General approach to quantitative and qualitative changes in the stored maize genotypes ecosystem infested by Sitophilus zeamais (L.) under variable thermal thresholds

摘要

Stored product pests are serious threats to stored grain commodities especially in under developed countries like Pakistan. Insects cut down the grains quantity and also deteriorate the grain nutrients leaving unfit for germination and food. Study was carried out to estimate losses (quantitative and qualitative) to screen out the eight advanced maize genotypes viz: NK-8441, MMRI-Yellow, 30K08, Agati-2002, SWL-2002, EV-6098, EV-1098 and Pak-Afghan against maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) at 28, 32 and 35 o C. In physical losses, progeny development, frass weight, damage grain percentage and weight loss but in nutritive losses crude Protein, fat, fiber and ash was included. Results showed that in MMRI-Yellow proved most susceptible genotype following by NK-8441, Agati- 2002, SWL-2002, EV-6098, EV-1098 and Pak-Afghan at 32 o C. While, hybrid 30K08 genotype was highly resistant and least infested by weevil development. Similar results were estimated for qualitative losses where crude fat, fiber and ash contents were highly deteriorated in MMRI-Yellow and low in 30K08. Present research can help in breeding program.