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Title: Methoprene and synergized pyrethrins as an aerosol treatment to control Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), the Indian meal moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Author
item JENSON, EMILY - Kansas State University
item Arthur, Franklin
item NECHOLS, JAMES - Kansas State University

Submitted to: Journal of Stored Products Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/2010
Publication Date: 4/1/2010
Citation: Jenson, E.A., Arthur, F.H., Nechols, J.R. 2010. Methoprene and synergized pyrethrins as an aerosol treatment to control Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), the Indian meal moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Journal of Stored Products Research. 46(2):103-110. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2009.11.002.

Interpretive Summary: Aerosol insecticides are used to control insects in food warehouses, but there is little data regarding susceptibility of eggs of the Indianmeal moth on different foods exposed to the aerosols. We conducted several field trials by exposing eggs of the Indianmeal moth in different foods and on different packaging materials treated with synergized pyrethrins applied alone and in combination with the insect growth regulator methoprene. Results of the field trials show the aerosols penetrated underneath pallets, and the combination of pyrethrin and methoprene was optimal for control of the eggs and for economic cost of treatment. There was some variation depending on the specific diet or package exposed, but overall results show that the aerosols could be used to control the eggs of the Indianmeal moth in a commercial facility.

Technical Abstract: Aerosol insecticides (also known as ULV or fogging treatments) delivered through an ultra-low volume application system, are available commercially to control insect pests such as Plodia interpunctella Hübner, the Indianmeal moth. However, little is known about the susceptibility of eggs of P. interpunctella to aerosol insecticides applied in active field sites. We conducted several trials by exposing eggs of P. interpuctella to synergized pyrethrins, alone and in combination with the insect growth regulator methoprene. Eggs in diets and packaging materials containing the food products were directly exposed to the aerosols. There was significant variation among the food products, as assessed by adult emergence from exposed eggs, but in general there was no difference in adult emergence from eggs exposed to a 1% versus a 3% pyrethrin formulation when methoprene was included. There was no difference in efficacy between diets and diet packages placed in open areas versus areas that were in some way obstructed to the aerosol. Adult emergence was generally reduced in the treatment combinations compared to untreated controls. A partial budget analysis indicated that the combination treatment of 1% pyrethrins + methoprene represented the lowest risk, lowest cost, and would seem to be the optimum combination. Results show that field applications of aerosols could be used to control P. interpuctella in storage facilities.