SUPPRESSIVE EFFECT OF ALLYL ISOTHIOCYANATE ON POPULATIONS OF STORED GRAIN INSECT PESTS

The efficiency of the WasaOuro(R) system, based on an extract derived from Cruciferiae plants, was investigated as an insect suppressing age nt. The active ingredient was allyl isothiocyanate (AIT). Lasioderma s erricorne and Tribolium confusum were exposed to AIT vapor in vented c ontainers. The containers were maintained in a temperature- and humidi ty-controlled room. The WasaOuro system does not repel or attract L. s erricorne but does reduce tunneling activity of T. confusum. AIT disru pts normal reproductive cycles of both L. serricorne and T. confusum r esulting in an insect population reduction in grain foods.