THE ACTIVITY OF THE FUMIGANT SULFURYL FLUORIDE ON STORED PRODUCT INSECT PESTS

Abstract:
Sulfuryl fluoride is a gas fumigant mainly used for the control of structural and household insect pests. A laboratory study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of the fumigant on eight stored product pest insects (Sitophilus granarius, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Tribolium confusum. Stegobium paniceum, Trogoderma inclusum, Tenebrio molitor, Plodia interpunctella, Ephestia kuehniella). Several concentrations ranging from 11.7 +- 0.4g/m3 to 35 +- 0.2g/m3 were evaluated in the study. The temperature was maintained at 20°C and insect eggs, larvae and adults exposed for periods of 24,48 or 72h. Mortality of adults, larvae and hatching of eggs was assessed. Larvae, pupae and adults were the most susceptible to sulfuryl fluoride whilst eggs were the most tolerant. All stages of tested insects were killed by 35 +- 0.2g/m3 of the fumigant within a 24h exposure time at 20°C. Further laboratory studies are being undertaken to confirm these preliminary results prior to field evaluation.