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Assessment of Phosphine Resistance in Major Stored-Product Insects in Greece Using Two Diagnostic Protocols
Paraskevi Agrafioti1,2, Efstathios Kaloudis3, Dimitrios Kateris1
1Institute for Bio-Economy and Agri-Technology (IBO), Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas (CERTH), Dimarchou Georgiadou 118, 38333 Volos, Greece.
Insects
|October 25, 2024
Summary
Phosphine resistance in stored-grain insects is a growing concern. This study found 37.7% of Greek insect populations resistant to phosphine, necessitating new management strategies for grain protection.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Pest Management
- Food Security
Background:
- Post-harvest losses from insect infestation and spoilage threaten global cereal production.
- Phosphine is a critical fumigant for stored grain protection, but resistance is a concern.
- Understanding phosphine resistance is vital for maintaining grain quality and preventing economic losses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of phosphine resistance in stored-grain insect populations in Greece.
- To compare resistance levels using two different assessment protocols: dose-response and CORESTA.
- To inform the development of effective resistance management strategies for stored cereals.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 53 stored-product insect populations across various Greek storage facilities.
- Assessed phosphine resistance using dose-response (50-1000 ppm, 3 days) and CORESTA (300 ppm, 6 days) protocols.
- Identified specific insect species and populations exhibiting resistance to phosphine.
Main Results:
- The dose-response protocol revealed 37.7% of field populations resistant to phosphine, including species like *R. dominica*, *T. confusum*, and *O. surinamensis*.
- Resistance prevalence varied significantly among species and locations within Greece.
- In contrast, the CORESTA protocol indicated all populations were susceptible to phosphine, highlighting protocol-dependent findings.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of stored-grain insects in Greece exhibit resistance to phosphine, particularly under specific exposure conditions.
- Observed resistance patterns differ from those reported globally, emphasizing regional specificity.
- Tailored fumigation strategies, integrated pest management, and rotational use of control methods are crucial for effective phosphine resistance management.
