Surface Application of Different Insecticides Against Two Coleopteran Pests of Stored Products
by
, , and
Paraskevi Agrafioti
1,2,*
,
Marina Gourgouta
1
,
Dimitrios Kateris
2
and
Christos G. Athanassiou
1,2
1
Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou Str. Nea Ionia, 38446 Volos, Greece
2
Institute for Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology (IBO), Centre for Research and Technology—Hellas (CERTH), Dimarchou Georgiadou 118, 38333 Volos, Greece
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8306; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158306
Submission received: 27 April 2025
/
Revised: 23 June 2025
/
Accepted: 24 July 2025
/
Published: 25 July 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Computational Techniques for Plant Disease Detection)
Abstract
The present study highlights the critical role of surface type, insect species, and exposure duration in determining the efficacy of surface-applied insecticides in stored-product pest management. Four insecticides were sprayed and evaluated on different surfaces (concrete, metallic, plastic, and ceramic) against two beetles: the red flour beetle and the tobacco beetle. Alpha-cypermethrin and spinosad exhibited rapid and high efficacy, particularly on non-porous surfaces such as metal and ceramic, whereas pirimiphos-methyl was less effective initially and required extended exposure to achieve complete mortality, especially against Tribolium castaneum. In contrast, Lasioderma serricorne showed greater susceptibility across all insecticides and surfaces. Spinosad maintained high efficacy across all surface types, suggesting broader applicability under variable conditions. The reduced performance of insecticides on concrete surfaces underscores the influence of substrate porosity on insecticide bioavailability. Additionally, the observed delayed mortality effect in all treatments indicates that even brief exposure can result in lethal outcomes, emphasizing the long-term potential of these applications. These findings underscore the need for surface-specific application strategies and support the integration of surface treatments into comprehensive pest management programs. Further research is warranted under simulated field conditions to assess residual efficacy over time and in the presence of food, thereby enhancing the relevance of laboratory findings to real-world storage environments.
1. Introduction
Stored-product insects represent major threats to food safety and quality in grain storage and food processing facilities worldwide. These pests are responsible for significant quantitative and qualitative losses, including contamination with exuviae, feces, and other biological residues [1,2,3,4]. According to FAO estimates, insect infestations can account for up to 10–20% of global stored-product losses, particularly in developing countries [5]. These insects thrive in various ecological niches within storage and processing facilities and are known for their adaptability and persistence across a range of commodities [6,7,8,9]. For instance, in the case of Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), it has been found that infestations can severely affect not only tobacco products but also a wide range of dried stored goods, including herbs, spices, and cereals, often leading to product rejection due to contamination [6,10]. Meanwhile, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is recognized as one of the most economically significant secondary colonizers, particularly in processed cereal products and flour-based commodities, where its persistence and resistance to insecticides complicate control efforts [11,12,13]. Sitophilus granarius and Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), primary internal feeders of intact grain kernels, are equally important, causing substantial weight loss and grain damage, especially in bulk-stored wheat, leading to reduced nutritional and market value [14,15].
A common and long-standing approach to insect management in stored commodities is the direct application of insecticides to the grain. Such applications, typically in the form of protectants or admixtures, have demonstrated substantial efficacy against key pest species [16,17,18]. This strategy remains a cornerstone of post-harvest protection due to its capacity to suppress pest populations over extended storage intervals [14,17]. A broad spectrum of insecticides, including pyrethroids, organophosphates, and spinosyns, has shown high effectiveness when applied directly to stored grain [18,19,20]. For example, applications of alpha-cypermethrin and spinosad have proven effective in controlling Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) on wheat [21]. Furthermore, pirimiphos-methyl has been reported to exert high efficacy against larvae of Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) when used on treated packaging materials [1]. Nevertheless, despite the efficacy of these treatments, their continued use raises legitimate concerns regarding pesticide residues on food products [2,22]. Residual concentrations may exceed maximum allowable levels, posing potential risks to human health and reducing product acceptability in international markets [2,17]. Additionally, sustained use of grain-applied insecticides contributes to the emergence of resistant pest populations, further limiting control options over time [14,16,23].
Increasing attention has been directed toward alternative approaches that limit direct exposure of insecticides to the commodity. Among these, the application of insecticides to structural surfaces such as floors, cracks, and crevices is well-established as a complementary strategy in stored-product and food industry environments [17,24,25]. This method, often incorporated into integrated pest management programs, enables residual protection in areas frequented by mobile insect stages while minimizing contamination risks. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of surface treatments to control key pests under operational conditions, particularly those species that are highly mobile or cryptic in behavior [7,23,26]. However, the effectiveness of such treatments is known to vary considerably depending on the physicochemical properties of the surface to which the insecticide is applied. Porous materials such as concrete often absorb aqueous formulations, reducing their availability, while smooth, non-porous surfaces like metal and ceramic tend to retain higher concentrations of active ingredients over time [2,8,24]. Given the diversity of surface materials found in commercial storage settings, systematic evaluation of insecticidal performance across substrates is essential to support evidence-based recommendations. A deeper understanding of surface–insecticide interactions will contribute to more targeted application practices and improved efficacy under real-world conditions.
In light of increasing concerns surrounding chemical residues and resistance development, surface treatment has emerged as a critical component of stored-product pest management. The present study provides a systematic evaluation of three widely used insecticides applied to representative surface materials commonly encountered in storage and processing environments. By focusing on three economically significant beetle species and employing label-recommended application rates under controlled conditions, the study offers practical insights into how surface type influences insecticidal efficacy. These findings are intended to enhance the implementation of surface-based interventions and support the development of more targeted and sustainable pest control strategies in post-harvest systems.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Insects
The insect species were reared in the Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology at the University of Thessaly under controlled conditions (26 °C and 65% relative humidity) in continuous darkness. The tested insects were the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and the tobacco beetle, Lasioderma serricorne. Wheat flour, soft wheat flour, and corn flour were the preferred rearing media for T. castaneum and L. serricorne, respectively. In the case of L. serricorne, rearings were kept in a chamber at 30 °C and 65% relative humidity. Adults of T. castaneum were separated from the substrate using sieves with 500 μm and 2 mm apertures (Microplate Sieve, Woven Wire Sieve, Endecotts Ltd., Parsons Lane, Aston, Hope, UK), respectively. Then, adults were collected using a soft paint brush (lineo, No. 1, Mesko-pinsel GmbH, Wieseth, Germany). In the case of L. serricorne, only a soft paint brush was used. For all species tested here, adult beetles <1 month old were used in the experiments. The rearings have been kept in the Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology for more than 20 years with no exposure to insecticides.
2.2. Type of Insecticide Formulations
In total, three active ingredients were evaluated: alpha-cypermethrin [1.58% w/w active ingredient (a.i), Fendona®TOP 6SC, BASF Hellas, Marousi, Athens, Greece], pyrimiphos-methyl [49% w/w (a.i.), Actellic 50EC, Syngenta Crop Protection AG, Basel, Switzerland], and spinosad [48% w/v active ingredient (a.i.), Laser 480SC, Elanco Hellas S.A., Chalandri, Athens, Greece]. For alpha-cypermethrin, pirimiphos-methyl and spinosad, the dose rates applied on surfaces were 0.01 mg/cm−2, 0.1 mg/cm−2, and 0.1 mg/cm−2. In the case of alpha-cypermethrin and pirimiphos-methyl, the label dose was applied, whereas for spinosad, we utilized the dose as suggested by Toews et al. [19] and Vassilakos et al. [8]. All insecticides were applied as water-based solutions.
2.3. Surfaces
To evaluate the efficacy of the above insecticides, four surfaces were examined in this bioassay. Plastic petri dishes with a 90 mm diameter and a 59.4 cm2 bottom surface were used (Greiner Bio-One, Carl Roth GmbH + Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany). Four type of surfaces that are commonly used in the storage facilities were evaluated on the bottoms of the petri dishes: (i) concrete (Heracles Reinforced, Lafarge) and water in a ratio of 2:1 were used for the preparation of cement; (ii) metallic surface, the disks were cut in round shape and fitted and sealed into the dish bottoms; (iii) plastic petri dishes; and (iv) ceramic, with smooth surfaces. The metallic and ceramic surfaces were obtained from a local machinery shop. Also, hot glue (Bison Glue Gun Hobby, Bison International B.V., Rotterdam, The Netherlands) was applied at the contact points of the metal and the ceramic to ensure that insects remained on the surface. For the evaluation of the plastic surface, the plastic petri dishes were left as they were, without coating of any other material. After 24 h, the dishes were ready to be used. After that, Fluon (polytetrafluoroethylene, Sigma-Aldrich Chemie GmbH, Steinheim, Germany) was applied around the perimeter of each of the dishes (internal walls) to prevent insects from escaping.
2.4. Experimental Design
The insecticide spraying solutions were made by diluting the proper amount of formulation in distilled water in 25 mL volumetric flasks, according to label directions. An airbrush (Kyoto BD-183K Grapho-tech, Yokohama, Japan) was used to apply the insecticide solutions to the treated surfaces. A volume of 1 mL of the solution was sprayed into each petri dish. An additional series of dishes was sprayed with distilled water and served as controls. There were two dishes for each insect–insecticide–surface combination, and the entire procedure was repeated three times by preparing new dishes each time (three replicates with two sub-replicates). After spraying, the dishes were left to dry for 24 h. Afterwards, 20 adults were placed in each dish, surface, and insecticide. Subsequently, the dishes were transferred to a chamber with stable temperature and humidity (25 °C and 55% relative humidity) under continuous darkness. Mortality of the exposed adults was assessed after 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. At 21 d, adults were removed from the sprayed area and placed in clean plastic petri dishes. Seven days later, the delayed effect was also recorded.
2.5. Statistical Analysis
Given that the assumptions underlying parametric methods (e.g., normality and homogeneity of variances) were violated, a non-parametric approach was deemed more appropriate for analyzing the repeated-measures data. Friedman tests were conducted separately for each species and for each unique combination of surface type (material) and insecticidal treatment, in order to evaluate whether insect mortality significantly varied across four time points (Day 3, 7, 14, and 21). Each combination of surface type and treatment was treated as an independent block in the analysis. A significance threshold of α = 0.05 was used. In cases where mortality values were identical across all time points (e.g., consistent 100% mortality), the test was not applicable due to a lack of variance, and such cases were excluded from the analysis. The data were compared with the Kruskal–Wallis H-test, and significant values were adjusted using the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests. For each tested species, at each exposure time (3, 7, 14, and 21 days), and for each tested insecticide (control, alpha-cypermethrin, pirimiphos-methyl, and spinosad), the number of dead individuals was analyzed using a generalized linear model (GLM) assuming a Poisson distribution and logit function, implemented in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistical Package (IBM SPSS v.26). The Kruskal–Wallis H-test was used to determine differences among surface types for each insecticide.
3. Results
Significant temporal variation in mortality was observed in most surface–treatment combinations for both T. castaneum and L. serricorne, particularly under control and pirimiphos-methyl treatments (Table 1). In contrast, certain combinations—especially those with 100% mortality across all time points—did not permit statistical testing due to the absence of variance.
3.1. Mortality of Tribolium castaneum
Alpha-cypermethrin proved to be highly effective, achieving 100% mortality on metallic, plastic, and ceramic surfaces after 3 days of exposure and retaining increased effectiveness for three weeks (Table 2). In contrast with the above, pirimiphos-methyl was the least effective, especially on concrete and plastic surfaces, where mortality remained low, ranging from 0.8% to 15.8%, during the first week (3–7 days), ultimately reaching 100% mortality only after 21 days of exposure. Tribolium castaneum was generally susceptible to spinosad (Table 2). Complete control of mortality was detected even after 3 days of exposure on the ceramic surface. Significant differences were found among the different surfaces, with the lowest mortality rate noted on the plastic surface (Table 2). Spinosad revealed consistent efficacy across all surfaces during the initial exposure interval (Table 2).
3.2. Mortality of Lasioderma serricorne
Adults of L. serricorne indicated various effects depending on both the insecticide formulations and different types of surfaces (Table 1). On day 3, regardless of surface type, alpha-cypermethrin achieved 100%, while pirimiphos-methyl and spinosad showed slightly lower efficacy on plastic and metallic surfaces, with mortality rates of 81.6% and 76.6%, respectively (Table 3). By day 7, in all cases, mortality levels reached close to 100% and no significant differences were recorded among the types of surfaces tested. Finally, after 14 and 21 days of exposure, all insecticides achieved 100% mortality across all surface types, illustrating the high efficacy of the treatments (Table 3). For both species, in all cases, delayed effects were also recorded, and complete control was achieved.
4. Discussion
According to the study’s findings, the effectiveness of the tested insecticides alpha-cypermethrin, pirimiphos-methyl, and spinosad varies considerably depending on the target insect species, surface type, and duration of exposure. Among the treated insecticides, pirimiphos-methyl showed high efficacy after 7 days of exposure against T. castaneum and L. serricorne. Specifically, the results of the present study suggest that between the species tested here, T. castaneum was less susceptible to pirimiphos-methyl- treated surfaces (3d), whereas L. serricorne was found to be susceptible. Similarly, Rumbos et al. [27] tested the efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl on three stored product insects and found that the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), was the least susceptible. In contrast with the above, spinosad exhibited very high mortality rates. For instance, Toews et al. [19] examined the efficacy of spinosad on a wide range of stored product insects and found that spinosad had an excellent contact activity. Regarding alpha-cypermethrin, the application of this insecticide on concrete caused the lowest mortality after 3 days of exposure, which was noted only in the case of T. castaneum. For L. serricorne adults, it was also found that the type of surface did not significantly affect the effectiveness of alpha-cypermehtrin when it was used at the label dose.
Food processing and storage facilities consist of many surfaces, with concrete and metal being the most common types. Surface type has a significant effect on insect mortality [12,25,28,29,30]. It is generally considered that insecticides are often more effective when applied to non-porous materials such as metal and ceramic than to porous materials such as concrete and wood [17,23]. In our case, when the insecticidal substrates were applied to concrete, spinosad demonstrated high efficacy. Similar results were obtained by Lampiri et al. [31], where, after 7 days of exposure, the highest mortality rate was noted on spinosad-treated surfaces against T. confusum. Moreover, spinetoram was more effective against T. confusum on concrete than on metal, ceramic, and plywood [8]. Similar results were found by Arthur [32], who found that chlorfenapyr was more effective for the control of Tribolium spp. when applied to concrete than onto wood and ceramic surfaces.
Another factor that is crucial during the post-exposure period is the presence or absence of food. The presence of food is positively correlated with survival, as mentioned by Arthur [17,25] and Toews et al. [33]. In our study, petri dishes were without food, and the most logical explanation of the mortality of some insect species on surfaces may be attributed to the lack of food [19].
This study notably investigated the delayed effect, as in “real world” scenarios, where certain areas may be treated, partially treated, or untreated. This implies that insects may encounter a treated surface and subsequently be transferred to an uncontaminated surface. In our study, the species had a delayed mortality rate of 100%, indicating that exposure to treated surfaces can be lethal over extended observation periods and that the insect species do not exhibit recovery. It also implies that the active substances utilized have long-term hazardous effects, and the insects are unable to recover from the first exposure. As a result, this study supports the ability of surface treatments to provide long-term control even when insects are not constantly in contact with the treated areas.
This study highlights the significant effects of surface type, exposure time, and insect species on the efficacy of three commercial insecticides applied as surface treatments. Alpha-cypermethrin and spinosad exhibited rapid and consistent insecticidal activity, while pirimiphos-methyl required a longer duration to achieve full mortality (7days). Surface type played a crucial role, with non-porous materials (metal and ceramic) enhancing insecticide effectiveness compared to porous surfaces like concrete. Among the tested formulations, the pyrethroid was greater across multiple surfaces and multiple time points in both species. The delayed mortality observed across all treatments further supports the use of these products in areas where insects may migrate from treated to untreated zones.
5. Conclusions
This study confirms that the efficacy of surface-applied insecticides in stored-product pest management is significantly influenced by insect species, surface type, and exposure duration. Among the tested formulations, spinosad exhibited the most consistent and rapid action across all surfaces and species, while alpha-cypermethrin also proved highly effective, particularly on non-porous materials. In contrast, pirimiphos-methyl required prolonged exposure to achieve complete control, especially against T. castaneum on porous surfaces like concrete. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring insecticide applications to surface properties and pest behavior to enhance control strategies. Moreover, the observed delayed mortality suggests that even brief contact with treated surfaces can be lethal over time, offering extended protection in real-world scenarios. The results provide valuable guidance for integrated pest management programs, especially in optimizing surface treatments in food storage and processing environments. Future studies should simulate field conditions more closely, including food presence and residual activity over extended periods, to further refine practical applications.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, C.G.A. and P.A.; methodology, P.A. and M.G.; formal analysis, P.A.; investigation, P.A. and M.G.; data curation, P.A. and M.G.; writing—original draft preparation, P.A. and C.G.A.; writing—review and editing, P.A., M.G., D.K. and C.G.A.; visualization, C.G.A. and D.K.; supervision, C.G.A.; project administration, C.G.A. and D.K.; funding acquisition, C.G.A. and D.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research was carried out as part of the project “PrecisionFEEDProtect: Precision protection of stored feed from entomological infestations using innovative technologies” (project code: ΚΜΡ6-0077613) under the framework of the Action “Investment Plans of Innovation” of the Operational Program “Central Macedonia 2021–2027”, which is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Greece.
Institutional Review Board Statement
Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement
Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement
The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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Table 1.
Results of Friedman tests evaluating differences in insect mortality for Tribolium castaneum and Lasioderma serricorne across four time points (Day 3, 7, 14, and 21) for each surface type–treatment combination. Statistically significant results (p < 0.05) indicate a temporal effect on mortality within that specific combination (in all cases, df = 3), n = 6.
Table 1.
Results of Friedman tests evaluating differences in insect mortality for Tribolium castaneum and Lasioderma serricorne across four time points (Day 3, 7, 14, and 21) for each surface type–treatment combination. Statistically significant results (p < 0.05) indicate a temporal effect on mortality within that specific combination (in all cases, df = 3), n = 6.
| Insect | Treatment | Surface Type | χ2 (Chi-Square) | p-Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T. castaneum | Control | Concrete | 17.29 | <0.01 |
| Metal | 18.00 | <0.01 | ||
| Plastic | 17.73 | <0.01 | ||
| Tile | 18.00 | <0.01 | ||
| Alpha-cypermethrin | Concrete | 14.86 | 0.02 | |
| Metal | - | - | ||
| Plastic | - | - | ||
| Ceramic | - | - | ||
| Pirimiphos-methyl | Concrete | 17.75 | <0.01 | |
| Metal | 14.60 | 0.02 | ||
| Plastic | 18.00 | <0.01 | ||
| Ceramic | 14.29 | <0.01 | ||
| Spinosad | Concrete | 6.00 | 0.112 | |
| Metal | 9.00 | 0.029 | ||
| Plastic | 18.00 | <0.01 | ||
| Ceramic | - | - | ||
| L. serricorne | Control | Concrete | 17.72 | <0.01 |
| Metal | 17.53 | <0.01 | ||
| Plastic | 17.57 | <0.01 | ||
| Ceramic | 18.00 | <0.01 | ||
| Alpha-cypermethrin | Concrete | - | - | |
| Metal | - | - | ||
| Plastic | - | - | ||
| Ceramic | - | - | ||
| Pirimiphos-methyl | Concrete | 15.29 | 0.02 | |
| Metal | 6.00 | 0.112 | ||
| Plastic | 16.85 | <0.01 | ||
| Ceramic | - | - | ||
| Spinosad | Concrete | 3.00 | 0.39 | |
| Metal | 16.85 | <0.01 | ||
| Plastic | 15.00 | <0.01 | ||
| Ceramic | 13.91 | 0.03 |
For groups with constant mortality across all time points (i.e., 100% mortality on all days), statistical analysis was not applicable due to zero variance in the data. “-” indicates that no analysis was performed because mortality was 100% at all time points.
Table 2.
Mean mortality (% ± SE) of Tribolium castaneum adults after exposure to three different insecticides (alpha-cypermethrin, pyrimiphos-methyl, and spinosad) on four surfaces (concrete, metallic, plastic, and ceramic) for 3, 7, 14, and 21 days (total degrees of freedom = 3), n = 24.
Table 2.
Mean mortality (% ± SE) of Tribolium castaneum adults after exposure to three different insecticides (alpha-cypermethrin, pyrimiphos-methyl, and spinosad) on four surfaces (concrete, metallic, plastic, and ceramic) for 3, 7, 14, and 21 days (total degrees of freedom = 3), n = 24.
| Days | Surface Type | Control | Alpha-Cypermethrin | Pirimiphos-Methyl | Spinosad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Concrete | 0.0 ± 0.0 | 0.0 ± 0.0 a | 0.0 ± 0.0 a | 95.8 ± 3.2 a |
| Metallic | 0.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 b | 12.5 ± 2.5 b | 96.6 ± 1.6 a | |
| Plastic | 0.8 ± 0.8 | 100.0 ± 0.0 b | 0.8 ± 0.8 a | 80.8 ± 6.5 b | |
| Ceramic | 0.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 b | 3.3 ± 2.4 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 a | |
| Test-statistic | 3.00 | 23.00 | 15.17 | 13.36 | |
| p | 0.392 | <0.001 | 0.002 | 0.004 | |
| 7 | Concrete | 3.3 ± 2.1 a | 70.0 ± 19.1 | 15.8 ± 3.5 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 |
| Metallic | 69.1 ± 5.9 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 98.3 ± 1.6 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Plastic | 1.6 ± 1.0 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 0.8 ± 0.8 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Ceramic | 100.0 ± 0.0 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 90.8 ± 4.3 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Test-statistic | 20.56 | 6.26 | 20.04 | - | |
| p | <0.001 | 0.100 | <0.001 | - | |
| 14 | Concrete | 88.3 ± 4.4 a | 92.5 ± 5.1 | 80.0 ± 3.4 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 |
| Metallic | 100.0 ± 0.0 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Plastic | 99.1 ± 0.8 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 26.6 ± 4.9 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Ceramic | 100.0 ± 0.0 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Test-statistic | 18.17 | 6.26 | 22.25 | - | |
| p | <0.001 | 0.100 | <0.001 | - | |
| 21 | Concrete | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 |
| Metallic | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Plastic | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 83.3 ± 3.0 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Ceramic | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Test-statistic | - | - | 22.42 | - | |
| p | - | - | <0.001 | - |
Within each exposure interval and insecticide, means followed by the same letter do not differ significantly according to the Kruskal–Wallis H-Test at p < 0.05. Where no letters exist, no significant differences were noted.
Table 3.
Mean mortality (% ± SE) of Lasioderma serricorne adults after exposure to three different insecticides (alpha-cypermethrin, pyrimiphos-methyl, and spinosad) and four surfaces (concrete, metallic, plastic, and ceramic) for 3, 7, 14, and 21 days (total degrees of freedom = 3), n = 24.
Table 3.
Mean mortality (% ± SE) of Lasioderma serricorne adults after exposure to three different insecticides (alpha-cypermethrin, pyrimiphos-methyl, and spinosad) and four surfaces (concrete, metallic, plastic, and ceramic) for 3, 7, 14, and 21 days (total degrees of freedom = 3), n = 24.
| Days | Surface Type | Control | Alpha-Cypermethrin | Pirimiphos-Methyl | Spinosad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Concrete | 6.6 ± 3.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 92.5 ± 1.1 a | 98.3 ± 1.6 b |
| Metallic | 11.6 ± 4.2 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 97.5 ± 1.7 b | 76.6 ± 4.0 a | |
| Plastic | 1.6 ± 1.6 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 81.6 ± 4.5 a | 82.5 ± 6.0 a | |
| Ceramic | 4.1 ± 2.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 b | 90.0 ± 2.8 ab | |
| Test-statistic | 5.38 | - | 16.17 | 12.09 | |
| p | 0.146 | - | <0.001 | 0.007 | |
| 7 | Concrete | 7.5 ± 3.3 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 98.3 ± 1.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 |
| Metallic | 30.8 ± 7.2 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 99.1 ± 0.8 | |
| Plastic | 3.3 ± 1.6 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 98.3 ± 1.6 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Ceramic | 22.5 ± 3.3 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 97.5 ± 2.5 | |
| Test-statistic | 16.27 | - | 3.77 | 2.09 | |
| p | 0.001 | - | 0.286 | 0.553 | |
| 14 | Concrete | 85.8 ± 2.3 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 |
| Metallic | 96.6 ± 1.6 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Plastic | 71.6 ± 5.1 a | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Ceramic | 100.0 ± 0.0 b | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Test-statistic | 18.59 | - | - | - | |
| p | <0.001 | - | - | - | |
| 21 | Concrete | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 |
| Metallic | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Plastic | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Ceramic | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | 100.0 ± 0.0 | |
| Test-statistic | - | - | - | - | |
| p | - | - | - | - |
Within each exposure interval and insecticide, means followed by the same letter do not differ significantly according to Kruskal–Wallis H-Test at p < 0.05. Where no letters exist, no significant differences were noted.
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MDPI and ACS Style
Agrafioti, P.; Gourgouta, M.; Kateris, D.; Athanassiou, C.G. Surface Application of Different Insecticides Against Two Coleopteran Pests of Stored Products. Appl. Sci. 2025, 15, 8306. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158306
AMA Style
Agrafioti P, Gourgouta M, Kateris D, Athanassiou CG. Surface Application of Different Insecticides Against Two Coleopteran Pests of Stored Products. Applied Sciences. 2025; 15(15):8306. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158306
Chicago/Turabian StyleAgrafioti, Paraskevi, Marina Gourgouta, Dimitrios Kateris, and Christos G. Athanassiou. 2025. "Surface Application of Different Insecticides Against Two Coleopteran Pests of Stored Products" Applied Sciences 15, no. 15: 8306. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158306
APA StyleAgrafioti, P., Gourgouta, M., Kateris, D., & Athanassiou, C. G. (2025). Surface Application of Different Insecticides Against Two Coleopteran Pests of Stored Products. Applied Sciences, 15(15), 8306. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158306
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