linear programming

The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne damages a wide range of stored products. Despite a great deal of research, control of this pest still relies on the use of phostoxin tablets, which is becoming less effective as the insect develops resistance to this compound. In this research mortality effect of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases evaluated individually and in combination, against adults of L. serricorne. Mortality was recorded after 24 h. Results indicated that nitrogen did not have a significant lethal effect on adults of pest. The LC50 value of carbon dioxide was estimated 2498.59 ppm. In combination tests of these gases, concentrations of 254, 381 and 508 ppm of nitrogen were combined with the LC50 value of carbon dioxide. Results showed that insect mortality was increased by decreasing the concentration of nitrogen or by increasing that of carbon dioxide. According to the results of this study, the cost of using phostoxin tablets was much higher than that of carbon dioxide. Linear programming can be introduced as a useful method for optimizing control managing of this pest. Also, by considering the low cost control and high insecticidal effect of carbon dioxide and evaluating other aspects, this fumigant can be introduced as a suitable alternative to phostoxin.