Bulk Density of Tricalcium Phosphate as a Significant Variable in the Suppression of Insect Populations in Flour and Wheat Soy Blend 1

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The apparent bulk density of different tricalcium phosphate (TCP) samples incorporated into flour or wheat soy blend significantly influenced its insect-suppressant activity. Samples with a lower bulk density were much more effective in controlling the insect species tested both in population studies and in larval growth responses. In mode of action studies, no adverse effect was noted on the secretion of the digestive enzyme, sucrase, in midguts of Tenebrio molitor L. larvae fed TCP-treated flour. In addition, the inhibitory effect of TCP could be quickly reversed by changing the diet with no apparent permanent physiological effect on the insects. A significant decrease in moisture content due to a dramatic fresh weight loss occurred in adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) reared on TCP-treated wheat soy blend. Female T. castaneum were more susceptible than males to this lethal desiccation effect. The mechanism of this apparent physical process is not known.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: