Control of Stored Agro-Commodity Pests Sitophilus granarius and Callosobruchus chinensis by Nitrogen Hypoxic Atmospheres: Laboratory and Field Validations

Given the complexity of practical usage controlled atmospheres for protection agro-commodities, several researchers have pointed out that there is not enough robust scientific documentation regarding inert gases their widespread application. Therefore, this work evaluated various regimes hypoxic and anoxic nitrogen control two key stored-product pests, in laboratory under field conditions silos. Sitophilus granarius Callosobruchus chinensis were selected as tested species since they are important pests grain/rice or legumes Europe Asia. Under conditions, we (N2) concentrations (from 95 to 100%) exposure times (1–20 days) on developmental stages both pest species. In most S. C. chinensis, shortest effective was found concentration 99%. Based our tests, validation studies subsequently carried semi-hermetic steel silos (25t) using continuous saturation by on-site built swing pressure generators. It a full all achieved 11 days exposure, ranging above 99% below 100%. Our shows treatment can be effectively small proper technological environmental conditions.