Phosphine Susceptibility of Adult <i>Megaselia scalaris</i> (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae)

Summary Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) is a synanthropic fly that lives in wide range of warmer regions globally. Although it listed as quarantine pest the Eurasian Economic Union, phytosanitary protocols have not been established. The larva feeds on moist food material and cannot grow dry matter, including cured tobacco. However, adults this species detected containers containing tobacco Russian ports. In study, difference susceptibility to phosphine between developmental stages lethal effect was evaluated. Fortunately, adult which potential contaminable stage demonstrated be least tolerant. concentrations achieve probit 9 mortality (≈LC 99.9968 ) for flies were calculated 636.2 ppm at 15 °C, 565.9 20 280.1 25 °C with 6 h exposure. concentration × time products ( Ct , ppm·d), cumulative exposure fumigant, respective temperatures 159.1 ppm·d 141.5 70.0 are much lower than those recommended control insect pests leaves by CORESTA (Cooperation Centre Scientific Research Relative Tobacco). These 1800 (300 d) 16–20 800 (200 4 higher °C. results suggest standard fumigation protocol stored will adequate M. . values obtained study can further utilized development phosphine-based preshipment treatments species.