Fossilpower research on diatomaceous Earth for health and wellness

DE = Diatomaceous Earth 

. Research of Silica on Connective Tissue and Structural Health (Silica)

• The Study: “Dietary Silicon Beneficial to Bone and Connective Tissue” (2007).
• What it Found: While Diatomaceous Earth itself requires more extensive human clinical trials, its main active ingredient—amorphous Silica/silicon—is heavily documented. This study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging establishes that regular dietary intake of silicon is essential for the structural integrity and metabolism of human joints, connective tissue, bones, skin, and nails.
• External Link: Documented via nutritional overviews provided on Dr Axe Nutrition [https://draxe.com/nutrition/diatomaceous-earth/] and comprehensive ingredient reviews on Healthline [https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-diatomaceous-earth].

Biological and therapeutic effects of ortho-silicic acid and some ortho-silicic acid-releasing compounds: New perspectives for therapy

Research on Diatomaceous Earth shows that Silicon (Si) is the most abundant element in the Earth’s’s crust, after oxygen. However, the exact biological roles of silicon remain unknown. Moreover, ortho-silicic acid (H₄SiO₄), a major form of bioavailable silicon for both humans and animals, has not received adequate attention to date. Research on Silica has already been associated with bone mineralisation, collagen synthesis, skin, hair, and nail health, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, immune system enhancement, and other disorders or pharmacological effects. Besides the ortho-silicic acid and its stabilised formulations such as choline chloride-stabilised ortho-silicic acid and sodium or potassium silicates (e.g. M₂SiO₃; M= Na, K), the most important sources that release ortho-silicic acid as a bioavailable form of silicon are: colloidal silicic acid (hydrated Silica gel), Silica gel (amorphous silicon dioxide), and zeolites. Although all these compounds are characterised by substantial water insolubility, they release small but significant equilibrium concentrations of ortho-silicic acid (H₄SiO₄) in contact with water and physiological fluids. Although certain pharmacological effects of these compounds may be attributed to specific structural characteristics that confer profound adsorption and absorption properties, they all exhibit similar pharmacological profiles readily comparable to those of ortho-silicic acid. The most unusual ortho-silicic acid-releasing agents are certain types of zeolites, a class of aluminosilicates with well-characterised ion (cation) exchange properties. Research on diatomaceous Earth’s’s has documented numerous biological activities of certain zeolites to date, which are likely attributable to their ortho-silicic acid-releasing properties. In this review, we therefore discuss biological and potential therapeutic effects of ortho-silicic acid and ortho-silicic acid -releasing silicon compounds as its major natural sources.

Silica and Bone Health

Poultry and Internal Parasite Management

• The Study: “Effect of Diatomaceous Earth’s’s as an Adjuvant and Treatment” (2011).
• What it Found: Published in the Oxford Journal of Poultry Science, researchers noted that food-grade diatomaceous Earth’s’s serves as an effective organic agent to help control internal parasite loads and worm counts in laying hens, while simultaneously enhancing the feed efficiency and overall structural health of poultry flocks.
• External Link: Sourced via peer-reviewed poultry database archives referenced on Dr Axe Poultry Research [https://draxe.com/nutrition/diatomaceous-earth/].

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17435954/     https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12222737/

Buy Ultra Fine 2kg Here.

Low bone mass (osteoporosis) is a silent epidemic of the 21st century, which presently in the UK results in over 200,000 fractures annually at a cost of over one billion pounds. Figures are set to increase worldwide. Understanding the factors that affect bone metabolism is thus of primary importance for establishing preventive measures or treatments for this condition. Nutrition is an important determinant of bone health, but the effects of the individual nutrients and minerals, other than calcium, are little understood. Accumulating evidence over the last 30 years strongly suggests that dietary silicon is beneficial to bone and connective tissue health, and we recently reported strong positive associations between dietary Si intake and bone mineral density in US and UK cohorts. Research on diatomaceous Earth shows that the exact biological role(s) of silicon in bone health are still unclear. However, several possible mechanisms have been suggested, including the synthesis and/or stabilisation of collagen, and matrix mineralisation. This review provides an overview of this naturally occurring dietary element, its metabolism, and evidence for its potential role in bone health.

Prevents Heavy Metal Absorption

Article from the University of Arizona. ** arizona.edu

Research on diatomaceous Earth’s has shown that it is an inert, silica-based sedimentary layer harvested from diatom-rich sediments at the bottom of oceans, lakes, and rivers around the globe. It comes from diatoms – a type of single-celled algae with microscopic, beautiful geometric shells made of silicon dioxide. Over millennia, diatoms accumulate in aquatic sediments as fossils that can be harvested and dried into a fine white dust. Research on diatomaceous Earth shows that absorptive dust, known as “DE”, has been used as an exfoliant in skin products, a detoxifying agent, a mineral additive in pet food, and an extremely effective, reduced-risk pesticide.

How Does DE Work?

One vulnerability most insects share is the danger of drying out. Their exoskeleton – the hard outer “shell” most adult insects have – safeguards their internal moisture. Inert (“safe”) dusts such as DE are effective pesticides because they absorb water, protecting fats and oils from the epicuticle.

(outer layer) of the exoskeleton, thereby removing its moisture-retaining ability. The insect essentially dehydrates. DE works mechanically, not chemically, and it will remain effective as long as it’s undisturbed.

DE is unique among inert dusts because of its abrasive properties.

The microscopically sharp edges of diatoms abrade the epicuticle, enhancing the dehydrating effect.

The use of inert dusts to control insects has been around for thousands of years.

Ancient cultures around the world used them to protect stored grains against pantry pests like moths and beetles. The same mode of action is used by birds or other animals that take dust baths – they are ridding themselves of their arthropod parasites.

In our extremely arid climate, DE’s effectiveness is maximised because it is not limited by high humidity, and insects will desiccate more rapidly for lack of readily available water. Unlike most synthetic pesticides, DE won’t break down in sunlight or heat, so it provides long-lasting control.

How Safe Is DE? 

Agricultural and Pest Control Applications

• The Study: “Diatomaceous Earths for Arthropod Pest Control” (2022).
• What it Found: Published extensively in the Journal of Stored Products Research, this paper outlines how Diatomaceous Earth’s’s (DE) remains the absolute premier and most tested inert material for eco-friendly crop protection, post-harvest grain safety, and urban pest management. It highlights how its physical, non-chemical mechanisms function efficiently to manage crawling pests, fungi, and bacteria.
• External Link: National Institutes of Health (NIH) PMC Article [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8706096/]

Using DE for farming

 DE may be processed and graded for pest control on grains (“food grade”) or for crack-and-crevice-type pest treatments. DE for crack and crevice pest treatments contains trace amounts of pyrethrin pesticides and other chemical synergists, whereas food-grade DE is 100% diatomaceous Earth without any added chemicals. Both food-grade DE and that labelled for pest control will kill pests through desiccation; however, the crack-and-crevice DE containing pesticides and other ingredients provides an additional rapid-kill effect.

Research shows that food-grade diatomaceous Earth (DE) is non-toxic, and high-purity forms are safe for human consumption and are sold under the general name “Fossil Shell Flour”. It is even allowed on “organic”- labelled foods by the United States Department of Agriculture. The names and labels for food-grade DE and general pest-control DE are often very similar, so labels should be read carefully.

DE is US EPA registered under several different product names; however, for pest control, DE is rated with a “caution” label (the lowest level of toxicity based on a three-tier system assigned by the EPA: caution-lowest toxicity, warning-middle, danger-highest toxicity). NOTE: Pool filter grade DE is processed differently – it is not amorphous, but rather contains crystallised Silica (formed when DE is exposed to high heat). Such forms of DE are carcinogenic and not recommended for use in pest control.

Because DE is a fine dust, even food-grade forms may pose a health hazard if inhaled.

DE should be applied with a bulb-duster and the proper personal protective equipment(for DE this includes a NIOSH-approved respiratory

mask, gloves, goggles). Arizona state law requires that public applications of any pesticide – regardless of toxicity – must be done by personnel licensed by the Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission.

What Types of Critters is DE Useful On?

DE – both food grade and forms containing additional pesticides – is effective on anything with an exoskeleton. This means insects (anything with six legs) and non-insect arthropods (those with eight or more legs). Crawling and hiding insect, spider, and scorpion pests will contact crack-and-crevice treatments, so DE is an excellent option for these areas.

As with any pesticide application, effective pest control involves addressing the root cause: why the pests are present in the first place. What’s drawing them in? … Food, water, and shelter. Complement diatomaceous Earth’s applications with good IPM techniques. For example, see the “Pest Vulnerable Areas” October 2005 issue of the Pest Press newsletter at arizona.edu.

Here are some examples of useful research on diatomaceous Earth’s applications:

Stored product pests:

1. Add food grade (Fossil Shell Flour) DE to stored rice, flour, grains, etc.

Fleas and pet parasites:

1. Sprinkle food grade DE into carpet and pet bedding.

2. Work small amounts of food grade DE into your pet’s coat

3. Add food grade DE (according to label) to pet’s water or Food as a mineral additive. Unofficial studies indicate DE can help rid pets of internal parasites.

Ants, scorpions, and many outdoor pests:

1. Apply DE dry or mixed into water (as per label instructions) to an ant nest hole. The water will carry the DE deep into the nest. When the DE dries out naturally, it will begin to take effect.

2. Use as a dust on your plants to help combat foliage feeders.

3. Use a bulb-duster to apply a very light application around the exterior of your home as a barrier treatment.

4. Use a bulb-duster to apply a light application into cracks and crevices of block walls harbouring scorpions, under stucco wall joints, and into hard-to-seal corner crevices favoured by widow spiders.

Indoor, crack and crevice:

Note: Use food-grade DE indoors anywhere children could potentially come into contact.

1. Puff into wall voids to control cockroaches and other occasional invaders.

2. Apply to cracks and crevices with a bulb duster, or other suitable dust application equipment, to manage a wide variety of pests.

Bertke, E. M. The effect of ingestion of diatomaceous Earth in white rats: A subacute toxicity test. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 1964, 6 (3), 284-291.

In a rabbit study, researchers found adverse effects after applying diatomaceous Earth to the rabbits’ skin five times per week for three weeks. In a rat study, researchers fed rats high doses of diatomaceous Earth’s’s for six months. They found no reproductive or developmental effects. In another rat study, the only effect was more rapid weight gain and health benefits. That study involved 90 days of feeding rats a diet made of 5% diatomaceous Earth.

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS OF FEEDING FOOD GRADE DIATOMACEOUS Earth’s’s’s’s TO DOGS, O.C. Collins, DVM, Midland Animal Clinic and Hospital, Midland, TX: “In clinical observations of feeding dogs over 35 lbs. 1 tbsp./day and under 35 lbs. 1 tsp./day of DE, within seven days all ova disappeared from stools. DE controlled Ascariasis (Toxacara canids), Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum), and Whipworms (Trichuris vulipis).”

RESULTS ON FEEDING FOOD GRADE DIATOMACEOUS Earth’s’s TO WORKING HORSE, L. Thomas, Trainer, L. Frank Roper Stables, Winter Garden, FL: “With horses fed approximately 5 oz. of DE mixed in the feed twice daily, the following results were observed:

• Stopped scours even on horses that had not responded to any other medications.
• Horses showed an increase in appetite,
• Weight gain due to better feed conversion,
• Reduction in manure odours
• Elimination of any internal parasites.
• Healthier appearance
• Stronger Hooves

DIATOMACEOUS Earth’s’s UNDER A MICROSCOPE

BY: Dr Stuart B. Hill [then] Department of Entomology and Ecological Agriculture Projects, McGill University, Montreal, QC.

For centuries, stored grain has been protected from insect attack in much of the less-developed world by adding some form of powder or dust. Common materials include plant ash, lime, dolomite, certain types of soil and diatomaceous Earth’s’s (DE) or Kieselguhr.

With the introduction of synthetic pesticides in the 1940s, and modern fumigants some time later, it was felt that a scientific solution to pest problems had been found. Although these materials provided enormous local benefits, several problems are beginning to be recognised. These include the development of insect resistance, environmental pollution, contamination of foodstuffs with residues, and exposure of users to toxic chemicals. This has led a small group of researchers and developers to revisit various powders to determine which are most effective and how to improve them.

Probably the most effective naturally occurring protective powder is diatomaceous Earth. This is a geological deposit composed of the fossilised skeletons and tests of siliceous marine and freshwater organisms, particularly diatoms and other algae. These skeletons are made of hydrated amorphous Silica or opal. When crushed, they break up into tiny pieces of glass” (so tiny that the material feels like talcum powder). This is easily picked up by the hairy bodies of most insects, whereupon it scratches through their protective wax layers, and they also absorb some of this material, resulting in the insects losing water rapidly, drying up, and dying. Additional protection is provided by the powder’s ability to repel many insects. A similar principle probably accounts for birds frequently taking dust baths, presumably to rid themselves of parasites.

In houses, it can be used effectively to prevent the entry of certain insects such as earwigs, ants, and cockroaches, and to control these and others present in cupboards containing Food, carpets, basements, attics, window ledges, and pet areas (for fleas), etc. In all of these examples, it is important to place a small amount of the powder in corners, cracks, crevices, and other areas where insects might hide.

Whereas with a contact pesticide the insect dies quite quickly, with DE control may take several days. The more important difference is that the chemical’s protection is short-lived, whereas DE will control pests as long as the powder remains. In this respect, DE is an ideal pesticide; it is residual but non-toxic. The only health precaution is that, if large areas are being treated with a power duster, the applicator should wear a mask to prevent inhalation. Because DE is made of Silica, some people mistakenly think it causes silicosis. As indicated above, however, pesticide quality DE is usually over 97 per cent amorphous Silica, which does not cause silicosis, which is associated only with crystalline Silica. Indeed, inhalation of road dust and grain dust IS likely to be more harmful than DE.

In the field, DE has potential for certain restricted uses, such as treating the bark of fruit trees in spring with an electrostatic duster or treating plant roots when transplanting. Still, because it is non-selective and kills beneficial insects, its use here should be carefully controlled.

Another use is in animal production units to control external parasites and flies. This control is achieved by dusting the animals and the litter or bedding area. It has also been included in the diet (two per cent of the grain ration) to control certain internal parasites, and this practice is said to result in lower fly populations in the manure.

It was established in the 1940s that life can’t exist without Silica.

More recently, in her book “Water and Salt”, Dr Barbara Hendel states:

• “Silica is one of the most important trace elements in human health.”
• Silica plays an important role in many bodily functions and is directly related to mineral absorption.

Diatomaceous Earth’s’s Health Benefits:

Why and How. As you can see from the picture of Diatomaceous Earth (magnified 7000 times), it looks like a cylinder full of holes. This cylinder has a very strong negative charge. As these millions of cylinders move through the stomach and digestive tract, they attract and absorb fungi, protozoa, viruses, endotoxins, pesticides, drug residues, E.coli, and heavy metals. These are trapped inside the cylinder and passed out of the body.

In addition, any larger parasites that happen to be in the stomach or digestive tract are “cut up” and killed by the sharp edges of the diatomaceous Earth’s. All of these activities result in a much healthier body with less sickness.

We often hear the phrase “I just feel better” from our Diatomaceous Earth users. This better feeling comes from all the “junk” being removed from the body and by giving the immune system the “jump start” it needs.

Diatomaceous Earth’s’s is quite hard. On the MOHS hardness scale, where diamonds are a 9, Diatomaceous Earth is 7. This is very important because, as those millions of tiny, hard, and sharp cylinders of Diatomaceous Earth’s’s pass through the small and large intestines, they “scrub” the walls. After only a few months of taking Diatomaceous Earth’s’s, the intestine wall is no longer coated with mucus and moulds.

The advantages of this are several:

• Regular bowel movements (This is the #1 comment everyone makes about DE).
• Healthier colon. This is especially important as we get older. A clean, healthy colon keeps away polyps, cancers, and ulcers. Today, many are spending thousands of dollars on colonics to do the same thing that Diatomaceous Earth’s’s does naturally.
• Many users report increased energy and needing less sleep. This is a result of all the Food and nutrients being better absorbed into the bloodstream. With a coated colon, many nutrients never get absorbed.
• A small amount of Diatomaceous Earth is absorbed into the bloodstream as Silica. One of the benefits of Silica is that it helps to destroy bad fats. Everyone we know who takes Diatomaceous Earth’s’s has lowered their cholesterol by 40-50 points, and they are amazed at how their high blood pressure goes down. Sore joints and ligaments feel better.

• Helps your skin clear up acne/age spots/psoriasis, etc
• Hair and nails are stronger and grow faster
• Stronger teeth and gums
• Healthier respiratory tract-less coughing
• Menopause is often reported to have fewer symptoms
• Healthier urinary tract

We will endeavour to discuss the results that DE users have experienced by taking a heaping teaspoon of DE in their favourite juice or liquid daily without the benefit of an industry-sponsored study.

Some people react with great scepticism regarding human consumption of DE. While Government regulators do not allow distributors to make claims about DE’s use as a human health supplement, we do hope to help illuminate the Logical reasoning behind CONSUMERS’ health claims regarding the use of food-grade diatomaceous Earth for human health. Diatomaceous Earth’s’s’s (Silica) has been reported to absorb mercury.

E. coli, endotoxins, viruses (including poliovirus), organophosphate pesticide residues, and drug residues.

DE is a natural organic colon cleanser and detoxifier. This cleansing and detoxification alone has myriad positive effects on the human body.

Diatomaceous Earth’s’s lowers blood cholesterol concentrations.

In this study, the potential of diatomaceous Earth to lower blood cholesterol was investigated. Over 12 weeks, we monitored serum lipid concentrations in 19 healthy individuals with a history of moderate hypercholesterolemia (9 females, 10 males, aged 35-67 years). Individuals were administered 250 mg of diatomaceous Earth orally three times daily during an 8-week observation period. Serum concentrations of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured before study entry, every second week during the period of diatomaceous Earth’s’s’s intake and 4 weeks after the cessation of intake. Compared to baseline (285.8 +/- 37.5 mg/dl = 7.40 +/- 0.97 mM), diatomaceous Earth’s’s’s intake was associated with a significant reduction of serum cholesterol at any time point, reaching a minimum on week 6 (248.1 mg/dl = 6.43 mM, -13.2% from baseline; p<0.001). Also, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (week 4: p<0.05) and triglyceride levels decreased (week 2: p<0.05, week 4: p<0.01). Four weeks after intake of diatomaceous Earth was stopped, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides remained low. Also, the increase of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol became significant (p<0.05). Diatomaceous Earth, a bioproduct, can reduce blood cholesterol and positively influence lipid metabolism in humans.

Diatomaceous Earths – Zoo Animals

Richard Smith, Hallwood Inc., Animal Food Specialties, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Experimental Feeding of Codex Food-grade Diatomaceous Earths to Zoo Animals

A feed mixture incorporating 2% diatomaceous Earth was sent to three zoos for evaluation. John Ball Park of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Brookfield Zoos of Chicago, Illinois; and Buffalo Zoo of Buffalo, New York. John Ball and Buffalo Zoos reported that their black bears on the special feed showed a better coat and clearer eyes. The primates fed at the Brookfield Zoo displayed a pronounced improvement in both appearance and behaviour. Stool samples taken at all three zoos showed an absence of any internal parasites – adult or egg. Parasites in these animals were present before using the diatomaceous Earth’s food mixture.

Diatomaceous Earth’s’s for Show Horses

For Winds Stables, Robert D. Horkman, Orlando, Florida

Results of feeding 5 oz. of DE to show horses for a period of one year. Healthier-looking animals with a definite sheen to their coats, absence of internal parasites, better feed conversion, reduction in manure odour, fly control, cured scours in cases where other medications had failed, and improved appetites in “picky eaters.”

Diatomaceous Earth’s’s for Poultry

C.S. Mangen, DVM, San Diego, California

Using two groups of birds, with each group consisting of 8,000 white Leghorn caged layers in their pullet year, which had been producing for five months. After feeding the test group 60 lbs. of diatomaceous Earth per 1 1/2 tons of standard mixed feed (17% protein) for 2 1/2 months, the following results were observed:

1. There appeared to be fewer flies around the test group.
2. Droppings are of a drier consistency, making for easier cleaning of the house.
3. 75% fewer deaths in the test group.
4. A 2-4 case per day increase in egg production by the test group as compared to the control group

Diatomaceous Earth’s’s to Walking Horse

L. Thomas, Trainer, L. Frank Roper Stables, Winter Garden, Florida

With horses fed approximately 5 oz. of diatomaceous Earth mixed in the feed twice daily, the following results were observed:

1. Stopped scours even on horses that had not responded to any other medication.
2. Noticeable fly reduction.
3. Horses showed an increase in appetite.
4. Weight gain due to better feed conversion.
5. Reduction in manure odour.
6. Elimination of any internal parasites
7. Healthier appearance

Field & Greenhouse Tests 

Click the link to Field Tests – sugarcane, hay, potato, banana, and tropical fruits.

 

Link to Research – by Zlatko Korunic

Introduction – Pest resistance to chemicals.
To meet the global challenges concerning food security for the growing
world population (>7.5 billion), it is critical that crop and food production
are increased and become less susceptible to the devastating losses caused
by diseases, pests, drought, floods, low soil fertility, erosion, and other factors.
The insects associated with grain infestation during the pre-harvest and
post-harvest stages are one of the most concerning causes of these significant
losses in grain production, which can reach>50%. Integrated pest
management (IPM), also known as integrated pest control (IPC), is established
worldwide (UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation) as a broad-based
approach that integrates practices for the control of insects with the aims to
suppress their populations and keep pesticides and other interventions to
levels that are economically justified and reduce or minimise risks to human
health and the environment.1 To achieve these goals and combat the thou-
sands of insect species involved in crop destruction, various approaches
have been developed as part of the IPC program, including chemical control
(synthetic and naturally derived compounds), physical control (temperature:
heat and cold; ambient control: vacuum, low oxygen and nitrogen; electro-
magnetic radiation: microwaves, radiofrequencies, infrared, ionising radia-
tion and UV; mechanical shock and pneumatic control), biological control
(predators, parasitoids and pathogens), cultural control (including cover
crops and genetically resistant plants), and human factors (legal restrictions
on commodities, quarantine etc.).
The primary approach worldwide for both pre- and post-harvest pest con-
control, established in the last century, is the use of chemicals based on conven-
tional synthetic insecticides or fumigants. Significant progress in the last
five decades in the synthesis of new chemicals has resulted in the discov-
ery of structures exhibiting insecticidal activity, including broad-spectrum
conventional insecticides such as organochlorines, carbamates, organo-
phosphates and pyrethroids.4 These pesticides have been successfully used
for pest control, resulting in significantly reduced losses and increased
crop production worldwide. However, the overuse and reliance on chem-
based pesticides has caused insects to develop resistance, which has
resulted in excessive, ever-increasing pesticide use in an attempt to solve the
pest control problem.5
Pesticide resistance of insects is recognised as a global problem with an
alarming trend of increasing resistance that potentially could make currently
used chemical insecticides totally ineffective in the near future. In the case
of Australia, exports from the grain industry, worth about $7 billion per year,
are under serious threat due to the development of resistance of common
insect species to conventional pest protectants. Many other countries share this problem with a high quality standard for grain export with zero
tolerance to live insects. Controlling insects, especially during post-harvest-
ing stages that can involve long-term storage (in silos or bunkers), to prevent
infestation and provide this high quality standard of grain is a very challeng-
ing problem. Another issue is that conventional pesticides can leave toxic
residues in Food and have severe adverse effects on the environment, ani-
animals, fish and humans, which has created strong consumer and public voices
demanding pesticide residue-free grain and Food products, and stricter
regulations for their reduced use. Results from market surveys consistently
indicate that consumers believe pesticide residues in Food are a problem and
they are willing to pay higher prices for foods that can be certified as residue-
due-free. This trend is influencing higher environmental standards set by
importing countries and consequently encouraging the development of new
alternative approaches for chemical-free pest control.
In response to these pest-resistance, health and environmental concerns
related to conventional insecticides, one old approach from ancient times
has been “re-invented” that involves treating insects with dust particles that
have specific insecticidal properties, without involving chemicals, which
could kill insects by physical means (abrasion, desiccation, wax and mois-
ture adsorption, etc.) and could provide a non-chemical and resistance-free
mode of action. Inert dusts have been used to control insects and for crop
protection for thousands of years. It is observed that many birds,
lizards and other animals protect themselves against mites and parasitic
insects by coating themselves with fine particles of sand or soil. Inert dusts
from different sources have been used to control insects in stored food commodities over many centuries to the present day, including mineral
dusts, such as bentonite clays, sands, zeolites, aluminium oxide and kaolin,
which show insecticidal properties. Among them, diatomaceous Earth’s (DE), known as diatomite or kieselgur from fossilised diatoms, is composed
of whole diatoms and their fractured Silica particles, has proven to be so far
the most effective dust against insects. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that
DE has recently been receiving increased attention for use in the develop-
ment of new and alternative protectants, especially for the grain industry
to replace currently used chemical-based insecticides. Extensive research
has been performed to explore DE for stored grain protection in the last
20 years with the development of several commercially available DE formu-
lations. summarises the concept of grain protection using
DE, showing a grain crop, grain stored in a silo, infested grain, two typical
species of insect, and diatom Silica structures form DE that can be used to
formulate a grain protectant.
In this chapter, a review of recent progress regarding the application of
DE materials as non-toxic chemical-free and resistance-free insecticides for
stored grain protection is presented. The structural and physicochemical
properties of DE Silica microparticles and the influence of their origin, parti-
cle size, chemical composition and dosage, as well as the physical conditions
(temperature and humidity), on their insecticidal behaviour against different
insect species is briefly described. Finally, new recently developed DE for-
ulations with enhanced performance and their observed limitations with
regard to grain properties are discussed, providing concluding statements
about their potential use in the IPC program for grain protection and future
development.
For further reading, click the link above.