The presented study aimed to evaluate
the different control methods of the rusty
flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)
(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of a chemical pesticide (Malathion), biopesticide (Tracer 24% SC), plant
oil (Lemongrass oil), plant extraction (Acetone extracts from Rosemary), powder
(Diatomaceous earth) and modified Atmosphere (argon gas). Mortality percentage increased with increase of exposure
times at all tested concentrations. The toxicity effect of different treatments against
adults of T. castaneum at the LC50 after 7
days post-treatment at 30±1°C could be arranged in descending order as follows:
Malathion, Tracer 24% and lemongrass
oil, while, acetone extracts from Rosemary
and diatomaceous earth (DE) were the
least effective. The LT50 values against the
adult stage of T. castaneum were 19.99,
2.33 and 4.86 hr. for Argon 100, 80 and
60%, respectively. In order to avoid the
disadvantages of using chemical insecticides such as malathion, it is recommended
to use other more safe control methods for
the environment as Tracer 24% or
lemongrass oil or Argon gas.