Diatomaceous Earth vs. Kaolinite Clay for Rice Weevil Control in Wheat

Author: Sake Manideep, Talapala Sai Kumar, S.V. Sangeetha, S.N. Salma Banu, S. Padmashree, K. Kruthi Reddy and K.S. Kedswin

Download PDF

Abstract

An experiment conducted at the seed center laboratory at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University during June 2022, compared the efficacy of diatomaceous earth and kaolinite clay against rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) infestations in stored wheat. Adult weevils exposed to treated wheat grains exhibited dose-dependent mortality. Diatomaceous earth demonstrated rapid insecticidal activity, achieving 100% mortality at the highest dosage (1g/100 g wheat) within seven days while causing minimal grain damage. In contrast, kaolinite clay exhibited slower action, achieving 90% mortality at 30 days, with moderate grain protection. Additionally, diatomaceous earth significantly reduced progeny emergence. These findings highlight diatomaceous earth as a more effective and faster-acting solution for controlling rice weevils in stored wheat compared to kaolinite clay, emphasizing its potential for integrated pest management strategies in grain storage facilities

Keywords

Diatomaceous earth, Kaolinite clay, Rice weevil, Inert dusts

Conclusion

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of inert dusts against Rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) onwheat host using two treatments (Diatomaceous Earth and Kaolinite Clay) at different dosages under three replications. Our observations revealed that, the Diatomaceous Earth @ 1.0 g dosage on 7 DAT was more effective since 100% mortality was attained whereas Kaolinite clay was less effective as even @ 1.0 g, it resulted in 90% mortality, only on 30 DAT and also had increased progeny population compared with Diatomaceous Earth treatments. Thus, it is concluded that the among tested inert dusts, Diatomaceous Earth was found to be more effective than Kaolinite clay within a short period of treatment, with significant effect on progeny population and minimum grain damage

References

-

How to cite this article

Sake Manideep, Talapala Sai Kumar, S.V. Sangeetha, S.N. Salma Banu, S. Padmashree, K. Kruthi Reddy and K.S. Kedswin (2024). Diatomaceous Earth vs. Kaolinite Clay for Rice Weevil Control in Wheat. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(7): 94-97