Abstract:
Insects are the major cause of the storage
losses in grains [1]. According to recent
studies, the loss of grains during storage under
conventional warehousing circumstances in
Sri Lanka, like in other tropical nations, is
about 4-6 %, with insect attacks accounting
for 80 % of the total. DEs are inert dust by
origin and consist of the fossils of
phytoplankton (diatoms) which are mainly
composed of amorphous hydrated silicates
[2]. When insects come into contact with the
DE particles, the waxy fat, and lipids are
absorbed from their cuticles, resulting in
water loss dehydration, and death [3]. DEs are
of extremely low toxicity to mammals [4].
The lesser grain borer is a serious pest of
stored grain worldwide [5]. Several reports
showed that the lesser grain borer can be
controlled using DE [6]. However, according
to Stathers et al, (2002) the main problem
limiting their use as a grain protectant is the
lack of information on their efficacy under
smallholder farming conditions [5]. Thus,
there is a need to assess the efficacy of the
food-grade DE for the controlling of insect
pests in pulses. The efficacy of the food-grade
DE will be assessed on chickpeas for up to 9
weeks during the 2021 grain storage season
from March to May. Farmers find it difficult
to store these grains since they are highly
susceptible to insect storage pests.
Determination of the most appropriate
application rates and the residual protection
offered by these DEs is also important.
