Effect of Altitudes/Ecology on Storage Pests Population and their Damage in Eritrea

Abstract

On-farm wheat grain storage study was conducted in three different altitudes of wheat growing areas of Eritrea in 2005/2006. The objective of the study was to assess the loss caused by storage pests in farmers’ traditional store. The treatments used to control the pests were sand, small grain (taff, Eragrostis tef ), ash, chemical (Malathox 1%) and control (no treatment). The trial was conducted for seven moths and data was collected on grain damage, weight loss and germination percent of the damaged and undamaged grains. The data was collected every month. The major storage pests recorded were weevils ( Sitophilus spp.), Angoumois grain moth ( Sitotroga cerealella ) and flour beetle ( Tribolium spp). The results of the study showed that higher altitude and cooler temperature had a suppressing effect on pest population build-up thus resulting in lower grain damage and loss. Sand and small grain reduced storage pest damage up to three months and then there was no difference with the control. Ash and Malathox 1% gave significantly lower percent of infestation, damage and weight loss throughout the study period. Ash is non toxic and has no side effects on the grain and human health and is therefore be recommended to small scale farmer for treatment of grain storage.