Evaluation of the Efficacy of Chitosan Extracted from Shrimp Against the Moth Ephestia cautella

Abstract

To control the date moth on a domestic scale in 2025-2026, this study was conducted. It analyzed the biological efficacy and physiological symptoms of chitosan (from shrimp shells), applying two methods: immersion and through the nutritional food, and at three concentrations (0.1%, 0.25%, 5.0%).

Efficacy was demonstrated in a concentration-dependent manner in the results. was caused by damage to their cuticle and loss of moisture to the body in direct contact application, whereas feeding inhibition and chronic enterotoxemia occurred in a strong response after application through the food chain. Larvae in the early instar (second instar) were much more sensitive than larvae in the later instar (fourth instar) and were more resistant and stronger. Chitosan was effective as a growth regulator in the insects over 23 days; although the pupae were not immediately killed, growth arrest was seen, with a 40% emergence rate at higher concentrations. The 5.0% concentration completely eliminated the insect and showed 100% mortality of the adults within 72 h, which disrupted the reproductive cycle by preventing adult mating and oviposition. On the other hand, lower concentrations (0.25%) were chronic inhibitors through sterilization of the surviving insects. The inclusion of chitosan formulation during the post-harvest phase in the following stages of the management process is recommended by the study – the mixing of this compound directly into the stored commodities and the application of chitosan at early larval phases – as an environmentally safe and eco-friendly solution for the sustainable protection of the crops during the post-harvest stage.