Characheristicsof diatomaceous earth as biopesticide for control of stored pests
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14720/aas.2012.99.1.14535Keywords:
diatomaceous earth, insecticidal activity, stored pests, stored productsAbstract
Diatomaceous earth is used for many purposes, including as a bioinsecticide for protection of stored crops. This material is produced by milling the sedimentary rock called diatomite. There are many types of diatomaceous earth but only diatomaceous earths with less than 7% of crystalline silica are suitable for pest control. Diatomaceous earth is not toxic to mammals, it provides the protection of food on a long-term against harmful insects, and for its application it is used around the same technology as in the conventional application of insecticides and is easily removed during processing. Among some of the negative characteristics is that reduces bulk density of grain, which is the main criterion of assessing the quality of grain. Diatomaceous earth has a high absorption potential and is bound to insect epicuticular waxes, and act practically on all pests that have cuticula protected by wax.
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