The effect of sunn pest (Eurigaster integriceps) damage on durum wheat: impact in the marketplace

Abstract

This study looked at the factors, affecting the price estimation of durum wheat in the commodity market in Sanliurfa, Turkey. The study was carried out in June and July of 2003 using a randomized complete block design with 3 factors (traders, varieties and purchase time) and 4 replications.The variance analysis results indicated that all factors (traders, varieties and weekly market prices) and interactions were found to be significant statistically. Some visual characteristics of grain lots subjected to study were scored in laboratory and the relationship between market pricing and those characteristics were further investigated through correlation/path and regression analysis. These results showed the presence of statistically significant positive correlations between marketing price and vitreousness (r=0.313*). Although, it was negative for starchy grain (r=-0.472**), sunn pest damaged kernels (r=-0.608**) and other cereals (r=-0.487** to −0.456**).It was concluded that amber grain and semolina colour and kernel vitreousness increased market prices whereas increasing yellow berry, starchy grain, sunn pest damaged kernel and other contaminants (barley grains and red kernels of bread wheat) affected it negatively. Some regression equations, obtained from this study might be used for price estimation in such commodity markets and as practical guidance for plant breeding programmes.