Insecticidal Efficacy of Silicon Dioxide as Grain Protectant and Surface Treatment Against Two Major Stored-Product Beetle Species

Abstract

Simple Summary Stored-product beetles can cause serious losses in stored grains and related commodities; therefore, there is increasing interest in alternative control methods that are effective and suitable for use in storage facilities. In this study, we evaluated a commercial silicon dioxide formulation, ChinCheX®, against two important stored-product beetles, the saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, and the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum. The product was tested both as a grain protectant on wheat and barley, as well as surface treatment on concrete and plastic surfaces. Mortality increased with concentration and exposure time, while progeny production was almost completely suppressed in treated grains. The formulation was also highly effective when applied to surfaces, causing rapid mortality of both species. These results indicate that ChinCheX® has strong potential as a grain and surface treatment for the management of stored-product beetles.