Quality of stored corn (maize) as influenced by Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. and several management practices

Abstract

The impact of several simulated management practices (malathion treatment, temperature, moisture content, hybrid, and surface disinfection) for Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. on the quality (biochemical composition) and germination of corn (maize) was studied. Quality was evaluated on the basis of protein, ash, lipid, and total nonstructural carbohydrates content, weight loss, and germination. When the abiotio conditions were favorable for S. zeamais oviposition, larval development, and progeny emergence, the ash, lipid, and protein content of the kernels was increased, as was kernel weight loss. Germination and dry matter were significantly decreased when progeny were present. The differences in nutritional parameters observed here were generally very small, although highly statistically significant. It is not clear whether these differences are biologically significant, although we feel that they indicate meaningful changes that may occur in corn nutrition and quality following infestation by S. zeamais for several generations.