwaters, OK. Dr. Dhana Raj Boina is a post-doctoral researcher, and Angela Tucker and Kabita Kharel are two Kansas State University graduate students participating in the project. Aerosol applications in Hal Ross flour mill were made by Industrial Fumigant Company (IFC), Olathe, KS. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this research includes those responsible for insect pest management in wheat flour mills, and food-storage and food-processing facilities. Results have been discussed at several oral presentations to persons associated with the milling industry, and also at the Annual Methyl Bromide Alternatives Conference. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: It was originally proposed that performance of various aerosol treatments in controlling insects will be compared at 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C. However, we will not include the lowest temperature (20 degree C) in this experiment because the insect development rate will be very low and the aerosol applications are usually not necessary at such low temperature. In addition, the data obtained at this low temperature may create obstacles while developing models. This modification is purely based on logistics point of view and is not expected to result in significant changes of the results and/or outcome of the project.
Impacts
Studies on the efficacy of a pyrethrin + methoprene aerosol on resident populations of the red flour beetle showed that the aerosol insecticides can be used to control the red flour beetle in field sites. The pyrethrin + methoprene aerosols reduced the populations to a greater extent than pyrethrin alone. The adult beetles colonized adjacent food patches, but the aerosol appeared to damp population fluctuations, similar to other trials in these sheds in which food refugia were available to exposed beetles. However, the presence of available food material can compromise the effectiveness of the aerosol. Also, when beetles are more active, their exposure to the aerosol is increased, and that might influence efficacy as well. Studies on the distribution, efficacy, and residual activity of dichlorvos applied as an aerosol in Hal Ross flour mill showed that dichlorvos distributed uniformly throughout each floor of the mill. This was evident from complete knockdown of confused flour beetle adults and near complete to complete mortality of the red flour beetle pupae after a direct exposure of the insect life stages to dichlorvos during aerosol application in test arenas (concrete poured Petri dishes) placed at open and obstructed locations in the mill. Similar exposure of test insect life stages to dichlorvos by placing test arenas at concealed locations in the mill resulted in greater than 80 percent knockdown of confused flour beetle adults and greater than 90 percent mortality of red flour beetle pupae. However, dichlorvos exhibited moderate to poor residual activity (0 and 24 h old residues) on confused flour beetle adults and red flour beetle pupae. There was no significant increase in mortality or recovery of confused flour beetle adults knocked down seven days after transfer to food with some exceptions. These results suggest that the pyrethrin + methoprene and dichlorvos aerosols are viable alternatives to methyl bromide for controlling the red flour beetle and the confused flour beetle. However, dichlorvos provides limited residual toxicity to these insect pests.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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