Study on modified atmosphere with effect of elevated levels of CO2 concentrations and exposure periods on adult mortality of cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne Fabricius) in turmeric (Curcuma longa Linnaeus)

An experiment was conducted to find out the effect of CO2 concentrations on Lasioderma serricorne, by transferring twenty freshly released adults to airtight plastic containers of 250 grams capacity separately and directly exposed to eight different concentrations of CO2 viz., 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 per cent with different exposure periods of 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 minutes. After exposure to various CO2 concentrations, the adults were placed in plastic jars with disinfested healthy cured turmeric rhizomes. The mortality was observed daily and per cent adult mortality was calculated. The results revealed that both concentrations as well as exposure periods had significant effect on the adult mortality. The findings confirmed that exposure of L. serricorne adults to 70 and 80 per cent CO2 for 45 min were considered as the best treatments for control of adult cigarette beetles which resulted in adult mortality at one and four days after treatment, respectively and these treatments can be recommended for effective management of the cigarette beetle.