Journal of Economic Entomology (2016) 109, 2215-2220

Salehe Abbar, M.W. Schilling and Thomas.W. Phillips (2016)
Time–mortality relationships to control Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) exposed to high and low temperatures
Journal of Economic Entomology 109 (5), 2215-2220
Abstract: Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) is a widely distributed pest species that is of significant economic importance for dry-cured country hams. Methyl bromide was used for decades in country ham plants to control this pest, but now this fumigant is recognized as an atmospheric ozone-depleting compound and will be phased out for all uses in the near future. Of various chemical and nonchemical alternatives to methyl bromide, extreme temperatures are viable and straightforward nonchemical methods to control pests. This study evaluated the efficacy of high and low temperatures on mortality of mold mite in the laboratory. Ten eggs and a mixture of 40 adults and nymphs were separately exposed to different high and low temperatures, ranging from +35 to 45 °C and from -20 to +5 °C, for several periods of time. Mortality was assessed after a recovery period for each life stage. Tyrophagus putrescentiae eggs were found to be more tolerant to both high and low temperatures than were the mobile stages. Results showed that high temperatures from 40-45 °C killed all mites within 4 to 1 d, respectively, while -10 °C or lower killed all mites in less than 1 d. Regression analyses of mortality data as a function of exposure predicted times for achieving desired levels of mite mortality. This study suggests that extreme temperature treatment can play an important role in integrated pest management programs for dry-cured ham as an alternative to methyl bromide or other chemical treatments.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Thomas W. Phillips

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Tyrophagus putrescentiae	Stored animal products