LAUSR

BACKGROUND In the context of the resistance development and health risks of currently used fumigants, it is urgent to seek more effective and ecofriendly compounds for stored-product pest control. The microbial volatile compound benzothiazole is known to have fungicidal and insecticidal activity; however, its detailed efficacy on storage pests is largely unknown. RESULTS Benzothiazole was identified for its great ovicidal, larvicidal, pupicidal and adulticidal activity against Tribolium castaneum, and benzothiazole exhibited potent repellency against T. castaneum. The benzothiazole concentrations and developmental stage of T. castaneum were the key factors affecting the insecticidal effects. Adults of T. castaneum exposed to benzothiazole for as long as 168 h showed a decrease in progeny production. Based on 7 days of fumigation in the model food system, benzothiazole at 0.12 mg/mL provided an efficacy of 96% and completely inhibited the number of offspring. Safety profile assessment showed that benzothiazole did not affect the germination rate of wheat seeds but had a slight negative effect on seedling growth. However, sufficient ventilation and soil nutrients could relieve this adverse impact. CONCLUSION Benzothiazole is a strong fumigant and repellent against T. castaneum. This study is conducive to providing a good perspective of novel applications to control T. castaneum. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.