Losses and pest infestation in different maize storage systems with particular emphasis onProstephanus truncatus (Horn) (Col., Bostrichidae) in Togo

Abstract

Three maize storage systems, combined with insecticide treatment, were tested in three trials at the same location in southern Togo. Trials were carried out in the storage season 1989/90, 1990/91 and 1992/93. Maize was stored in traditional granaries as cobs with husks, in cribs as dehusked cobs in bulk and as shelled grain in sacks. After 8 months of storage damage and losses of stored maize and insect infestation were evaluated. Storage of loose grain in sacks gave the best results with lowest insect infestation and smallest damage and losses. Highest damage and losses occurred in cribs, whereas intermediate results were obtained in granaries. The treatment with an insecticide was most effective in traditional granaries. In cribs the insecticide treatment was less effective. No differences were found in treated sack variants because of very low pest infestation.