TobaccoAsia/ InterTabac Podcast #42

Host Thomas Schmid welcomes Carolin Goetze, the Global Application and Scientific Coordinator at Detia Degesch Group and an expert with extensive academic and professional background in biological sciences and toxicology. They discuss the critical issue of tobacco beetle populations developing decreased susceptibility to phosphine fumigation, an essential topic for stakeholders in the tobacco industry. The conversation covers the definition of phosphine resistance versus tolerance, emphasizing the term "decreased susceptibility." Goetze provides detailed insights into the functionality of phosphine gas and its effect on insect respiratory systems. She explains how varying susceptibility of tobacco beetle populations can depend on geographical regions and different life stages of the insects. There is also a discussion on how improper fumigation techniques can lead to increased occurrence of decreased susceptibility in beetle populations. The importance of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy is highlighted, stressing preventative measures and proper fumigation practices to ensure effective pest control. But Goetze also reassures that despite an incidence of resistance successful fumigation remains possible with correct procedures.