The Effect of Phosphine Gas to Pupae of Different Ages of The DriedFruit Beetle, Carpophilus hemipterus (L.) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

The efficacy of phosphine gas as an alternative to methyl bromide for the dried fig production in Turkey was evaluatedunder laboratory conditions. For this purpose, 0-24, 24-48 and 48-72 h old pupae of Carpophilus hemipterus were exposed to 200 ppm phosphine at 15, 20, 25 °C and 75% r.h. for 2-24 h of exposure periods. Phosphine treatments were performed in gas washing bottles of 500 mL-volume. The mortality rates for different exposure periods were subjectedto probit analysis, and LTvalues were calculated. The highest LTvalue was recorded as to be 12 hours on 0-24 h-oldpupae at 15 °C. In this research, 0-24 -hours-old pupae were the most tolerant than the others at all temperatures. Increasein temperature shortens the time needed for complete mortality. These results are of importance for developing effectivetreatment schedules for disinfestation of dried figs on a commercial scale.