EFFECT OF HARVEST DATE, TRANSPORTATION MEANS, AND STORAGE METHOD, ON THE INFEST OF WHEAT AND MAIZE WITH STORE INSECTS

Abstract

This research was conducted at special farms in Shebin Elkom locality during the period from November, 2012 till October, 2016 to study the effect of planting wheat at different times on the infestation of the granary (wheat) weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.), (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, along one year of storing at five tools (Metal silos, Mud silos, Polyethylene bags, Jute bags, Plastic fiber bags). Wheat and maize grain samples (100 g) of each store model of stored grains were examined by eye and with the aid of handle lens (6 x) to calculate the average number of weevil insects per 100 g. Treatments were replicated three times. Statistical analysis of the obtained results indicated that there were significant differences in the annual weevil numbers among the planting times, the best planting time for wheat grains is 13 November because it has the lowest infestation numbers of weevil insects recording 740 weevil / 100 g wheat grains, while the highest weevil numbers was recorded with the planting time 10 November giving 15796 weevil / 100 g wheat grains, the best planting time for maize grain is 15 May because it has the lowest infestation numbers of weevil insects recording 220 weevil / 100 g maize grains, while the highest weevil numbers was recorded with the planting time 15 May giving 1480 weevil / 100 g wheat grains. Regarding to the storing tools with wheat grains, results indicated that there were significant differences in the annual weevil numbers between plastic fiber bags and all other tools recording the lowest numbers of granary weevil insect 2913 individual / 100 g. The highest annual numbers of granary weevil recorded in mud silos and polyethylene bags (3793- 6856 weevil / 100 g) respectively, with maize grains results indicated that there were significant differences in the annual weevil numbers between jute bags and all other tools recording the lowest numbers of granary weevil insect 1031 individual / 100 g. The highest annual numbers of granary weevil recorded in metal silos and plastic fiber bags (1513- 1720 weevil / 100 g) respectively. From the obtained results it could be concluded that the suitable planting time to cultivate wheat is 13 November which resulted the lowest numbers of weevil insects, as well as the suitable tool for wheat grain storing is plastic fiber bags in comparison with other tools and the suitable planting time to cultivate maize is 15 May which resulted the lowest numbers of weevil insects, as well as the suitable tool for maize grain storing is Jute bags in comparison with other tools.