Department of Biology

Integrated Management of Insect and Mite Pests of Stored Commodities

Dr. Barbara Amoah

October 13, 2021
4-5pm

Hosted By Dr. Malcolm Schug

Abstract

Fumigation with methyl bromide has been the most effective method to manage insect and mite pests of stored commodities such as dry-cured ham, stored grains, grain-based products, and other processed foods. However, methyl bromide has been banned as part of the Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances. Pest managers of stored product facilities therefore need to rely on other management programs to effectively manage these pests. In this presentation, we discuss research into the development of an integrated management method for Tyrophagus putrescentiae, a serious mite pest on dry-cured ham in commercial NC and VA ham processing facilities. We also discuss studies on ozone gas as a fumigant alternative to methyl bromide to control insect pests on stored grains. Integrated pest management would aid in optimizing monitoring, and predicting population dynamics, hence, help determine when management methods such as fumigation with methyl bromide alternatives are required.