Feeding preferences and progeny production of Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) in small grains

Abstract

The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is a primary pest of stored wheat. Many authors studied its development on this cereal. The wheat is commonly stored together with other grain, especially barley, rye, oats and triticale. The objectives of this study are to assess the feeding preferences for the small grains (wheat, barley, rye, oat and triticale) and to evaluate their susceptibility/resistance to progeny production of R. dominica. The mean survival rate of R. dominica adults, progeny emergence and amounts of insect-damaged grains and dockage in various small grain species were determined. Also, influence of R. dominica feeding on chemical properties (moisture protein and ash contents in grains) was found out. The influence of the grain species on the development of R. dominica was significant. The highest mortality of parents and the lowest progeny counts in oats, while triticale is very suitable for development of R. dominica, much more then wheat, as a primary host. The biggest amount of damage kernals and dust were found in triticale. The contents of moisture, protein and ash in the grain has been changed due to feeding of R. dominica.