The effects of maize variety on the density of Prostephanus truncatus (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in post-harvest stores in Benin Republic

Abstract

Maize varietal characteristics were evaluated in the field and in the laboratory for their efficacy in providing resistance to storage pests, in particular Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) the larger grain borer, and Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) the maize weevil. Resistance appeared to be associated more with the husk cover than with the grain. Higher-yielding varieties, even with “hard” flinty kernels, tended to suffer high P. truncatus damage, possibly due to the quality of the husk cover. Varietal susceptibility to S. zeamais did not appear to be associated with husk cover. Most damage by storage pests occurred later in the season, and damage was most strongly associated with P. truncatus density. An ideal maize breeding programme should include the development of maize varieties able to resist insect attack for a long storage season, in addition to varieties with a high yield.