Effects of spinosad on the heat tolerance and cold tolerance of Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Rhyzopertha dominica F. (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Pre exposure of S. oryzae adults to Spinosad at 18 ppm or above synergized the adult mortality at high or low temperature showing a dose response. Pre-exposure of R. dominica adults to spinosad concentrations 12.5 ppm or higher synergized the mortality at high temperature whereas the spinosad synergized the mortality of R. dominica at low temperature when exposed to 6.25 ppm or higher concentrations; the effects followed a dose response. This study shows that heat and cold tolerance of S. oryzae and R. dominica adults are reduced by pre-exposure to spinosad. Therefore, spinosad is a potential grain protectant at high or low temperatures against these two insect species.