THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FUMIGATION WITH ALUMINIUM FOSFINE AGAINST TRIBOLIUM CONFUSUM AND TRIBOLIUM CASTANEUM POPULATION AT A WHEAT MILL IN BUCHAREST AREA IN ROMANIA

Abstract

Stored grain pests, particularly Tribolium castaneum and Tribolium confusum, pose significant threats to grain storage facilities. This study examines their populations before and after phosphine fumigation in a wheat mill near Bucharest, Romania. Monitoring was conducted over four months using XLure Rusel MST pheromone traps. Results revealed a 97.14% reduction in total insect population, from 1,606 to 46 individuals. However, surviving populations were noted, indicating potential resistance to phosphine. This study underscores the persistence of pest populations and the necessity for continued monitoring and research on resistance mechanisms in real-world settings.