Evaluation of basalt powder against stored product insects

Abstract The insecticidal effect of natural basalt powder on Tribolium castaneum was evaluated. Two tests were used to study the insecticidal action of the basalt powder on the stored durum wheat. The coating test followed by the Bioassay test. The coating test of Tribolium castaneum adults in 10g of natural basalt powder, for 17 samples at rate of 25 adults per sample and an uncoated control, showed an insecticidal effect of the said powder with mortality rate of 100% for 70 hours of exposure against 5% for the control sample with a homogeneity of the mortality rate for the 17 samples. The bioassay test was carried out on durum wheat, the natural basalt powder was applied as dust at six different doses. The results of showed an insecticidal efficacy closely related to the dose and the time of exposure. The 500ppm dose showed insecticidal potential after 12 days of exposure against Tribolium castaneum (100% mortality). However, the 300ppm dose showed significant efficacy (100% mortality) against Tribolium castaneum after 14 days of exposure. In addition, the doses over than or equal to 75ppm resulted in a significant reduction in the insect population (mortality more than 74% for 14 days of exposure) compared to the control, providing new approach of integrated pest management strategy.