Residual Performance of Modern Surface Treatments in the Management of Major Stored-Product Insects in Food-Free Clean-Out Scenarios

Lampiri et al 2026
Published: Aug 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/eh.44931
Keywords:
deltamethrin alpha-cypermethrin post-harvest management residual activity spinosad surface treatments
Evagelia Lampiri
a:1:{s:5:"en_US";s:185:"Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, University of Thessaly, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, Phytokou Str. 38446, Volos, Magnesia, Greece";}
Paraskevi Agrafioti
Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, University of Thessaly, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, Phytokou Str. 38446, Volos, Magnesia, Greece
Maria Sakka
Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, University of Thessaly, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, Phytokou Str. 38446, Volos, Magnesia, Greece
Christos G. Athanassiou
Abstract

Storage insects are major pests of agricultural commodities, causing substantial quantitative and qualitative losses during storage. Surface-applied contact insecticides constitute an important component of integrated pest management programs by providing residual protection in storage and processing facilities. This study evaluated the six-month residual efficacy of alpha-cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and spinosad against adults of Sitophilus oryzae, Tribolium confusum, and Oryzaephilus surinamensis. Bioassays were conducted monthly for six months following application, with insect mortality assessed after 7 and 14 days of exposure to treated surfaces. Insecticidal performance was significantly influenced by insect species, treatment, and post-application time. Spinosad generally exhibited the highest residual activity, maintaining high levels of corrected mortality against T. confusum throughout most of the experimental period, whereas the efficacy of alpha-cypermethrin and deltamethrin declined over time. For S. oryzae and O. surinamensis, mortality in untreated controls reached 100% after 14 days due to starvation, preventing reliable correction of treatment mortality and limiting efficacy assessment at this exposure interval. Consequently, the 7-day exposure period provided a more accurate measure of insecticidal activity for these species. Overall, the results demonstrate the persistence of spinosad and highlight the importance of accounting for background mortality when evaluating residual insecticide efficacy for long-term protection of stored-products.

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