Angoumois Grain Research Articles

Species Composition and Diversity of Stored Grain Pests in Fortified Rice Collected from Different Districts of Telangana State, India

A study was conducted to measure the species composition and diversity of various stored grain insect pests in fortified rice collected from different districts of Telangana,India during 2023-2024. Theresults indicated that a total of six species of stored grain insects belonging to three orders viz., Coleoptera (3), Lepidoptera (2) and Psocoptera (1) were recorded in fortified rice. The six insect species were rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, Saw toothed beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, redflour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella, rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica and pscocids. Among all these insects highest population of O. surinamensis was recorded in four districts of Telangana except in Ranga reddy and Nalgonda. The diversity indices indicated that Shannon-weiner diversity index (H) was high in Warangal district samples(H=1.426) while the Jagtial population recorded highest Margalef’s species richness index (R=1.27). The highest Pielou’s evenness index was reported from Nalgonda district (e=75), and Simpson diversity index of stored grain pests was found to be maximum (0.718) in Warangal district rice samples. The knowledge on species composition and diversity helps in planning timely management strategies for stored grain pests.

Evaluation of plant oils against angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella Olivier infesting stored rice

Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella Olivier is one of the important insect pests during storages of ricee. Evaluation plant oils against the pest showed that all oils cause mortality over control. Among them neem oil @5ml/kg was found effective followed by pongamia oil as it causes mortality of S. cerealella, less weight loss and adult emergence.

Transgenerational cross‐susceptibility to heat stress following cold and desiccation acclimation in the Angoumois grain moth

AbstractThe Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), is a significant cosmopolitan primary pest of cereals worldwide and has thrived in divergent environments. However, the mechanisms underlying its survival in multiple contrasting environments are poorly understood. Here, we hypothesised that when facing diverse environmental stress, F1 generation exhibits transgenerational cross‐protection as a mechanism to persist under divergent stressful environments. Notably, F1 acclimation to cold or desiccation conditions could either enhance or lower heat tolerance in the F2 generation. Specifically, we tested whether typical diurnal fluctuations and/or winter rapid or chronic cold temperatures (18–22°C) as well as desiccation acclimation of F1 parental population yields transgenerational cross‐protection/susceptibility to heat stress on F2 offspring. F1 moths were exposed to cold hardening (2 h), chronic (72 h) and variable (fluctuating between 18 and 22°C for 72 h) temperature treatment groups. Desiccation treatment included incubation at 0%–1% relative humidity (24 h). F2 generation moths were then assessed for heat tolerance using critical thermal maxima (CTmax) at three different ramping rates (0.06, 0.25 and 0.5°C/min) as well as heat knockdown time (HKDT). Findings indicated that (i) desiccation, cold hardening and chronic low‐temperature acclimations in F1 reduced heat tolerance in F2 populations and (ii) ramping rate was crucial to decipher differences between treatment groups, with lower ramping rates associated with lower CTmax. Transgenerational cross‐susceptibility to heat stress indicates possible fitness costs of exposure to multiple contrasting stressors in the Angoumois grain moth and can be used in designing physical pest management strategies.

Effect of different type of rice grains on angoumous grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (olivier)

A study was carried out to know the effect of different type of rice grains on development and survival of Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier). The maximum adult emergence were recorded in dehusked grain, which was significantly superior over rest of the grain types and was followed by grain with husk, degermed grain soaked in water and degermed grain without soaking. The growth index was highest in dehusked unpolish grain and was followed by the grain with husk. The pest could not developed on polished rice grains. . KEYWORDS :Rice, grain types, Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), development, survival

Biscuits enriched with the edible powder of Angoumois grain moth (<i>Sitotroga cerealella</i>): Optimization, characterization and consumer perception assessment

During this study, the dried powder of Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella) (AGM) was used as an excellent source of protein to produce nutritional biscuits. Physical, chemical, rheological and microbiological characteristics of biscuits with the optimum AGM percentage (5%) were evaluated compared to the control. The response surface methodology (RSM) with optimal (custom) design was first employed for optimizing the percentage of the AGM powder in biscuits. The optimum selected percentage of the AGM powder was 5% and a quadratic model was found to yield the best fit. The evaluation of parameters of biscuits (ash, protein, fiber and fat content) showed that most of the values, except carbohydrate, significantly increased with AGM inclusion (5%) compared to the control. Also, an increase in diameter, spread ratio and weight values and a decrease in the thickness and break strength of the biscuits were observed with AGM powder inclusion. The presence of the 5% AGM powder slightly increased water absorption, and dough development time also increased compared to the control sample. However, stability of dough decreased. The sanitary conditions of the AGM biscuits were satisfactory as the analytical results were within the established values specified in the regulation. The study revealed that Angoumois grain moth is an excellent source of nutrients necessary for combating protein-energy-malnutrition rampant in our world today.

Phototactic response of angoumois grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (olivier) to visible spectrum: Attraction analysis and modelling using machine learning

The Angoumois grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), a primary pest of food grain storage, poses serious problems in India and many other countries. The insect's stronger phototaxis behaviour has been studied using monochromatic wavelengths in the visible spectrum. Among the different wavelengths (250, 330, 410, 480, 530, 580, and 680 nm) assessed for attraction under laboratory conditions, the highest attraction was observed for the blue wavelength (480 nm). Subsequently, the impact of luminance intensities (60, 80, and 100 lux) at each wavelength was also determined. At 60 lux, the 480 and 250 nm wavelengths attracted significantly more adults, i.e., 91.67% and 85%, respectively. The 680 nm wavelength exhibited the lowest attraction rate of only 15% at 100 lux. A gender-based analysis of S. cerealella adults demonstrated that female moths showed a significantly lower attraction (1:3.5) than male moths. This attraction behaviour was also predicted using machine learning. Among the different machine learning algorithms used for modelling insect behaviour, artificial neural network produced the highest prediction with an R2 value of 0.96. In conclusion, the results suggest that using the 480 nm wavelength may be an effective option for mass trapping and monitoring of S. cerealella.

Microcapsules of mesoporous silica and cyclodextrin modified loaded with nonanal and decanal for effective control of Sitotroga cerealella in grain storage environments.

The Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella, is a destructive pest of maize, wheat, and rice, causing economic losses and threatening food security. This study aimed to develop and characterize microcapsules of mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSN) and cyclodextrin-modified mesoporous silica nanospheres (CDMSN) containing two aldehydes, nonanal and decanal, found in plant essential oils, to assess their attractiveness to S. cerealella populations. Microcapsules with 2:1 ratio of nonanal and decanal exhibited an average encapsulation efficiency of 39.82% for MSN loaded with nonanal and decanal (MSN-ND) and 46.10% for CDMSN loaded with nonanal and decanal (CDMSN-ND). They have an elliptical shape with particle sizes of 115 nm for MSN and 175 nm for CDMSN. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed in vitro release of nonanal in MSN at 96.24% and decanal at 96.42% by the 36th day. CDMSN showed releases of 93.83% for nonanal and 93.74% for decanal by the 50th day. CDMSN-ND attracted adult S. cerealella for 43 days, while MSN-ND remained effective for 29 days. In mass trapping assays in simulated grain warehouse, both MSN-ND and CDMSN-ND trapped over 50% of the adult population within 7 days, significantly reducing grain infestation rates below 10% by inhibiting F1 adult emergence. At temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 35 °C, both microcapsules exhibited significant and effective attraction rates for S. cerealella. Stored wheat seeds treated with CDMSN and CDMSN-ND over 1 year showed no significant differences in key germination parameters. Microencapsulated nonanal and decanal offer a promising, sustainable approach for controlling S. cerealella infestation in stored grains, contributing to global food security. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Persistence of foliar applied and pre-storage seed-treated insecticides in rice and its processed products

A field study was conducted to investigate the persistence of foliar-applied thiamethoxam 25% WG at a rate of 25 g ai ha−1 and chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC at 30 g ai ha−1 in various parts of rice plants, including whole grain rice, brown rice, bran, husk, straw, and cooked rice. Liquid Chromatography-Mass spectrometry/Mass spectrometry was used for sample analysis. Chlorantraniliprole residues were found to persist in whole grains, bran, husk, and straw at the time of harvest, while thiamethoxam residue was not detected in harvested grains, processed products, or straw. The study concluded that foliar-applied chlorantraniliprole and thiamethoxam did not pose any dietary risk in cooked rice. In a pre-storage seed treatment study, thiamethoxam 30% FS at 3 mL kg−1 was evaluated against Angoumois grain moth infestation during storage. The seeds remained unharmed for nine months and exhibited significantly less moth damage (2.0%) even after twelve months of storage. Thiamethoxam residues persisted for more than one year in whole rice grain, brown rice, bran, and husk with seed treatment, with higher residue levels observed in bran and husk. Parboiling and cooking led to the degradation of thiamethoxam residues.

Insect Pests and Diseases in Stored Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and Maize (Zea mays L.) in West Hararghe, Ethiopia

The presence of major insect pests and microflora in stored sorghum and maize in West Hararghe, Ethiopia, poses a significant threat to food security and agricultural productivity, leading to postharvest losses and economic hardship for local farmers. This study aimed to evaluate and identify the main grain insect pests and diseases of stored maize and sorghum in West Hararghe, Ethiopia. The survey was carried out in five major sorghum and maize‐producing districts of the surveyed areas, namely, Mieso, Gemechis, Tullo, Anchar, and Oda Bultum. The results revealed that maize and sorghum grains stored in sacks, ground pits, markets, and hanging (maize cob) storage containers were infested with insect species: maize weevil (S. zeamais), Angoumois grain moth (S. cerealella), rice weevil (S. oryzae), Red flour beetle (T. castaneum), confused flour beetle (T. confusum), and Lesser grain borer (R. dominica). The mean levels of major insect pest infestations and associated percentages of grain damage, weight loss, and germination loss were recorded across all traditional storage systems, including sacking, marketing, hanging or maize cob, and ground pit storage methods. The highest absolute frequency and relative frequency of F. oxysporum (14.53%), followed by A. flavus (13.08%), on maize seeds were recorded in the agar plate test. A total of eight species of fungi, including Fusarium species, A. parasiticus, and A. niger, were identified using the blotter and agar plate method. The incidence of fungal diseases was markedly high (98.33%) in maize grain stored in the Anchar district, followed closely by grain stored in the market in the same district, recording 98.33%. Therefore, it is recommended that further confirmatory identification using molecular tools be conducted to develop novel management strategies for these insect pests and diseases.

Infestation and storages in Balochistan during 2019-2020

The present study was aimed to inspect the stored product insect pests from different godowns (Governmental and Private) of four districts namely Quetta, Pishin, Loralai and Sibi (two from cold and two from hot climatic regions). Insect pests damaging cereals were collected from godowns of these localities. The collections were made on a monthly basis from five (Private/Govt./Plinth) godowns of each district. All insect pests were collected during January -December 2019-2020. These samples were identified by using the standard identification keys [1–3]. Tribolium castaneum showed the highest increase, from 10.28% in 2019 to 13.54% in 2020. Trogoderma granarium also had a significant increase from 9.28% to 12.25%, followed by Rhizopertha dominica with an increase from 7.18% to 9.83%. Sitophylus oryzae showed a smaller increase from 7.18% to 8.40%, while Angoumois grain moths had the smallest increase from 1.06% to 1.59% in Sibi while least population was noticed in Quetta as Tribolium castaneum were found with 5.03% and increased to 7.25% in 2020. Trogoderma granarium from 3.80% to 5.56%, Rhizopertha dominica were from 2.67% to 3.48%, Sitophylus oryzae from 1.75% to 1.49% and Angoumois grain moths were collected from 0.51% to 0.41%. The collected data also reveal that in governmental godowns the population of stored product insect pests were found higher than the private godowns due to their basic facilities. The values in Sibi showed an increase from 11.74% to 16.42% in 2020 for government godowns and an increase from 6.95% to 12.30% in open areas. Private godowns had 15.34% in 2019 and increased to 16.89% in 2020. Similarly, Loralai and Pishin government godowns also showed an increase in insect pests in 2020. In contrast, Quetta government godowns had a relatively stable percentage of insect pests in 2019 and 2020, while private godowns showed an increase from 2.88% to 4.04%. The present study is the first of its kind and is helped full for the identification and prevalence of different stored product pests in different storages of Balochistan during 2019-2020 in Covid condition.

Impact of moisture content of rice grain on infestation of angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella olivier

The influence of different levels of moisture content on survival of Sitotroga cerealella Olivier was studied in laboratory. It was observed that the initial moisture content of the grain played an important role in larval survival. The survival of the larvae increased significantly from 13.5 up to 17.8 per cent moisture content. It was observed that in pooled data of two years that the maximum larval survival was noticed in the rice grain moisture content having 17.8 per cent was 72.0 percent which was significantly superior over other grain moisture content. The grain with moisture content of 15.6 per cent recorded (57.0%) larval survival followed by the moisture content 13.5 per cent (43.5%). The lowest larval survival was observed in the grains having the grain moisture content of 7.2 per cent with 7.0 per cent survival. . KEYWORDS :Rice, grain,damage, Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella Olivier, moisture content

Diversity of Storage Insect Pests of Maize (Zea mays L.), their Damage and Losses Causes to Maize in Gabilay District, Somaliland

Maize is one of the foremost cereals cultivated today, and it is a queen of cereals. Maize is threatened by a wide range of post-harvest insect pests. Therefore, a survey was conducted in Gabilay District, Somaliland in 2021 to determine the status of storage pests. During the survey a total of 60 maize storage structures were assessed in three villages of Gabilay District namely; Galloley, Ijaara, and Boqor. Data on storage structures, infestation status, grain damage, and weight loss were collected and analyzed by SPPS version 20 and interpreted using descriptive statistics. The result showed that a locally constructed bit was the major storage structure followed by sacks while iron tank is used at the lowest level. Results found also indicated that all storage structures were infested by two major insect pests, i.e., Maize weevil (S. zeamais) and Angoumois grain moth (S. cerealella) at the highest level and by molds and rats to a lesser extent. Galloley site was infested only by maize weevil, while Boqor and Ijaara sites were infested by both maize weevil and angoumois grain moth. Maize weevil accounted for the lion's share of the infestation compared to angoumois grain moth. The highest grain damage was recorded at the bottom position of the storage structure from the Ijaara area followed by Galloley and Boqor. Likewise, grain weight loss was also highest at the bottom position that showed 12.0%. These findings provide benchmark information for developing sustainable management methods for the storage of insect pests of maize in the study area. It is also recommended training on storage methods, management of storage pests and healthy maize preparation should be practiced.

Toxicity effects of several medicinal plants essential oils on Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella) female adults

Toxicity effects of several medicinal plants essential oils on Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella) female adults

Survey on the Occurrence of Insect Pests in Stored Grains in Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala State

To identify the species composition and relative abundance of insect pest in stored grains, a preliminary investigation was conducted by collecting grain samples from 16 grain merchant stores in Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala state. Insect pest collected during the study were pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis, cow pea beetle, C. maculatus, grain weevil, Sitophilus granarius, long headed flour beetle, Latheticus oryzae, rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica, saw toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella. Tribolium castanaeum, Sitophilus oryzae, Rhizopertha dominica (32.25%, 24.51%, 21.91% respectively per 200 g sample) were the most abundant pest species in the grain samples.

Effect of thermal stress on longevity and reproduction of Angoumois grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera gelechidae) in laboratory Condition

Effect of thermal stress on longevity and reproduction of Angoumois grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera gelechidae) in laboratory Condition

Development and emergence of Sitotroga cerealella (oliver) on stored yellow maize genotypes as affected by physical factors and grain quality

Angoumois Grain Moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae) is a serious primary pest of stored grain in many parts of the world. A study was carried out in the laboratory to investigate the effects of grain physical and intrinsic properties, temperature, relative humidity, and grain moisture content on the development and emergence of S. cerealella. The experiment was arranged in completely randomized design with three replicates for each maize genotypes used. Daily temperatures and relative humidity were recorded at 8:00 and 16:00 GMT with a Temperature and Humidity Sensor, which was embedded in the polypropylene bag containing six maize genotypes and tied after each reading to prevent emerging insects from escaping. The number of S. cerealella that emerged was observed weekly. Angoumois grain moth emergence on stored husked maize ears began in the 3rd week through to the 6th week in storage. The moth emergence was higher in the season with higher percentage grain moisture content. A significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in percentage grain moisture within almost all the same genotypes during both major and minor seasons. Aburokokoo, Ahoodzin, and Obatanpa had significantly (P<0.05) higher mean numbers of the emerged moth from the 4th to 6th week. The grain physical and intrinsic characteristics such as surface area and weight of Aburokokoo, Ahoodzin, and Obatanpa were statistically different (P<0.05) from the other three genotypes. A significant positive relationship was observed between grain surface area, grain weight, density and total S. cerealella emerged. Abontem, Honampa, and GH2354 with smaller grain surface area and lower grain weight had smaller mean number of the moth emerging. Anthocoris nemorum (L.) an important generalist agricultural pest predator was observed to be associated with the moth when its population was high (13-63) but none when the moth population was very small (0-4) in store. The association between mean daily temperatures and relative humidity during the 6 weeks storage in both seasons was inversely proportional. About 88.25% of the variation in relative humidity depends on temperature. Key words: Maize, insect pest, grain hardness, predator, Anthocoris nemorum

A Survey Study to Assess the Prevalence of Storage Insect Pest on the Seed Health Status of Farmers in Telangana, India

Introduction: Telangana is considered as seed bowl of India. About 65% of rice produced will be used either for consumption or seed purpose. Hence, farmers save their produce till next season. But in storage it is infested with many insect pests. Due to lack of awareness about scientific storage techniques they are unable to produce quality seed.
 Materials and Methods: Eighty-five rice seed samples were collected from seven major rice producing areas of the Telangana. Seed samples were drawn from top, middle and bottom positions of the container with a sampler, from the storage structures. A total of fourteen seed stores were sampled and composite samples were collected from these stores for further assessment in a laboratory. From each container, three samples, each consisting of 500 g of rice seed was taken. Samples were bulked and 500 g sample prepared as sample. Each sample was put in a paper bag and labeled with the necessary information (name of the site, sample number, date of sampling, storage time.
 Results: Sixty three percent samples were infested with lesser grain borer; Rhyzopertha dominica; Angoumois grain moth; Sitotroga cereallela, rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae; rust red flour beetle, Tribolium cataneum; Saw toothed beetle Oryzaephillus surinamensis. Among these insect pests, Angoumois grain moth and lesser grain borer were predominant. The maximum seed moisture content (12.57%) was recorded in the samples of Miryalaguda district and minimum seed moisture content (9.39%) in samples of Warangal district. The maximum insect infestation 5.73% was recorded in samples of district Rangareddy and the minimum (0.23%) sample were infested in Mahaboobnagar district. The maximum germination (95%) was noticed in seed sample of Nizamabad district and the minimum (79.57%) in samples of Warangal district. However, the maximum 1745 and minimum 1400 seed vigour index were observed in Nizamabad and Mahaboobnagar districts, respectively. The overall average performance of seed samples collected different villages of seven districts of Telangana were seed moisture content (10.88%) seed damaged (2.16 %), seed germination (90.43%) and Seed Vigour Index (1539).

Effect of different wheat cultivars on two sex life table parameters of Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), reduces nutritional value, germination, and seed weight under storage conditions. The impacts of nine wheat cultivars including Azar 2, Baharan, Baran, Kohdasht, Mihan, Sadra, Sarang, Sardari, and Sirvan were evaluated on life table of S. cerealella under laboratory conditions. The results showed that the longest total immature stage of S. cerealella occurs in Sirvan and Mihan cultivars, whereas the shortest ones in Baran, Sardari, Kohdasht, and Sadra cultivars, respectively. The longest adult period occurs in Sadra, Kohdasht, and Sardari cultivars, and the shortest ones in Baharan, Mihan, Sarang and Sirvan cultivars, respectively. Wheat cultivars reveals significant impact on total pre-oviposition periods (TPOP), which are longer for S. cerealella fed on Sirvan cultivar than Sadra, Sardari and Kohdashet cultivars, respectively. The fecundity of S. cerealella increases in the case of insects fed on Sadra, Kohdashet, and Sardari cultivars, respectively, and decreases in Baharan, Mihan, Sarang, and Sirvan cultivars, respectively. The lowest gross reproductive rate (GRR) and net reproductive rate (R0) occur in Baharan, Mihan, Sarang, and Sirvan cultivars, respectively. Insects fed on Mihan, Baharan, Sarang, and Sirvan cultivars have the lowest intrinsic (r), and the finite (λ) rates of increase, respectively. In conclusion, Mihan, Baharan, Sarang, and Sirvan cultivars are potentially resistant against S. cerealella compared to other wheat cultivars. So, resistant cultivars may be a useful strategy for stored crop preservation and storage pest control.

Effect of botanicals on stored paddy against Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella Olivier) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera)

Effect of botanicals on stored paddy against Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella Olivier) (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera)

Evaluation of selected botanicals for the management of maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) on maize (Zea mays L.) grain under laboratory condition in Gabilay District, Somaliland

One of the most reliable crops in the research region is maize. However, a variety of post-harvest insect pests like Sitophilus zeamais and Angoumois grain moths pose a hazard to the cultivation and storage of maize. Hence, a laboratory experiment was conducted in Gabilay District Somaliland in 2021 to assess selected botanicals effectiveness against maize weevil. The treatments of consisted of six botanicals namely neem seed, neem leaves, garlic, lantana, ginger, and pepper tree leaves at 50 g/kg of each were evaluated. Malathion 5% dust at 0.05 g/kg as standard check and the control/untreated check/were included for comparison. The Experiment was designed in a Completely Randomized Design and replicated three times, All the botanical powders were more effective than the control by causing high insect mortality, by lowering grain damage, weight loss, and emergence of F1 progeny. Neem seed and Garlic showed 100% adult mortality, which had a similar effect to Malathion 5% dust. Neem seeds produced the lowest F1 offspring, followed by garlic. Neem seeds and garlic had the least amount of seed damage among the botanicals (0%) and (4%), respectively. The control/untreated check/resulted in the most seed damage (45%). Similarly, the highest weight loss among the botanicals was recorded on the control check, Ginger and Pepper tree 11%, 5%, and 4% respectively. The ability of seeds to germinate was unaffected by the botanicals. A conclusion, neem seed and garlic leaves are the most effective treatment against maize weevil.