Studies on carbon dioxide as wheat seed protectant against storage insects and its effect on seed quality stored under ambient conditions

Author： Bera A. Sinha S.N Singhal N.C. Pal R.K. Srivastava C.

Publisher： International Seed Testing Association

ISSN： 1819-5717

Source： Seed Science and Technology, Vol.32, Iss.1, 2004-04, pp. : 159-169

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

Modified or controlled atmosphere storage is being considered as one of the alternatives to toxic, residue building chemical fumigants to protect stored seed from insect pest infestations. Lower concentrations of CO₂ (5, 10 and 20%) and longer exposure periods (2, 4 and 6 months) were tested against the phosphine tolerant strain of lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica and rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica. LC₅₀ value of CO₂ for the lesser grain borer was found to be 10.28% (v/v) with an exposure period of 48 h. Complete control of the insect population buildup and seed damage was achieved with 20% (v/v) concentration of CO₂ within two months of storage period. The 5 and 10% CO₂ concentrations also reduced the insect population growth and seed damage as compared to ambient storage.Storage in CO₂-rich atmospheres irrespective of concentrations and periods showed no adverse effect on germinability and vigour of the wheat seed. Similarly, there was no change in the dehydrogenase activity and malondialdehyde content because of CO₂ rich atmosphere.