Environmental Entomology (1987) 16, 618-624
C.J. Demianyk and R.N. Sinha (1987)
Effect of infestation by the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn), and the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), on stored corn
Environmental Entomology 16 (3), 618-624
Abstract: The quantitative and qualitative losses in stored corn infested by Prostephanus truncatus (Horn), and stored for 20 wk at 30°C and 70% RH, were compared with those of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.). Treatments included insect-infested whole corn, uninfested whole corn plus ground corn (dockage), and uninfested whole corn. The quality assessment criteria included adult insect number, dust weight production, seed moisture content, changes in seed fat acidity value, germination, and microfloral infection of seeds. Both insect species multiplied quickly, with P. truncatus peaking at 880 adults per 120 g corn by week 14, then declining slightly because of an exhausted food supply. R. dominica numbers increased to 550 adults per 120 g corn by week 14 and 1,300 adults per 120 g corn by week 20. P. truncatus dust production was significantly different from that for R. dominica (P < 0.005). Infested treatments had significantly different seed moisture content, fat acidity values, and bacterial infection of seeds compared with controls (P < 0.005). Seed germination was significantly reduced for both species compared with controls (P < 0.005). There was no difference in Penicillium spp, infection levels among treatments (P > 0.05); only the P. truncatus treatment showed a difference in infection by Aspergillus glaucus group with a decrease after week 11 (P < 0.005).
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
damage/losses/economics
Pest and/or beneficial records:
| Beneficial | Pest/Disease/Weed | Crop/Product | Country | Quarant.
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhyzopertha dominica | Stored grain | |||
| Prostephanus truncatus | Stored grain | |||
| Aspergillus glaucus | Stored grain |
