Abstract

The studies were carried out to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of Grainpro Cocoon^TM with traditional storage systems against Tribolium castaneum, Rhyzopertha dominica and Sitophilus oryzae. Four different storage structures (Grainpro Cocoon^TM, Thick Waterproof Cloth Sheath, Simple Polythene Sheath and control) were used. Each storage structure was tested for three storage periods viz. 5, 10 and 15 days. The results of the trial indicated the cumulative mean mortality of the stored pests (16%) in Grainpro Cocoon^TM and was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the thick waterproof cloth sheath (4%), simple polythene sheath (8%) and control (0%). Further analysis suggested that the T. castaneum was most venerable in the Grainpro Cocoon^TM but R. dominica was observed to be resistant in Grainpro Cocoon^TM. The mortality of all tested insects increased with increase in storage period. for example, T. castaneum (5%), R. dominica (2%) and S. oryzae (4%) after 5 days storage increased significantly to 9, 7 and 8% respectively after 15 days storage. The results of the present study suggest that Grainpro Cocoon^TM was the most effective hermetic storage structure to control all types of insects for extended storage period.

Key words: Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Sitophilus oryzae (L.), GrainPro Cocoon^TM.