Estimation of Feeding Preference of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Associated Post-Harvest Losses on Different Components of Rice Cultivars

Abstract

Tribolium castaneum is one of the major stored grain pests causing infestation in both rice and wheat mills. Present study was designed to estimate the feeding preference and associated post-harvest losses (growth rate, grain damage and grain losses) of T. castaneum on four rice cultivars (Super Basmati, Basmati 515, Super Basmati 2019 and Super Gold) and their components (Paddy, Brown rice and Polished rice) under controlled conditions. Results indicated that maximum growth rate (64.00), grain damage (76.67%), and grain weight loss (5.15%) were recorded on polished rice of Basmati 515 as compared to other cultivars and their components. Tribolium castaneum preferably feeds on all the components of Basmati 515 as compared to the others. This study might be helpful for the rice millers and researchers for the timely appropriate management, development of new management tactics, and rice cultivars resistant to T. castaneum.Novelty Statement | This is the first study in Pakistan to test these four varieties (which are being grown on a large area in the Punjab) for feeding preference of T. castaneum and associated post-harvest losses.