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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #185539
Title: DIATOMACEOUS EARTH SURFACE TREATMENT FOR STORED WHEAT

Author
item Arthur, Franklin
item VARDEMAN, ERIKA - KANSAS STATE UNIV
item NECHOLS, JAMES - KANSAS STATE UNIV
item Campbell, James - Jim

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/20/2005
Publication Date: 1/31/2007
Citation: Arthur, F.H., Vardeman, E.A., Nechols, J.R., Campbell, J.F. Diatomaceous earth surface treatment for stored wheat. Integrated Protection of Stored Products IOBC/wprs Bulletin 30: 243-249

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Diatomaceous earth (DE) can be used as a surface treatment in stored wheat to control pest infestations. However, it is not known how the thickness of the DE-treated wheat layer or grain temperature impacts effectiveness. When adult Rhizopertha dominica (F.), lesser grain borers, were released in experimental towers containing untreated wheat or wheat admixed with DE to a surface layer depth of 15.2, 22.9 or 30.5 cm, they were able to penetrate all DE layers and oviposit in the untreated wheat below. However, survival was significantly reduced in adults exposed to DE. Survival decreased both with increasing depth of the DE-treated wheat and with exposure interval. Temperature had no effect on adult survival, but significantly more progeny were produced at 32 than at 27°C. Progeny production was inversely correlated with the depth of the DE-treated layer. Vertical distribution patterns of parental beetles were not significantly different among treatments or exposure intervals; however more insects were found at greater depths at 32 than at 27°C.