Influence of physicochemical traits of wheat against lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Abstract

This study aims to explore the susceptibility level of wheat varieties throughout the storage period against R. dominica. Twenty promising wheat cultivars were tested for resistance to R. dominica in both free-choice and no-choice conditions at the Department of Entomology, MSSSoA, Odisha during 2021-22. The wheat varieties were premeditated for their physical and biochemical components through correlation and regression analysis and the level of influence on insect predilection and development was determined. The variety DBW303 which had a high median development period, low adult emergence, and susceptible index, was found to be resistant Similarly, the variety PBW373 which recorded a low median developmental period with higher adult emergence, and susceptible index, was found to be susceptible. Among physiochemical characteristics, varieties with high carbohydrate and low protein content were highly susceptible to R. dominica while grain hardness exhibited a negative relationship with progeny development and thus conferred resistance.