| Summary: | Abstract Background Stored-product insect pests are responsible for considerable quantitative and qualitative losses of agricultural products mainly cereals and legumes. The confused flour beetle Tribolium confusum and the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus are considered as the most destructive pests of stored grains and grain-derived products. In the present study nano zeolite (40–50 nm) was applied at different dose rates to wheat and cowpea to evaluate its insecticidal efficacy against both insects. Results Insect mortality was assessed after 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14 days of exposure for T. confusum and after 1, 2, and 3 days of exposure for C. maculatus. The mortality of T. confusum and C. maculatus adults exposed to wheat and cowpea seeds treated with nano zeolite was increased significantly with increasing dose and exposure intervals. The adult progeny production and the number of eggs laid were significantly decreased by increasing nano zeolite dose. In the present study, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the adult insects exposed to nano zeolite-treated seeds. Nano zeolite attached all over the insect body with scratches and splits on the cuticle that lead to the loss of water through dehydration. Conclusion The results indicated that nano zeolite, which is considered as nontoxic to the environment and safe for human consumption, can be used effectively with success as an integral part of programs for the protection of cereal grains from stored-product insect pests.
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