Review article

https://doi.org/10.18047/poljo.22.1.2

A review of natural insecticides based on diatomaceous earths

Zlatko Korunić Korunić ; Diatom Research and Consulting Inc., Toronto, Canada
Vlatka Rozman orcid.org/0000-0002-8164-614X ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Anita Liška orcid.org/0000-0002-9802-2480 ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Pavo Lucić ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Agriculture in Osijek, Osijek, Croatia

Abstract

The efficacy of diatomaceous earth (DE) formulations against insect pests is greatly influenced by environmental conditions. It is effective only under dry conditions and becomes wholly ineffective if it is wet. High air relative humidity and especially rain greatly reduce or completely destroy the efficacy of DE when used outdoors. Furthermore, depending on the insect species and commodity treated, DE takes from one to several days to kill insects, even in a dry environment. Because of these factors, DE is in limited use outdoors, especially in regions with a high precipitation. The main uses of DE are for the protection of stored agricultural products against insect infestation, in food industry for structural treatment and for indoor use against some household insects living in a dry environment. The mode of DEs action against insects, the effect of humidity and moisture on DE efficacy, brief overview of the research of DE use in stored grain protection and attempts to overcome DE limitations with combined use of DE and other reduced-risk methods with the insecticide activity for direct mixing with grains are discussed in this article.

Keywords

diatomaceous earth; insect pests; effectiveness; advantages; disadvantages

Hrčak ID:

159993

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/159993

Publication date:

15.6.2016.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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