Vol. 11, Issue 12 (2022)

Author(s):
Rahul R Nelwadker, DS Uppar, JS Hilli, CM Nawalagatti and Suma S Biradar

Abstract:
Stored seeds are a favorable food source for insects, providing the essential elements required for continued growth and development. Most stored seeds are subject to attack and penetration by insects. Stored seeds are a favorable food source for insects, providing the essential elements required for continued growth and development. In addition reducing food quality, insects annihilate quantity, too. Since, different ways are designed for controlling stored-product pests without application of chemical methods. So, the present study included laboratory methods to evaluate the effectiveness between two dates of sowing condition and four packaging materials, namely packaging materials 5 layered polythene bag, 700 gauge polythene bag with zeolite beads, 700 gauge polythene bags without zeolite beads and cloth bag to prevent or minimize the insect infestation and grain wastage resulting in the attack of wheat grain and their products by two notorious insect species. The results revealed that 5 layered polythene bag, 700 gauge polythene bag were found to be the best over the cloth bag, as the insect population (Sitophilus oryzae) and grain damage during entire storage period was less. Cloth bag is pervious to moisture which leads in increment in moisture level of seeds and heat due to seed respiration that enhances seed deterioration. Whereas, seeds packed in 700 gauge polythene bags with zeolite beads maintained low moisture content, insect population throughout storage period. Considering the overall aspects of the study, it may be concluded that 700 gauge polythene bags with zeolite beads was observed to be best packaging material amongst all treatments.