Use of Phosphine to Control Insects in stored Rice Seed

Abstract

Tree PH3funmgation treatments were compared with an unfumigated control for insect pest control in stored rice seed. The PH3fumigation treatments were : a single fumigation and then storage for six months ; fumigation at monthly intervals over a six month storage period; a single fumigation and then covered with 0.1 mm. thick plastic sheeting for six months storage, The seed of rice variety RD23 was stored in 20 kg hemp fiber bags. The fumigation treatment in each case was at a rate of 2.0 g a.i. m -3 for a seven-day period. Seed from each treatment was sampled at monthly intervals for assessment of insect damage, viability and seedling vigor. PH3 fumigation reduced seed weight loss and the level of infestation; the best treatment was a single fumigation followed by storage under plastic. There were no differences between the storage treatments with respect to viability and seedling vigor.