Efficacy of diatomaceous earth formulations against Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in Kersting’s groundnut (Macrotyloma geocarpum Harms): influence of dosage rate and relative humidity

摘要: The pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus F. is a key pest to stored Kersting’s groundnut, Macrotyloma geocarpum Harms. There are many reports evaluating various diatomaceous earths (DEs) against product pests, but there limited information on the efficacy of these materials C. and none Kerstings groundnut. Laboratory experiments were conducted evaluate DEs, Diatomenerde, Probe-A, Fossil shield, Damol-D1 in seeds M. geocarpum. Each DE was applied at 0.50, 1.00, 1.50, 2.00 g kg−1, each treatment infested with newly emerged petri dishes. set up maintained 50 80 % RH regimes ambient temperature. Data collected adult mortality (at 24 h, 48 h, 7 days, 14 days), oviposition, progeny emergence beetles, their effects weight loss viability seeds. Probe-A proved most effective followed by shield. Adult increased progressively increasing dosage exposure time. Seeds treated 2.00 or 1.50 g kg−1 recorded significantly lower number eggs F1 compared dosages all DEs. Increased concentration consistently decreased seed due low beetle infestation, no significant effect viability. DEs more 50 % than RH. 1.50 2.00 g kg−1 viable alternative for preventing infestation