The insecticidal efficacy of three commercial formulations of diatomaceous earth against Tribolium confusum to protect three different varieties of wheat

In this research, the insecticidal efficacy of three commercial formulations of diatomaceous earth (DE), Insecto^®, SilicoSec^® and PyriSec^® were investigated against Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val.adults on Behrang, Verinak and Chamran varieties of wheat. Experiments were carried out at 27±1˚Cand 55±5% R.H. in continuous darkness. Adult’s mortality was counted after 2, 5, 8, 11 and 15 days of exposure. The most effectiveness was observed in Behrang after 7 days of exposure to PyriSec^®, Behrang to SilicoSec^® and Verinak and Chamran exposed to PyriSec^® with LD₅₀ values of 231, 268, 280 and 330 mg/kg, respectively. Results indicated that PyriSec^® followed by SilicoSec^® have the most insecticidal effect against tested adults. However, Insecto^® has less effect than the other two formulations to control T. confusum. In addition, the effects of DEs on Behrang were higher than two other varieties. The findings indicated good potential of DEs for the control of T. confusum, the red flour beetle.