Biology and control of Liposcelis bostrychophila (Badonnel) (Insecta: Psocoptera) a newly recorded insect pest on herbal materials prepared for the export market.

Abstract

Biology o f a newly recorded insect pest on dried Aerua lanata (Polpala,) a herbal tea prepared for the export market was investigated as this pest affected the quality o f the product adversely. The pest was identified as Liposcelis bostrychophila (Badonnel, 1931) a Psocopteran species belonging to family Liposcelidae. The adult is about 1 mm long had four nymphal instars and life cycle was completed within 30-40 days at mean temperature of27°C and 90% RH. They reproduceparthenogenetically resulting in a rapid increase of pest population. The present study revealed that this infestation was originated in the warehouse. Maintenance o f strict hygienic conditions in the warehouse, further solar drying o f the final product for 30 minutes before the preparation o f dipping bags were recommended as suitable non chemical methods to control the build up o f pest population within the warehouse and the development o f the pest in the final product.