Effect of different wheat cultivars on two sex life table parameters of Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Abstract

Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), reduces nutritional value, germination, and seed weight under storage conditions. The impacts of nine wheat cultivars including Azar 2, Baharan, Baran, Kohdasht, Mihan, Sadra, Sarang, Sardari, and Sirvan were evaluated on life table of S. cerealella under laboratory conditions. The results showed that the longest total immature stage of S. cerealella occurs in Sirvan and Mihan cultivars, whereas the shortest ones in Baran, Sardari, Kohdasht, and Sadra cultivars, respectively. The longest adult period occurs in Sadra, Kohdasht, and Sardari cultivars, and the shortest ones in Baharan, Mihan, Sarang and Sirvan cultivars, respectively. Wheat cultivars reveals significant impact on total pre-oviposition periods (TPOP), which are longer for S. cerealella fed on Sirvan cultivar than Sadra, Sardari and Kohdashet cultivars, respectively. The fecundity of S. cerealella increases in the case of insects fed on Sadra, Kohdashet, and Sardari cultivars, respectively, and decreases in Baharan, Mihan, Sarang, and Sirvan cultivars, respectively. The lowest gross reproductive rate (GRR) and net reproductive rate (R0) occur in Baharan, Mihan, Sarang, and Sirvan cultivars, respectively. Insects fed on Mihan, Baharan, Sarang, and Sirvan cultivars have the lowest intrinsic (r), and the finite (λ) rates of increase, respectively. In conclusion, Mihan, Baharan, Sarang, and Sirvan cultivars are potentially resistant against S. cerealella compared to other wheat cultivars. So, resistant cultivars may be a useful strategy for stored crop preservation and storage pest control.