Evaluation of Esfenvalerate Aerosol for Control of Stored Product Insect Pests2

Abstract

An aerosol containing 0.25% AI esfenvalerate, 1.25% piperonyl butoxide synergist, 18.50% oil solvent and 80.00% freon was tested against adults of some of the major insect pest species infesting stored peanuts and stored tobacco. Application at 0.03 g AI per 28.3 m3 killed at least 99% of the almond moths, Cadra cautella (Walker), Indianmeal moths, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), and tobacco moths, Ephestia elutella (Hübner). Red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) mortality was 100% at application rates of 0.03 and 0.05 g per 28.3 m3. This was the least susceptible beetle species that was tested. Red flour beetles were knocked down at a rate of 0.013 g per 28.3 m3, and a second application of the same rate killed all survivors. The biological effectiveness of esfenvalerate compares favorably with dichlorvos, which is currently used as an aerosol control in peanut and tobacco storages.