Influence of rearing medium on size and weight of adults of four Sitophilus populations and on weight loss of host kernels (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract

Four populations of Sitophilus (S. zeamais Motsch. from Mexico, S. zeamais from Arkansas, U.S.A., S. oryzae (L.) and S. granarius (L.) were studied. Hard red winter wheat (“Cloud” variety), brown commercial sorghum, and yellow and white “dent” maize (mixed varieties) were used to determine the effect of parent-and progeny-rearing media on the adult elytron length in each population. Kernel weight loss caused by individuals of each population and weevil weights were determined. Elytron lengths of S. oryzae progeny were significantly ( P < 0.05) but only slightly longer, when parents were reared in wheat rather than sorghum or maize; otherwise parent-rearing medium had no effect. Progeny-rearing medium, not parent size, was most responsible for differences in elytron lengths. S. granarius progeny from wheat were significantly larger than those from maize or sorghum; progeny from all other populations were significantly larger from maize than from wheat or sorghum. S. oryzae caused less weight loss in kernels of wheat and sorghum, and were significantly lighter ( P < 0.05) than other insects. The Arkansas S. zeamais was significantly heavier than Mexican S. zeamais in wheat, otherwise their weights were similar. Weight losses (actual and percentages) of kernels of all grains were similar for Arkansas S. zeamais and Mexican S. zeamais. S. granarius were heavier and produced greater weight loss in wheat kernels than other populations did.