SUPPRESSIVE EFFECT OF ALLYL ISOTHIOCYANATE ON POPULATIONS OF STORED GRAIN INSECT PESTS

The efficiency of the WasaOuro® system, based on an extract derived from Cruciferiae plants, was investigated as an insect suppressing agent. The active ingredient was allyl isothiocyanate (AIT). Lasioderma serricorne and Tribolium confusum were exposed to AIT vapor in vented containers. The containers were maintained in a temperature- and humidity-controlled room. The WasaOuro system does not repel or attract L. serricorne but does reduce tunneling activity of T. confusum. AIT disrupts normal reproductive cycles of both L. serricorne and T. confusum resulting in an insect population reduction in grain foods.