Springer International Publishing

Evaluating the pest control efficiency of wheat storage bags and polypropylene liners against Trogoderma granarium and Tribolium castaneum - International Journal of Tropical Insect Science

Insects either enter storage bags from outside or are present as resident populations. This study evaluated jute bags (JB) and woven plastic bags (WPB) with polypropylene liners of three thicknesses for resistance to external infestations by Trogoderma granarium (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and their effect on fumigation-induced mortality of resident populations. Results showed that without liners, T. granarium caused 0.17% weight loss in JB and 0.12% in WPB, while T. castaneum caused 0.12% in JB and 0.05% in WPB. With internal liners, no grain damage occurred (P < 0.05). Fumigation results revealed T. granarium mortality of 90% in JB and 77% in WPB, and T. castaneum mortality of 85% in WPB and 82% in JB (P < 0.05). Liners significantly increased mortality rates: T. granarium (92–90% with liners, 60% without) and T. castaneum (100–99% with liners, 36% without). Bag stacking affected T. granarium mortality (89% in a row, 78% in tight stacking, P < 0.05) but had no significant effect on T. castaneum (P > 0.05). Interaction of bag types and liners showed T. granarium mortality of 100% in JB with liners and significantly lower (61–58%) without liners (P < 0.05). Similarly, T. castaneum mortality was 100–99% with liners but only 41% in WPB and 31% in JB without liners (P < 0.05). The combined effects of liners and row stacking significantly enhanced the mortality of both species, particularly in JB. These findings highlight the critical role of internal liners in minimizing grain losses and increasing fumigation efficacy.