K.c. Kumawat

Rhyzopertha Dominica (Fab.) on Wheat: Bioecology and Management K.c. Kumawat

The study on extensive survey of wheat stores in Semi-Arid Eastern Plain of Rajasthan (India) revealed the insect pest species, Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Trogoderma granarium Everts, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Sitotroga cerealella (Ol.). The bioecological studies revealed that reproduction and survival rate of lesser grain borer, R. dominica was maximum at 30±1 °C temperature and 75±5% R. H., whereas, minimum at 40 ±1 °C temperature and 65±5% R. H. No grain damage was revealed when wheat grain was treated with margosa leaf and seed kernel powder 5% each, and margosa oil 1.0%. The gunny bags impregnated with margosa seed kernel extract, margosa oil and castor oil 10% each provided satisfactory check over the grain damage and R. dominica adult emergence. Among the storage structures and containers, the minimum adult emergence and grain damage was recorded in metal bin. The minimum grain damage and adult emergence was recorded in wheat varieties, Raj.1972, UP 2338 and Raj.3765. The treatment of grain with lime, cow dung ash and wood ash 10% each, and diflubenzuron 1.0% also afforded satisfactory control of R. dominica.