Insecticidal effect of thiamethoxam against seven stored-product beetle species

Bioassays were carried out in order to assess the insecticidal value of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam in different concentrations against seven important beetle species that are major pests of stored grains. These species were Prostephanus truncatus (Horn), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Sitophilus granarius (L.), Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val, and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens). Adults of these species were exposed to grains treated with thiamethoxam at dose rates of 0 (control), 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 or 10 ppm. Our results indicate that with the increase of the insecticide concentration, there was also an increased adult mortality and a reduction in progeny production. To illustrate the relative sensitivity to thiamethoxam of the seven insects, starting with the most susceptible, we can classify them as P. truncatus > R. dominica = S. granarius = S. oryzae > T. confusum = O. surinamensis > C. ferrugineus. The findings of the present research show that thiamethoxam can be recommended for its efficacy at a rate of 10 ppm and duration of 14 days that could be used to control all insects and their progeny.

Automated summary

Bioassays were conducted to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of thiamethoxam on seven important beetle species at various concentrations. Results demonstrated that as the concentration of the insecticide increased, adult mortality also increased while progeny production decreased. Among the seven insects, Prostephanus truncatus showed the highest sensitivity to thiamethoxam, suggesting that a rate of 10 ppm for 14 days could effectively control all insects and their progeny.