Quo Vadis the fumigants?

Fumigation is the most widely used procedure to control stored product pests to prevent economic and quality losses by providing various application methods and penetration capability into the treated commodity. However, most of the available fumigants have limitations in use due to various reasons. Methyl bromide (MB), according to Montreal Protocol, is scheduled to be phased out worldwide by 2015. Sulphuryl fluoride (SF) is known to have limited efficiency on egg stages of insects. Reportedly, it also contributes to the greenhouse effects, which may jeopardize its future use. Currently, phosphine (PH3) is the most widely used fumigant worldwide due to its low cost and ease of application, though resistance observed in major pest species threatens the continued use of PH3. Recent studies in beetles reveal that phosphine resistance is governed through two genes on separate autosomal chromosomes. Research on new fumigants continue to be restricted due to concerns over the adverse effects of fumigant residues in food and the environment that led regulatory agencies to take actions by imposing strict limitations on fumigant registration. On the other hand the phase out of MB and resistance to PH3 has stimulated significant interest on development of alternatives like modified atmospheres (MAs), thermal disinfestation and irradiation. In Turkey, MAs applications are preferred for the treatment of organic food products and are performed mostly in transportable PVC structures (Cocoons or Volcani Cubes). In museums high nitrogen or SF applications are the only procedures to eradicate structural pests. Under the given constraints of registration of new fumigants, it is anticipated that more attention will be devoted to develop novel alternative treatments that are economically feasible, sustainable, user friendly and environmentally benign. Keywords: Fumigants, Modified atmospheres, Insect resistance, Stored products pests, Fumigant alternative

Applications of natural zeolites on agriculture and food production

Zeolites are crystalline hydrated aluminosilicates with remarkable physical and chemical properties, which include losing and receiving water in a reverse way, adsorbing molecules that act as molecular sieves, and replacing their constituent cations without structural change. The commercial production of natural zeolites has accelerated during the last 50 years. The Structure Commission of the International Zeolite Association recorded more than 200 zeolites, which currently include more than 40 naturally occurring zeolites. Recent findings have supported their role in stored-pest management as inert dust applications, pesticide and fertilizer carriers, soil amendments, animal feed additives, mycotoxin binders and food packaging materials. There are many advantages of inert dust application, including low cost, non-neurotoxic action, low mammalian toxicity and safety for human consumption. The latest consumer trends and government protocols have shifted toward organic origin materials to replace synthetic chemical products. In the present review, we summarize most of the main uses of zeolites in food and agruculture, along with the with specific paradigms that illustrate their important role. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industr

Effects of zeolite formulations on the mortality and progeny production of Sitophilus oryzae and Oryzaephilus surinamensis at different temperature and relative humidity levels

The insecticidal potential of two natural zeolite formulations, Zeocem and Mycostop, was tested against the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and the sawtoothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) on wheat, at the dose rates of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1 g/kg. The bioassays were carried out under laboratory conditions at three temperature levels (20, 25, and 30 ο C) and two relative humidity (r.h.) levels (55, 75%). Mortality was recorded after 7, 14, and 21 d of exposure and progeny production was recorded 65 d later. Complete (100%) mortality was achieved only for O. surinamensis adults with Zeocem for most temperature and r.h. combinations tested. Progeny production for this species was extremely low. In contrast, mortality for S. oryzae was much lower and did not exceed 87% after 21 days at any of the combinations tested, while progeny production was high. For O. surinamensis exposed to Mycostop, mortality after 21 days did not exceed 97% for all temperature and r.h combinations, while overall progeny production was low. Moreover, S. oryzae mortality was generally low and did not exceed 56%, while progeny production for this species was high for most temperature and r.h. combinations. Despite the fact that some general trends were evident, the effect of temperarature and r.h. in zeolite efficacy was often found inconclusive. The results of the present study illustrated the insecticidal potential of zeolites for the contol of certain stored product insect species, which requires additional investigation. © 201

Determining effect of phosphine (eco2fume®) fumigation under atmospheric and vacuum conditions on dried fig quality

Dried fruit are foods with a long shelf life although several factors, including storage pests, may limit their marketability. Prior to the decision to phase it out under the Montreal Protocol, Methyl Bromide (MB) was the most extensively used fumigant to control storage pests, due to its efficacy and relatively low cost. The objective of the study was to test the effectiveness of two phosphine (PH3) concentrations (1000 and 1500ppm) under conditions of normal atmospheric pressure (760mmHg) and vacuum (50 and lOOmmHg), in order to develop suitable alternatives to MB. For inclusion in the dried fig industry, MB alternatives should, of necessity, be able to prevent storage pest problems via brief exposure periods, as well as preserve the fruit quality. In the experiment, the major quality parameters were analyzed after two months of storage under ambient conditions and compared with the untreated (0% PH3/ 760mmHg) control. The results revealed that the phosphine treatments revealed no negative effects on the sugaring index, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the dried figs; however, they exerted a limited effect on the water content, water activity and firmness of the treated fruit. Both the phosphine treatments, under vacuum at 50 mmHg, and 1500ppm PH3 at lOOmmHg resulted in lower L* and C* values causing darker fruit color. Therefore, ECOFUME® treatment for 24 hours is recommended due to its low investment, operational costs and short exposure period. © by PSP

Project to phase-out methyl bromide in the dried fig sector in Turkey

26th International Horticultural Congress -- AUG 11-17, 2002 -- TORONTO, CANADAWOS: 000189407100007Turkey is one of the major dried fruit and nut producing countries. Methyl bromide (MeBr) is the common fumigant to control storage pests that infest during drying and storage. Compared with other dried fruits and nuts, storage pest infestation threatens dried fig production the most. MBr is regarded as a major anthropogenic compound that depletes the ozone layer. Furthermore, MeBr is a toxic gas and can pose risk to human health if over-exposure or accidents occur. The Montreal Protocol and the phase-out of methyl bromide have increased the urgency to search for new technologies. This project will lead to the phase-out of MBr as a stored product treatment in the Turkish dried fig sector by evaluating the economic and technical feasibility of two alternative technologies: 1) CO2 at elevated temperatures and/or CO2 in combination with pressure, and 2) magnesium phosphide in combination with heat in gas tight chambers. In addition, the project will include activities for ensuring a proper technology transfer, through a training programme and dissemination of information directed at actual MeBr users in the Turkish dried fig industry. Until today, field surveys are carried out to evaluate the importance of target species. Dried fig fruits are treated with magnesium phosphide and CO2 at various concentrations and at different temperatures. Quality parameters such as total soluble solids (%), titratable acidity (%), pH, dry matter (%), water activity (WA), colour (L, a and b values by Minolta chromometer) and sugaring (%) are assessed in treated and non-treated samples.Canadian Soc Hort Sci, Int Soc Hort Sci, Univ Guelp

Insect repellent activity of diterpenoid alkaloids

Diterpenoid and norditerpenoid alkaloids were tested against Tribolium casteneum (Herbst,) in order to assess their repellent activity. Of 29 tested alkaloids, 21 compounds showed promising insect repellent activity, while eight of them were not found to be active. The alkaloids were obtained from Delphinium, Consolida and Aconitum species. The highest activity was found in hetisine, a diterpene alkaloid (59.37%) and the lowest activity in another diterpene alkaloid venulol (31.25%), Copyright (C) 2001 John Whey & Sons, Ltd

Changes in the distribution and pest risk of stored product insects in Europe due to global warming: Need for pan-European pest monitoring and improved food-safety

Global warming affects the distribution of stored product pest insects across Europe in a way comparable to field crop and orchard pests. Nevertheless, stored product research has been neglected in Europe and detailed monitoring is lacking. This paper aims to illustrate current knowledge about the movement of storage pests up north today triggered by altered environmental conditions. In addition, it stresses the need for a pan-European surveillance to monitor the distribution, movement and spreading of stored product pests in a rapidly changing environment. Global warming and a growing number of extreme weather conditions may influence on climate and can negatively affect global food security, especially in the case of durable commodities, which are of fundamental importance for human nutrition. It is thus suggested that the distribution of stored product pests within Europe is uniformly monitored and studied by a joint initiative. Furthermore, for additional food safety the World Food Program should receive more support to fund research needed and provide larger food storages in regions prone to agricultural instability. It is also suggested that the missing quarantine/regulated status for the most serious stored product and invasive pests (such as Trogoderma granarium) should be re-evaluated in the EU. © 202