The Acute Toxicity of Fenvalerate on the Larval Stage of the Mediterranean Flour Moth, Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract

The Mediterranean flour moth or mill moth (Ephestia kuehniella Zeller) from the family Pyralidae is a common pest of cereal grains, especially flour. This moth is found throughout the world, especially in countries with temperate climates. Fenvalerate is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide which is a mixture of four optical isomers with different insecticidal activities. In this research, the acute toxicity of this insecticide was investigated on the larval stage of E. kuehniella during 24h and 48h, in two replications. Accordingly, the LC30 in 24h and 48h were determined as 389.67 and 271.30 mg.a.i/ L. During these times, LC50 values being 690.71 and 502.91 mg.a.i/ L, respectively. Finally, LC90 was determined as 2797.94 and 2272.71 mg.a.i/ L for 24h and 48h. The results showed that this insecticide has suitable toxicity on this pest and can be recommended against it.