Insect Infestation Research Articles

What Can Insects Tell Us About Crimes?

Have you ever considered how important insects are in almost all of Earth’s ecosystems? Beyond their well-known roles as pollinators, decomposers, and control of other insect pests, did you know that insects can also play a vital role in solving crimes? In this article, we explore fascinating examples of how entomologists (scientists who study insects) can assist law enforcement and the justice system by using insects to crack real criminal cases. By studying the life cycle, ecology, and behavior of insects found at crime scenes, entomologists can provide critical information on the timing and circumstances of a person’s death, determine when a food became contaminated, or figure out how and when a home insect infestation occurred. Prepare to delve into the world of forensic entomology, where you will discover how these tiny creatures contribute to the pursuit of justice.

Increasing the Oxygen Consumption in Hermetic Grain Storage Using Grain Weevils (Sitophilus granarius)

Loss of stored plant products due to insect infestation is a problem that is likely to increase with global warming. Improved storage under hermetic conditions in oxygen deficiency can prevent or control infestation and preserve product quality. Oxygen levels in hermetic storage decrease due to different factors, one of which is the oxygen consumption of the insects present. Experiments were carried out using varying numbers (25, 50, or 200) of all developmental stages of the grain weevil Sitophilus granarius L. (eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult beetles) caged and placed in sealed 30-L containers containing 22 kg of wheat for at least 21 weeks. Oxygen levels were measured at regular intervals. The oxygen consumption depended on the number of insects and went below the critical threshold of 3% for S. granarius survival in most of the trials. Some surviving beetles were observed at the end of the hermetic experiments and 12 weeks afterwards during control for progeny, when oxygen levels did not fall below the critical threshold or the low level could not be maintained for a sufficient time. Monitoring oxygen levels in hermetic storage is therefore essential to ensure safe storage over long periods.

Learning from conceptual models – a study of the emergence of cooperation towards resource protection in a social–ecological system

Abstract. Engaging ecological resource users in intervention to protect resources is challenging for governments due to the self-interest of users and uncertainty about intervention consequences. Focusing on a case of forest insect infestations, we addressed questions of resource protection and environmentally responsible behavior promotion with a conceptual model. We coupled a forest infestation model with a social model in which a governing agent applies a mechanism for the recognition and promotion of environmentally responsible behavior among several user agents. We ran the coupled model in various scenarios with a reinforcement-learning algorithm for the governing agent as well as best-case, worst-case, and random baselines. Results showed that a proper recognition policy facilitates emergence of environmentally responsible behavior. However, ecosystem health may deteriorate due to temporal differences between the social and ecological systems. Our work shows it is possible to gain insight about complexities of social–ecological systems with conceptual models through scenario analysis.

Essential oil-loaded polymeric nanoparticles as a viable alternative to control storage grain insects -a review

The loss of stored grains is becoming a major issue globally because of insect infestation. The extensive usage of chemical insecticides for insect control has caused enormous harm to the worldwide ecology. Hence, it is essential to look for more environmentally sustainable solutions. Several essential oils (EOs) and bioactive chemicals have been adopted as natural insecticides due to their considerable insecticidal activity, diversified mechanism of action, and nontoxicity to other organisms. Meanwhile, despite their potential features, EOs have certain disadvantages, including being extremely volatile, less water-soluble, more rapidly degradable and the cost of production in some cases. Encapsulating EOs as nanoemulsions into polymers has recently been recognized as a potential technique for increasing their stability, selective release, and usefulness in various domains. These EOs and nanoemulsions displayed insect-deterrent behaviour by acting as fumigants, contact repellents, antifeedants, egg development deterrents, and larval agents, in addition to inhibiting chemical messengers such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and octopamine and transforming enzyme performance. This review article summarizes recent trends and innovations to define polymeric nano-formulated EOs as environment-friendly substitutes for harmful conventional insecticides. It also provides opportunities for more secure and profitable methods of controlling agricultural insects. Along with this, the insecticidal activity and mechanism of action for various essential oils and essential oil-loaded polymeric nanoparticles on various insects of stored grains are thoroughly discussed.

Influence of parboiling conditions on rice grain quality characters and insect infestation with rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae. L) of some rice cultivars

Parboiling improves rice grain hardness and reduces susceptibility to Sitophilus oryzae infestation by gelatinizing the starch and enhancing resistance.A newly designed electric machine was used to parboil four Egyptian rice cultivars—Sakha 108, Giza 178, Super 300, and Egyptian Yasmin—at 70, 75, and 80 °C and determine their susceptibility to Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) infestation. Results indicated that heating affected most traits in all four rice cultivars during both study seasons 2021 and 2022. Super 300 rice cultivar exhibited the highest hulling values (81.23 and 81.42%) when heated to 80 °C, while the Yasmin rice cultivar showed the lowest values for hulling (77.66 and 77.45%) at 70 °C. while Giza 178 cultivar showed a significant decrease in broken percentage (90.85 and 94.02%) compared to control when heated to 80 °C. The results also indicated that the Yasmin rice cultivar had the highest values for white belly, hardness, and gel consistency at 80 °C, while the Sakha 108 cultivar showed the lowest values for these traits at 70 °C. Furthermore, the protein, elongation, and water uptake characters significantly responded to the different investigated treatments. Yasmin cultivar at 80 °C showed the highest significant values for protein (9.26 and 9.47%), elongation (65.02 and 65.44%), and water uptake (453.2 and 455.1 ml water/100 g milled grains) in both seasons. Sakha 108 cultivar had the lowest values for these traits at 70 °C. The S. oryzae insects responded differently to the rice cultivars. Using Dobie’s Index of Susceptibility, all cultivars were classified as resistant to S. oryzae infestation. Super 300 was moderately resistant before parboiling but resistant after heat treatment. In conclusion, the study underscores the influence of pre-storage parboiling on rice weevil infestation, suggesting that heat treatment could serve as an effective control measure. These findings emphasize the importance of parboiling conditions in enhancing rice grain quality and bolstering resistance to insect infestation.

Assessment of Phosphine Resistance in Major Stored-Product Insects in Greece Using Two Diagnostic Protocols.

Post-harvest losses due to insect infestation and spoilage by bacteria and molds pose significant challenges to global cereal production. This study investigates the prevalence of resistance to phosphine, a commonly used grain protection agent, in stored-grain insects. The research, conducted in various storage facilities across Greece, examined 53 populations of key stored-product insect species. Two assessment protocols, namely, dose-response (at 50-1000 ppm for 3 days exposure) and CORESTA (at 300 ppm for 6 days), were used herein to estimate phosphine resistance. The results showed that 13.3% of field populations were resistant, and mortality rates increased with higher phosphine concentrations. Specifically, according to the dose-response protocol, among the 53 field populations, 37.7% were found to be resistant to phosphine, namely, two populations of O. surinamensis, one of S. oryzae, seven of T. confusum, one of C. ferrugineus, one of T. castaneum, and all populations of R. dominica, whereas, according to the CORESTA protocol, all populations were found to be susceptible to phosphine. The observed resistance patterns differ from those reported in other regions of the world. The study highlights the importance of tailored fumigation strategies, considering insect species varying susceptibility to phosphine. It recommends the use of best management practices and rotational strategies, such as combining phosphine with other methods, to develop effective resistance management plans. The results provide valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of phosphine resistance in stored-product insects and suggest potential avenues for further research and control measures.

Applications of dry chain technology to maintain high seed viability in tropical climates.

Seed storage life in tropical areas is shortened by high humidity and temperature and the general inaccessibility to dehumidifying and refrigeration systems, resulting in rapid decreases in seed viability in storage as well as a high incidence of fungal and insect infestations. The dry chain, based on rapid and deep drying of seeds after harvest followed by packaging in moisture-proof containers, has been proposed as an effective method to maintain seed quality during medium-term storage in humid climates, even without refrigeration. In addition, seed drying with zeolite drying beads can be more effective and economical than sun or heated-air drying under these warm, humid conditions. In this paper, we review recent published literature regarding the dry chain, considering different crop species, storage environments and seed traits. In addition, we provide new original data on the application of dry chain methods and their implementation at larger scales in South Asia, Latin America and Pacific Island Countries. The clear conclusion is that the combination of reusable drying beads and waterproof storage containers enables the implementation of the dry chain in tropical climates, enhancing seed viability and quality in storage of many crop species. The dry chain approach can therefore significantly enhance seed security for farmers in many tropical countries. Finally, we propose actions and strategies that could guide further scaling-up implementation of this technology.

First report on the invasion of vermicelli by Lasioderma serricorne

Lasioderma serricorne F. causes significant losses to grain that is kept in storage. They can also spoil a lot more food than they actually consume. An empirical experiment was carried out to ascertain the level of insect infestation in the vermicelli at Anand, Gujarat, India. Also, per cent weight loss of vermicelli due to infestation of L. serricorne and apparent parasitism of Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) on grub of L. serricorne were calculated. The percentage of weight lost due to its infestation ranged from 18.00 to 68.00 per cent. Notably, the grub of L. serricorne was parasitized by A. calandrae and the apparent parasitism ranged from 48.00 to 85.00 percent. It was the first report of Lasioderma serricorne an infestation in vermicelli from India.

Insights into Boreal Forest Disturbance from Canopy Stability Index

The world’s forests are being increasingly disturbed from exposure to the compounding impacts of land use and climate change, in addition to natural disturbance regimes. Boreal forests have a lower level of deforestation compared to tropical forests, and while they have higher levels of natural disturbances, the accumulated impact of forest management for commodity production coupled with worsening fire weather conditions and other climate-related stressors is resulting in ecosystem degradation and loss of biodiversity. We used satellite-based time-series analysis of two canopy indices—canopy photosynthesis and canopy water stress—to calculate an index that maps the relative stability of forest canopies in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. By drawing upon available spatial time-series data on logging, wildfire, and insect infestation impacts, we were able to attribute the causal determinants of areas identified as having unstable forest canopy. The slope of the two indices that comprise the stability index also provided information as to where the forest is recovering from prior disturbances. The stability analyses and associated spatial datasets are available in an interactive web-based mapping app. that can be used to map disturbed forest canopies and the attribution of disturbances to human or natural causes. This information can assist decision-makers in identifying areas that are potentially ecologically degraded and in need of restoration and those stable areas that are a priority for protection.

Stress Responses to Bark Beetle Infestations among Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Fir (Abies alba), and Beech (Fagus sylvatica) Trees

Insect infestation triggers multiple defense responses in plants, both locally at the infection site and systemically throughout the plant, including the production of feeding deterrents, toxins, defensive proteins, enzymes, and secondary metabolites. Our study aimed to compare the endogenous levels of antioxidative enzymes, photosynthetic pigments, phytohormones, total phenols, and flavonoids in bark-beetle-infested and uninfested trees. We evaluated the surviving trees in bark-beetle-infested stands, assessing both the condition and defense of uninfested and infested beech (Fagus sylvatica), pine (Pinus sylvestris), and fir (Abies alba) trees. Sampling was performed at six affected sites in the Czech Republic, targeting trees that were resilient to significant health deterioration caused by abiotic and biotic factors. The results showed different levels of most of the measured compounds in the three species. Among all the tested species, photosynthetic pigment levels showed the strongest association with infestation status, which was generally lower in the infested plants. For chlorophyll a, extremely significant reductions were observed from 123 ± 20.6 to 101 ± 17.9 μg/g dry weight (DW) in pine, from 231 ± 33.1 to 199 ± 22.2 μg/g DW in beech, and from 60 ± 5.66 to 51.3 ± 6.27 μg/g DW in fir. In contrast, enzymatic activities indicated only isolated instances of significant association, whereas antioxidative properties (total phenolic content, flavonoids, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity) were not significantly associated with infestation status. There was a statistically significant increase in glutathione reductase activity in infested fir and pine trees. However, this difference was not statistically significant in beech. In contrast, a significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity was detected in infected beech trees. Phytohormones have emerged as the most diverse group of analyzed compounds. Cytokinins were the most distinct, with many of them being significantly increased in infested pines, whereas both beech and fir showed only one significant association. Additionally, derivatives of jasmonic acid also showed a distinct pattern of change associated with bark beetle infestation, with the levels of three out of the four analyzed jasmonates being significantly decreased in infested pines, whereas no effects were observed in beeches and firs. Notably, many phytohormones were significantly elevated in the infested pine, whereas both beech and fir exhibited only one significant association. Overall, the data showed that pines responded differently to bark beetles than to beeches or firs. The greatest changes in phytohormones were observed in pine, whereas the most significant changes in photosynthetic pigments were observed in beech and fir trees.

Insect pests of dried yam (Dioscorea sp.) chips and the perception of processors and marketers on their control

This survey was aimed at understanding the perception of Dried yam chips (DYC) Processors and Marketers on insect pests' infestation of DYC and their damage through the use of structured questionnaires. Data on socio-economic characteristics and technical information were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, and means. Data on the perception of insect pests and measures of pest control were placed on a 3-point Likert Rating Scale (LRS). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done on the population density of the identified insects and significant mean values were compared using Fisher's Least Significant Difference. Seven insect pests; Prostephanus truncatus, Rhyzopertha dominica, Tribolium castaneum, Stegobium paniceum, Heterobostrychus aequalis, Sitophilus zeamais, Areacerus fasciculatus, and one natural enemy; Peregrinator biannulipes were associated with DYC. However, P. truncatus, R. dominica, and A. fasciculatus were the most prevalent insect pests, causing significant damage to DYC. Approximately, 49% of processors reportedly control insect infestation in DYC using conventional insecticides, 23% by re-drying, 14% by botanicals, and the others by removing affected DYC. These findings provide useful information for extension workers involved in community education, and intervention programs by government or non-governmental organizations including public health experts and researchers.

Efficacy of Botanical Insecticides for Controlling Cochineal Scale (Dactylopius opuntiae) Insect on Cactus (Dactylcompound sopius opuntiae) Plant at Southern Tigray, Ethiopia

Cochineal scale insects, scientifically known as D. opuntiae, are small insects that feed on the sap of cacti plants. These insects are notorious for their ability to rapidly reproduce and spread, causing significant damage to cactus populations. Tigray region, located in northern Ethiopia, has been particularly affected by the relentless attack of cochineal scale insects on its cacti. The aim of this study was to evaluate botanical insecticide to control cochineal scale insect of cacti plant in southern Tigray, Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted during 2024 in off-season at Raya-azobo district. A total of five treatments; leave extract (Neem, Lantana camara and Pepper tree and liquid soap), salt+liquid soup, liquid soup, water and control (no sprayed)) were used in the field experiment. The experiment was laid out randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The mortality rate of cochineal scale insect had a significant difference at (p<0.001) among the treatments. The highest rate of mortality (free of cochineal scale insect) was calculated from the leave extract (100%) extracted from leaves. However, the increasing number of cochineal scale insect was observed from untreated (control) (+9.9%) followed by cladodes treated with water (45.29%). The current research findings provide strong evidence that botanical insecticide derived from plant leaves could be an effective solution for controlling cochineal scale insect infestations on cacti. These eco-friendly alternatives offer several advantages over synthetic pesticides in terms of reduced toxicity to non-target organisms. Beside; it should be promoted to further demonstration and popularization at farmer level in the coming off-season.

Nuclear integration of MYB36 and APX-1 genes impart heat tolerance in wheat.

Elevated temperatures during grain filling stage, exceeding the optimal range by 3-4°C, not only results in a substantial yield reduction in wheat by 10-50% but activates disease and insect infestation. In this research, we introduced heat-tolerant MYB36 and APX-1 gene cassettes into wheat, employing an efficient Agrobacterium mediated transformation protocol, demonstrating higher transformation efficiency. The study encompassed the assembly of MYB36 and APX-1 gene cassettes, and confirmation of gene products in Agrobacterium, followed by the transformation of the MYB36 and APX-1 genes into wheat explants. We were able to select transgenic plant with various combinations. The transgenic plants with APX-1 gene alone produced medium sized grain and spike whereas with both APX-1 and MYB36 genes expressed individually under SPS and rd29a promoter respectively showed good tolerance to heat at 32oC at grain filling/milking stage and produced relatively bold grains. While non-transgenic plants grains were wrinkled with thin spike showing susceptibility to heat. This research contributes to the broader scientific understanding of plant stress responses and the combined effectiveness of MYB36 and APX-1 genes in crop improvement without disturbing normal nutritional values. The gene integration can serve as a valuable tool in breeding programs aimed at developing heat-tolerant wheat varieties. These findings also advance our comprehension of the functions of heat-induced genes and lay the foundation for selecting optimal candidates for in-depth functional studies of heat-responsive MYB36 and APX-1 genes in wheat.

Detection of Active Infestation by Wood-Boring Insects via Acoustic Emission using the IADS (Insect Activity Detection System)

The preservation of wooden art and cultural artifacts is severely threatened by the infestation of wood-boring insects. Distinguishing between active and inactive infestations in practice poses a significant challenge, often leading to unnecessary treatments or delayed actions. This article focuses on the examination of the Insect Activity Detection System (IADS), an innovative AE measurement device for the detection of feeding noises of wood-boring larvae. Starting with an overview of the theoretical framework, the results of practical experiments are shown. Finally, we will present some possible applications of IADS in the conservation of art and cultural heritage.

Forensic and ecological significance of necrophagous insects: Insights from animal carcasses, human cadavers, and myiasis patients

Necrophagous insects, including flies and beetles, play pivotal roles in decomposition, ecology, and forensics. Their diversity and activities vary across environments, necessitating comprehensive studies for understanding and management. The aim of the study is to investigate insect infestation on animal carcasses, human cadavers, and myiasis patients to enhance ecological, forensic, and medical entomological understanding, aiding in ecosystem management, forensic investigations, and disease control.Various species of flies and beetles were found associated with animal carcasses, human cadavers, and myiasis patients, as indicated by the comprehensive study. On animal carcasses, notable fly species included Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart, 1842), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830), and Sarcophaga sp., while beetles such as Dermestes maculatus (De Geer, 1774), Necrobia rufipes (Fabricius, 1781), Saprinus quadrigatattus (Fabricius, 1798), Saprinus splendens (Paykull, 1811), Saprinus optabilis (Marseul, 1855), Saprinus chalcites (Iliger, 1807), and Omorgus sp. (Erichson, 1847) were also observed. Similarly, human cadavers exhibited a presence of flies like Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819), Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart, 1842), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), and Sarcophaga dux (Thomson, 1869). In cases of myiasis patients, flies including Chrysomya megacephala, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel, 1858), and Chrysomya bezziana (Villeneuve, 1914) were identified.These findings underscore the diverse range of insect species involved in carcass decomposition, forensic investigations, and medical entomology, illustrating their crucial roles in ecological processes, forensic assessments, and disease management.

Optimizing insect repellence in open sun drying of fish through the combined influence of salt, turmeric, pepper and the bacteriocin nisin under tropical conditions

AbstractBackgroundSun drying of fish in open air is an age‐old traditional practice in Asia and some other parts of the world. This study aims to suggest optimal field doses of turmeric, pepper, salt and the bacteriocin nisin (food additive, E234) for open‐sun‐dried silver jewfish (Johnius argentatus) under a tropical environment. Investigations were carried out on the blowfly infestation, proximate composition, water reconstitution properties and organoleptic and microbial quality of open‐air‐dried fish samples.ResultsA direct relationship between moisture reduction and drying period was observed with salt‐treated samples demonstrating accelerated moisture reduction, reaching as low as 14.1% after 34 h. Turmeric and pepper treatments provided some protection against weight loss but ultimately extended the drying time to 38 h. Botanical pesticides like turmeric or pepper exhibited significant efficacy against blowfly adult and larval infestation with similar efficacy observed in 15% and 25% salt‐treated samples. Proximate composition analysis revealed that salt‐treated samples had lower moisture ranging from 14.1% to 16.0% but higher protein of 58.2%–62.1%, while the lipid and ash content did not vary significantly (p > 0.05). The water reconstitution properties of salt‐treated samples exhibited superior rehydration rates, with the highest in nisin (Niseen S) + 15% salt‐treated samples at 60°C, while organoleptic evaluations revealed salt‐treated samples to possess favourable attributes with minimal insect infestation and broken pieces. Finally, microbial analysis demonstrated the lowest aerobic plate count in dried fish samples treated with nisin (Niseen S) alone or in combination with 15% salt and/or 3% turmeric ranging from 3.97 ± 0.20 to 4.33 ± 0.07 log cfu/g.ConclusionIt is concluded that 200 ppm nisin (Niseen S)‐treated samples in combination with 3% turmeric and/or 15% salt are a viable option for producing high‐quality dried fish in traditional open‐air sun‐drying practices.

Transcriptomic and coexpression network analyses revealed the regulatory mechanism of Cydia pomonella infestation on the synthesis of phytohormones in walnut husks

The codling moth (Cydia pomonella) has a major effect on the quality and yield of walnut fruit. Plant defences respond to insect infestation by activating hormonal signalling and the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. However, little is known about the role of walnut husk hormones and flavonoid biosynthesis in response to C. pomonella infestation. The phytohormone content assay revealed that the contents of salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), jasmonic acid-isoleucine conjugate (JA-ILE), jasmonic acid-valine (JA-Val) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) increased after feeding at different time points (0, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h) of walnut husk. RNA-seq analysis of walnut husks following C. pomonella feeding revealed a temporal pattern in differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with the number increasing from 3,988 at 12 h to 5,929 at 72 h postfeeding compared with the control at 0 h postfeeding. Walnut husks exhibited significant upregulation of genes involved in various defence pathways, including flavonoid biosynthesis (PAL, CYP73A, 4CL, CHS, CHI, F3H, ANS, and LAR), SA (PAL), ABA (ZEP and ABA2), and JA (AOS, AOC, OPR, JAZ, and MYC2) pathways. Three gene coexpression networks that had a significant positive association with these hormonal changes were constructed based on the basis of weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). We identified several hub transcription factors, including the turquoise module (AIL6, MYB4, PRE6, WRKY71, WRKY31, ERF003, and WRKY75), the green module (bHLH79, PCL1, APRR5, ABI5, and ILR3), and the magenta module (ERF27, bHLH35, bHLH18, TIFY5A, WRKY31, and MYB44). Taken together, these findings provide useful genetic resources for exploring the defence response mediated by phytohormones in walnut husks.

Genome editing for improvement of biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in cereals

Global agricultural production must quadruple by 2050 to fulfil the needs of a growing global population, but climate change exacerbates the difficulty. Cereals are a very important source of food for the world population. Improved cultivars are needed, with better resistance to abiotic stresses like drought, salt, and increasing temperatures, and resilience to biotic stressors like bacterial and fungal infections, and pest infestation. A popular, versatile, and helpful method for functional genomics and crop improvement is genome editing. Rapidly developing genome editing techniques including clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) are very important. This review focuses on how CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing might enhance cereals’ agronomic qualities in the face of climate change, providing important insights for future applications. Genome editing efforts should focus on improving characteristics that confer tolerance to conditions exacerbated by climate change (e.g. drought, salt, rising temperatures). Improved water usage efficiency, salt tolerance, and heat stress resilience are all desirable characteristics. Cultivars that are more resilient to insect infestations and a wide range of biotic stressors, such as bacterial and fungal diseases, should be created. Genome editing can precisely target genes linked to disease resistance pathways to strengthen cereals’ natural defensive systems.

Assessment of Storage Structure, Cause of Gran Loss, and Methods Used to Control Storage Losses

Post-harvest losses, leading to substantial grain loss, stem from various factors such as insect infestation, mold growth, rodent damage, adverse weather conditions, and inadequate storage practices. This study investigates the storage structures employed by farmers in Zenzelma Kebele and identifies the primary causes of grain loss. Despite the persistence of traditional storage structures like "Gotera" and "Gota," there is a noticeable lack of adoption of improved storage methods. The research highlights insects and rodents as major contributors to grain loss, both in the field and during storage. Farmers mainly use chemical measures to combat these pests, including fumigation and pesticides like Malathion. Additionally, sun drying remains a widely used traditional method. The study's findings underscore the urgent need for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and the development of cost-effective, environmentally sustainable solutions to reduce post-harvest losses. Understanding local farming practices is crucial for designing effective interventions that enhance food security and promote economic sustainability in maize production. By focusing on the specific conditions and practices in Zenzelma Kebele, this study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving grain storage and reducing losses. Tailored interventions, informed by local needs and practices, are essential to address these issues effectively. The adoption of improved storage techniques and IPM strategies can significantly reduce grain losses, thereby boosting food security and supporting the livelihoods of farmers. This research advocates for a holistic approach to pest management and storage practices, encouraging collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and farmers. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and innovative storage solutions, we can work towards a more secure and prosperous future for maize producers in Zenzelma Kebele and beyond.

Effects of Dermetes maculatus (Degeer 1774) on some dried fish sold at Baga road market, Maiduguri metropolitan council

Fish is in the diet of most people, regardless of geopolitical, socioeconomic status and age. It is highly nutritious and provides about 50% of total protein requirements for growth and development, especially in children. Thus, fish remains one of the most important sources of food and income for many people in Nigeria and other developing countries of the world. Materials and Methods: Two smoke-dried fish samples of cat and Tilapia were purchased from Baga Road fish market in Maiduguri to assess the effects of insect infestation caused by Dermetes maculatus. The samples were aseptically transported to the Microbiology laboratory of the Department of science laboratory technology Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri Borno state for entomological analysis. The percentage weights of the fish samples were weighed before and after insect pest infestations. The infested samples were aseptically stored for a period of five (5) weeks. Results: The results obtained in this study showed that Dermestes maculatus infestation was higher in fish samples stored for five weeks compared the uninfected fish obtained in the same market. However, there was no significant difference between the number of insect pests found in the fish samples at (p>0.05), the proximate analysis shows that the data collected after insect infestation was significance at p=0.05 with p value 0.00005. The carbohydrate contents for cat Tilapia fish before infestation were (3.34%, and 2.02%) respectively on the other hand the they was slight change in the wight of both cat and tilapia fishes after infestation 3.300 % and 2.01 % respectively. Conclusion: It was observed that insect pest infestation causes great loss and reduces the economic and market value of smoke -dried fish because it degrades and damaged the fish thereby reducing it carbohydrate contents.