| Popis: |
Modified/controlled atmosphere applications, as an alternative to the chemical treatments, are an effective technique in controlling pest of stored products, especially dried fruits. In gas tight units, it is applied with the principle of preventing the insect respiration by changing the oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) gas levels of the atmosphere. In the study, 1-, 2- and 3- d-old pupae of dried fruit beetle, Carpophilus hemipterus (L.), which is an important dried fruit pest, were exposed to the modified / controlled atmosphere. The modified/controlled atmosphere consisting of 2.1% O2 + 90% CO2 + 7.9% N2 gas mixture was applied for 48, 72, 96 and 120 h at 20°C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity. One, two and three d old pupae responded similarly to modified/controlled atmosphere application. Mortality rates remained close in each exposure time and no significant difference was found between age groups. Unlike the age factor, the exposure time was found to be statistically significant and the mortality rates increased as the exposure time increased in each age group. The highest mortality rates were found as 38, 60 and 47% in 1-, 2- and 3-d old pupae after 120 h of application, respectively. |
