Effect of fumigation on the protection of stored garlic

Abstract

Stored garlic (Allium sativum L.) is damaged by she insects Plodia interpunctella (Huber), Ephestia cautela (Walker), Ephestia alutella (Hubner) (Lepidoptera, Phycitidae), and Araecerus fasciculatus (De Geer) (Coleoptera, Anthribidae), and the mite Eriophyes tulipae (Keifer 1938) (Acariformes, Eriophyidae). Phosphin and methyl bromide fumigants were tested at four dosage levels and three applications for protection of stored garlic. One sample treated with 4% malathion powder after fumigation and one untreated sample were included as checks. Fumigation plus malathion application showed to be efficient to protect stored garlic from moths and mites. Phosphin was as efficient as methyl bromide for the control of both insects and mites. Damage was less in the malathion treated sample (34.9% damaged bulbils by moths and 45% by mites). Both fumigants were effective in protecting stored garlic. However, methyl bromide at the dosage level of 15 cm³/m³ decreased bulbing of garlic.