The effect of modified atmospheres, an alternative to methyl bromide, on the susceptibility of immature stages of angoumois grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

► The efficacy of various levels of CO2 in air was tested on the immature stages of Sitotroga cerealella. ► Modified atmospheres containing 30%, 45%, 65% and 75% CO2 was investigated at 27 °C and exposure periods of 2-288 h. ► The % mortality of the newly-laid eggs increased with the increase of CO2 concentrations and exposure period. ► The % reduction of adult emergence from larvae and pupae also increased with the increase of CO2 concentrations and exposure period. ► The sensitivity of the three tested developmental stages to the four tested MAs was as follows: eggs > pupae > larvae.