Susceptibility of Plodia interpunctella (Hbn.) and Lasioderma serricorne (F.) to nitrogen protective pressurized atmosphere

Abstract

Susceptibility of P. interpunctella and L. serricorne in airtight package
containing coffee has been evaluated in presence of protective atmosphere with
pressurized nitrogen and carbon dioxide (0.2-0.4 bar).
In each jar, previously filled with coffee (250 g) 2 cylindrical containers (0 3.7
cm; h 5.5 cm) in plastic rigid transparent material were placed centrally, closed
by a lid in soft plastic, with a rectangular opening, protected by a wire net to
permit the content to be aired; in each container containing artificial substrate and
coffee individuals of the same stage and species were placed.
On the whole P. interpunctella individuals show a longer survival on artificial
diet. II-III and IV instar larvae of P. interpunctella are the least sensitive stage,
as 6 days are required to obtain 100% mortality.
L. serricorne resulted to be very susceptible to nitrogen and carbon dioxide atmosphere;
100% mortality occurs after 24 hours from the packaging for both diets.
Eggs are the most resistant stage as no egg hatching is observed after a stay of 7
and 8 days in nitrogen atmosphere respectively on coffee and artificial diet.