Stewart Postharvest Review

An international journal for reviews in postharvest biology and technology

© 2011 Stewart Postharvest Solutions (UK) Ltd.                                                                                                  

Online ISSN:1945-9656

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Online ISSN:1945-9656

www.stewartpostharvest.com  © 2005 Stewart Postharvest Solutions (UK) Ltd.

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Sub-lethal effects of insecticides on stored-product insects: current knowledge and future needs

 

 

 

Raul Narciso C Guedes*, Nelsa Maria P Guedes and Conrado Augusto Rosi-Denadai

Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil

 

 

 

Abstract

Purpose of review: Managing insects in stored products in warmer climates is largely dependent on insecticide use. Here we report on the basis of present insecticide testing for stored-product protection and their potential shortcomings.

Findings: Insecticide testing methods in stored-product protection rely on acute mortality determinations through time. Unlike with field insect pests, time is a major concern in stored-product insect control, and population-level assessments are common. However, individual-level assessments are frequently neglected and only direct effects (mortality, progeny production) are usually considered. Sub-lethal responses to insecticides are seldom determined in stored-product insects exposed to insecticides. Sub-lethal effects, particularly behavioural effects, can be potentially important at the individual level. Indirect effects of insecticides should focus on how it affects insect biology.

Directions for future research: A comprehensive assessment of insecticidal activity is necessary to characterise the full range of adverse effects against stored-product insects. Sub-lethal effects of insecticides may favour higher rates of pest population growth. Insect behaviour may lead to avoiding toxic insecticide exposure. Such outcomes are particularly important in insecticide-resistant populations since they are likely to further compromise insecticide efficacy.

 

Keywords: stored-product insects; insecticides; fumigants; insecticide hormesis; sub-lethal effects; behavioural effects

 

*Correspondence to: Raul Narciso C Guedes, Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil. Tel: +(55) (31) 3899-4008; Fax +(55) (31) 3899-4012; email: guedes@ufv.br

 

Stewart Postharvest Review 2011, 3:5

Published online 01 December 2011

doi: 10.2212/spr.2011.3.5