Metabolic Heat: A New Way of Looking at How Controlled Atmospheres Kill Insects

A. Carpenter, Crop Research Institute
C. Downes, Industrial Research Ltd.
L. Hansen, Brigham Young University - Utah
Mark D. Shelton, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
R. Lill, Crop Research Institute

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Abstract

The use of calorimetry as a tool to understand the effects of controlled atmospheres (CA) on insects is briefly reviewed. A variety of data are presented to illustrate the various types of information that calorimetry can make available to researchers. The use of a calorimeter connected to a mass spectrometer to determine the occurrence of anaerobic respiration is described and reported. We conclude that calorimetry is a useful tool to simplify the experimental options when developing new insecticidal CA treatments. It can also be used for development of other treatments such as fumigants.