EFFICIENCY OF THE USE OF DIATOMACEOUS EARTH IN CORN GRAIN PROTECTION - DOI: 10.13083/1414-3984.v22n06a02

Abstract

Among the main methods of insect control on post-harvest grain, highlighted is the use of diatomaceous earth. Thus, it was proposed to test the efficiency of different dosages of this inert powder on control of Sitophilus zeamais adults in maize grains during storage. Five repetitions were performed with 100 g of grains with different moisture contents (12, 14, and 17%), infested with 20 insects, and treated with different dosages (0, 500, 1500 and 2500 g. t-1) in h hours and 15 days after application of the product. Mortality of insects in the grains, loss of weight, humidity and technological analysis of grains was performed at 60 days after each period of infestation. There were no statistical differences between the averages of mortality regardless of the treatment and moisture content. The control treatments of all moistures presented greater weight losses in both periods of infestation. Higher moisture content was found in untreated grains with initial value of 17%. Higher values of rotten grains were obtained for untreated grains, independent of the moisture content and infestation period. It was therefore concluded that the treatment with diatomaceous earth is effective for the control of S. zeamais and reduces damage to corn grains.