Effectiveness of Malathion Dust as a Protectant for Farm-Stored Corn in Louisiana

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Results are given of studies conducted to evaluate the protective values of malathion and pyrethrum grain protectants against damage to corn in Louisiana caused by stored grain insects, especially the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryza (L.). Both shelled and snapped corn were used in the studies. Malathion gave some protection to stored corn from progressive insect damage during storage; however, satisfactory protection was not obtained at any dosage level tested. Malathion was more effective than pyrethrum. Greater protection was obtained in shelled corn than was possible in snapped corn. Failure in Louisiana to protect corn in storage from insect damage with malathion or pyrethrum is very likely due to the high initial infestation incurred in the field and favorable conditions of temperature, relative humidity, and grain moisture for insect development during much of the storage period.