Lasioderma Serricorne Research Articles

Search Ability of Anisopteromalus calandrae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) for Larvae of Lasioderma serricorne at Different Depths and over Time in Stored Tobacco.

During storage time of agricultural products, the attack of insect pests may cause great losses. In tobacco, it occurs in the producer's warehouses, and in processing companies, one of the species that cause damage is Lasioderma serricorne(Fabricius). Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the search ability of the parasitoid, Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard),for larvae of L. serricorne in tobacco. For this, couples of A. calandrae were released into PVC tubes (50 × 10cm) filled with crushed dried tobacco on plates containing 20 larvae of L. serricorne at four depths (10, 20, 30, and 40cm). In addition, and as a comparison, bales of tobacco were placed in tissue bags. Six plates contained 30 larvae of L. serricorne each and 50 couples of A. calandrae were released in each bag. After 1, 3, or 7days, the plates were removed and kept in climate room (28 ± 2°C, 60 ± 10% RH, and photophase of 12h) until the emergency of the offspring. In all bioassays, A. calandrae was able to find and parasitize the offered larvae. For the experiment set in the tubes, the parasitism level was up to 84% in the larvae placed closest to the surface, gradually decreasing as the depth increased. In bales, the longer the larvae were exposed to the parasitoid, the higher the rate of infestation control. These results show that A.calandrae is able to find and parasitize larvae of L. serricorne in tobacco storage environments.

Efficacy of propylene oxide and ethyl formate as fumigants to control Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Ptinidae)

Propylene oxide (PPO) and ethyl formate (EF) can be applied in the gas phase as fumigants for stored product pests. PPO and EF are effective against several insect species, but thorough studies on Lasioderma serricorne, the cigarette beetle, are lacking. Here we evaluated the toxicity of PPO and EF to control different life stages of L. serricorne under laboratory conditions at 25 °C, and we studied sorption of these gases on three commodities. Lasioderma serricorne larvae were the most tolerant to PPO with an LC50 of 41.08 mg/L, while pupae were the most tolerant to EF with an LC50 of 28.14 mg/L. Tolerant life stages were controlled in 3 h using 70.09 mg/L PPO or by using 95.22 mg/L of EF. Validation studies over a six-week period with mixed life stage colonies using 100 mg/L of either fumigant resulted in 100% control of all life stages. Beetle mortality in the presence of dried leaf tobacco was reduced by 80% and 40% during 12 h and 24 h exposure to PPO, respectively. While there was no reduced mortality related to sorption by commodities during a 12 h exposure to EF, we observed a very small reduction of mortality in jars with tobacco during a 24 h exposure. Desorption of EF from pet food after ventilation caused 20% mortality of L. serricorne pupae during a 12 h exposure, while flour and tobacco had no significant desorption mortality from EF. No tangible desorption effects were found for any commodity following fumigation with PPO. These studies showed that fumigation with PPO and EF for 24 h can control the most tolerant life stages of L. serricorne at 25 °C. Future work should investigate commercial scale fumigations of cigarette beetles with commodities under a variety of physical conditions.

KELIMPAHAN DAN KERAGAMAN JENIS SERANGGA HAMA JAGUNG DI BERBAGAI GUDANG PENYIMPANAN

Corn (Zea mays L.) is a strategic commodity in Indonesia after rice because corn is not only used as food but also as animal feed. This corn commodity is generally stored in the form of shelled seeds. One of the obstacles in the storage process is the presence of warehouse pests. Warehouse pests are plant-destroying organisms that work when plants are stored in storage rooms or warehouses. This study aims to determine the diversity, abundance and dominance of corn pests in sacks and scattered and determine the weight loss and damage to corn kernels in several warehouses. Determination of the number of samples used in this study was by using descriptive survey methods and qualitative data in several warehouses, then the samples were reared for 30-35 days (± a month). Sampling was carried out 8 times with an interval of 2 times a week. The results of the research showed that the diversity of pests was obtained, namely Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Rhizopert dominica Fabricius (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), Sitophilus sp Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Carpteraphilus di (Coleoptera: Midia : Nitidulidae), Cryptolestes ferrugineus Stephens (Coleoptera: Cucujidae), Corcyra cephalonica Stantion (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Lasioderma serricorne Fabricius (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), Palorus depressus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The highest abundance and dominance was in the pests Sitophilus sp. Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The highest percentage of weight loss and damage to corn kernels was found in warehouse A, while the lowest weight loss and damage to corn kernels was in warehouse C.

Phenolic constitutents, antioxidant and repellent activities of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) fruits using different solvent extracts

ABSTRACT The organic solvent extracts (hexane, chloroform, acetone, methanol and water) of coriander fruits were reported for their antioxidant and repellent activities. The methanol and acetone extracts revealed the highest antiradical activity as compared to the other solvent extracts. HPLC analysis revealed that phenolic acids were the major compounds in chloroform and acetone extracts, whereas flavonoids in methanol and water extracts. The methanol extract of coriander fruits exhibited the highest repellent effect against coleopteran insects. Additionally, the hexane extract of coriander fruits also exhibited potent repellent and toxic activities against rice weevil. It appeared that coriander fruit extract obtained with the apolar solvent had more repellent potential against Sitophilus oryzae as compared to Tribolium castaneum. For Lasioderma serricorne, the methanol extract of coriander fruits reduced in a very significant way the adults followed by the chloroform and hexane extracts.

Antagonistic storage potential of Tagetes minuta, Eupatorium fortunei and Ocimum basilicum oils with volatile secondary metabolites against Tribolium castaneum and Lasioderma serricorne

Antagonistic storage potential of Tagetes minuta Linnaeus, Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. and Ocimum basilicum L. volatile oils hydrodistillated with main secondary metabolites against two storage pests, Tribolium castaneum and Lasioderma serricorne adults were evaluated. More than 95% volatile secondary metabolites obtained at different hydrodistillation time were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and analyzed with principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Further insecticidal assay exhibited interesting results that T. minuta oil showed the strongest fumigant toxicity against both T. castaneum (LC50 = 6.68 mg/L air) and L. serricorne (LC50 = 3.13 mg/L air) among the three essential oils. As one of the main volatile secondary metabolites, methylthymol was found to possess more powerful fumigant (LC50 = 2.42 mg/L air) and contact toxicity (LD50 = 5.43 µg/adult) against T. castaneum. While, precocene I exhibited the strongest insecticidal toxicity on L. serricorne with the LC50 value of 0.88 mg/L air and LD50 of 3.46 µg/adult, respectively. During the repellent assay, T. minuta oil showed the same repellent rate against both T. castaneum and L. serricorne at the highest concentration of 78.63 nL/cm2. The results proved that the essential oils as well as the main volatile secondary metabolites have potential to be developed into novel natural botanical resources on antagonistic storage with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Impact of soybean injury by Euschistus heros (Fabricius, 1794) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on feeding preference and survival of Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), and on soybean quality maintenance under storage

Soybean cultivars tolerant to Euschistus heros injury - known as ‘Block® Technology’ cultivars - were recently released by Embrapa Soja to be cropped in Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to determine feeding preferences and survival rates of Lasioderma serricorne in stored soybean of different cultivars (‘Block® Technology’ and susceptible cultivars), as well as to analyze the grain quality of soybean cultivars after being exposed to two different E. heros outbreak levels (4-5 adults/m and ≤2 adults/m). Two ‘Block® Technology’ soybean cultivars (BRS 543 RR and BRS 1003 IPRO) and four susceptible soybean cultivars (BRS 1010 IPRO, BRS 1061 IPRO, NA 5909 RG and NS 5959 IPRO) were studied. The higher level of E. heros abundance (4-5 adults/m) reduced the nutritional quality of soybean for L. serricorne. It preferred and more severely attacked stored soybean which had been exposed to a lower E. heros level of abundance (≤2 adults/m) in the field. Also, the higher abundance of E. heros in the field triggered higher percentages of fermented grains, which increased with storage time. In conclusion, the studied soybean cultivars tolerant to E. heros in the field were not tolerant to L. serricorne injury under storage conditions. Moreover, despite higher tolerance of ‘Block® Technology’ cultivars to E. heros, our data show that long-lasting outbreaks of 4–5 adult stink bugs/m (R4 and R5 stages) should be avoided in the field since they triggered a higher percentage of fermented grains during storage, mainly in the first 3 months of storage.

Immune function analysis of LsSd, a transcription factor of the Hippo signaling pathway, in the cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne.

The Scalloped (Sd) is a transcription factor that regulates organ size control in the Hippo-signaling pathway. Recent studies have showed that Hippo signaling also functions in the innate immune response. Although the Sd gene has been reported in many insects, their immune functions remain unexplored. In this study, the LsSd gene of Lasioderma serricorne, with a complete open reading frame that encodes a protein composed of 402 amino acids was identified. LsSd was predominantly expressed in early pupae. Tissue-specific analyses revealed that the highest concentrations of LsSd were detected in the midgut and brain. At 1–24 h after Escherichia coli infection, LsSd expression increased substantially. However, LsSd expression was downregulated 3–12 h after Staphylococcus aureus infection. RNA interference-mediated silencing of the LsSd transcript resulted in deformed, considerably smaller, and degenerated wings. Meanwhile, LsCycE, LsDiap1, and LsVg, which are involved in cell proliferation and wing development, were drastically reduced when LsSd was depleted. In a survival assay, the LsSd knockdown considerably decreased the susceptibility to S. aureus, a gram-positive bacterium. In addition, knockdown of LsSd remarkably downregulated the transcription of LsCact in response to S. aureus stimulation, while upregulating the expression of five immune-related genes. Our results provide conclusive proof for the important roles of LsSd in the immune response of L. serricorne.

Molecular characterization of an arginine kinase from Lasioderma serricorne and the effect of gene silencing on larval survival

Arginine kinase (AK) is a phosphagen kinase that is critical for energy metabolism in insects, such as the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne, which is an important pest species of stored products. Nevertheless, the AK gene has not been identified in L. serricorne. Accordingly, this study describes the identification and characterization of the AK gene in L. serricorne (designated LsAK). The cDNA sequence of LsAK contains an open reading frame of 1068-bp and encodes the LsAK protein consisting of 355 amino-acid residues. LsAK possesses features typical of other insect AKs and shares a high amino-acid identity and a close phylogenetic relationship with orthologs from other coleopteran species. The transcripts of LsAK mRNA can be detected at all developmental stages, and the highest levels of LsAK transcription are observed at the fourth-instar larval stages. Recombinant LsAK protein expressed in Escherichia coli displayed activity to convert L-arginine to phosphoarginine. Oral delivery of double-stranded RNA significantly reduces the LsAK mRNA level and AK activity, resulting in a noticeably decreased survival rate in L. serricorne larvae. The findings of this study indicate that the LsAK gene is essential for larval survival of L. serricorne and could be a viable target for RNA-interference-based pest management.

Attractive host kairomones for the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)

Analyses of pooled headspace volatiles from three commercial chili pepper, Capsicum spp., products by coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and coupled GC-mass spectrometry (MS) revealed 10 compounds (β-pinene, γ-terpinene, linalool, 2-phenylethanol, cumin aldehyde, 1,3-menthadienal, eugenol, trans-β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, and an unknown compound which co-eluted with 2-phenylethanol) that elicited responses from the antennae of cigarette beetles, Lasioderma serricorne. The unknown compound was separated by silica fractionation and identified by MS and NMR spectroscopy as 2-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-cyclohexanone. In Y-tube olfactometer bioassays, beetles were attracted to the 10-component synthetic blend and to many six- and four-component blends, demonstrating widespread redundancy in bioactivity among the components. Eugenol was discounted as an attractant, whereas β-caryophyllene and linalool had previously been identified as kairomones for L. serricorne. The remaining seven compounds are novel host kairomones for L. serricorne, bringing the total of known host kairomones for this species to 18. The redundancy among host kairomones may enable L. serricorne to find and infest many highly variable stored products, any one of which may emit only a few of the known kairomones.

Four peptidoglycan recognition proteins are indispensable for antibacterial immunity in the cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius)

The peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP), an important pattern recognition receptor of insects, is significant for reducing innate immunity and effective pest control. We cloned four PGRP genes (LsPGRP-LB, LsPGRP-LB1, LsPGRP-LE, and LsPGRP-SC2) from the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius), which encoded proteins of 216, 197, 317, and 190 amino acids, respectively. Three LsPGRPs were predominantly expressed in the larval and pupal stages, whereas LsPGRP-LE displayed high expression in adults. All the four LsPGRPs genes were highly expressed in the midgut and integument. Pathogen inoculation revealed that the four LsPGRPs actively responded to Escherichia coli and its peptidoglycan. The transcription levels of LsPGRP-LE and LsPGRP-SC2 increased significantly after Staphylococcus aureus stimulation. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of the four LsPGRPs led to increased larval mortality when challenged by E. coli, and the expression of four antimicrobial peptide genes (LsCole, LsAtt2, LsDef1 and LsDef2) had a significant decrease. Higher mortality and lower AMP expression were also observed in L. serricorne under S. aureus infection after silencing LsPGRP-LE and LsPGRP-SC2. Our results suggest that the four LsPGRP genes play important and distinct regulatory roles in the antibacterial defense response of L. serricorne.

Development of Cigarette beetle [Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera :Anobiidae)] on spice plants and wheat flour

In this study, the development of Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) was investigated on five different foods (Mentha piperita, Thymus vulgaris, Salvia officinalis, Rosmarinus, officinalis and flour). Trials were carried out at a temperature of 28±2°C and 70-75% relative humidity. Effects of foods on development adult longevity and egg hatching ratio of Lasioderma serricorne were investigated. As a result, all of the Lasioderma serricorne larvae left on the Rosmarinus officinalis plant have not completed their development and died. The shortest larval development time was in flour (37.35 days) and the longest in Mentha piperita (62.96 days). The shortest Pupal development time was seen in Salvia officinalis (4 days), while the longest was seen in Thymus vulgaris (4,42 days). Mentha piperita (10,50 days) had the shortest adult longevity and was the longest flour (15,5 days). When the egg development time was examined, it was seen that the shortest time was in Thymus vulgarris (5,42 days) and the longest time was in flour (5,97 days). The rate of larvae that completed its development was highest in flour (92%) and lowest in Salvia officinalis (5%). The rate of pupae that completed its development was highest in flour (80,30%) and lowest in Salvia officinalis (37.50%). In the percentages of hatched eggs, it was observed that the lowest opening was in thyme with 56.27% and the highest opening was in flour with 88.89 %.

RNAi Suppression of Hormone Receptor HR3 Blocks Larval Molting and Metamorphosis in the Cigarette Beetle, Lasioderma serricorne

Hormone receptor 3 (HR3), an early-late gene of the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling pathway, plays a critical role in insect metamorphosis and development. In this study, we identified and characterized an HR3 gene (LsHR3) from the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne. The open reading frame of LsHR3 is 1581 bp encoding a 527 amino acid protein that contains a conserved DNA binding domain and a ligand binding domain. LsHR3 was mainly expressed in the fourth-instar larvae, prepupae, and pupae and showed high expression in the fat body. The expression of LsHR3 was induced by 20E, while it was significantly suppressed by silencing of six 20E synthesis and signaling pathway genes. RNA interference (RNAi)-aided knockdown of LsHR3 in the fourth-instar larvae disrupted the larval–pupal molting and caused 100% mortality. The 20E titer of LsHR3-depletion larvae was decreased, and expressions of five 20E synthesis genes were dramatically decreased. Silencing LsHR3 reduced chitin content and downregulated the expression of genes involved in chitin synthesis and degradation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of abdominal cuticle showed that no apolysis occurred after silencing LsHR3. These results suggest that LsHR3-mediated 20E signaling is involved in the regulation of chitin metabolism during the molting process of L. serricorne, and targeting this gene by RNAi has potential in controlling this pest.

Acute toxicity of Zanthoxylum bungeanum against two stored product insects and synergistic interactions between two major compounds limonene and linalool

In order to find and develop new botanical pesticides against storage pests, components of the essential oil (EO) from Zanthoxylum bungeanum were identified by GC-MS and their insecticidal activity against the stored product pests were studied. The EO was obtained by steam distillation. Results showed that EO was rich in limonene (23.67), linalool (21.76) and linalyl anthranilate (10.87). In contact assays, linalool exhibited strongest toxicity to red flour beetle adult (LD50 = 17.06 μg/adult) and larvae (LD50 = 16.42 μg/larvae), and linalool was the most active one against the Lasioderma serricorne (LD50 = 15.36 μg/larvae). Then limonene and linalool showed different levels of fumigant activities against the two insect species. Synergism effect existed in the proportion of contact assays against Tribolium castaneum adults, and additive was observed in the proportion of 7:1 against T. castaneum larvae. This work provides important information for the development and utilization of Z. bungeanum and suggests that the EO of Z. bungeanum has the potential to serve as bio-insecticides for controlling pest damage in stored products.

Effects of trapped-into-solids volatile organic compounds on paper biodeteriogens

Paper items from historical archives and libraries are frequently colonized by biodeteriogens, the management of which is a major concern. Essential oil Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of thymol, carvacrol and eugenol, with high levels of antimicrobial and insect repellent activity, were stabilized within crystalline networks of β-cyclodextrins and phenazine-based cocrystals, as a new tool for the control of paper-degrading agents. These formulations were obtained via solvent-free methodologies and resulted as easy handling powders, suitable for the treatment of paper items by indirect contact. Their antimicrobial activity was evaluated on the following species isolated from a book depository at Forte Belvedere (Florence, IT): Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., Trichoderma orientale, Metschnikowia sp., and Bacillus sp. Both formulates displayed a significant antimicrobial activity in vitro, with cocrystals showing higher efficacy than β-cyclodextrins. The formulates were also tested against the pest Lasioderma serricorne, towards which the cocrystals entrapping carvacrol and thymol exhibited repellent activity. Overall, the phenazine-carvacrol cocrystal was the best-performing formulate, also giving favourable outcomes in terms of antifungal activity in an on-paper in vitro experiment designed to reproduce on a small-scale the critical conditions of an infested archive. These promising results pave the way towards further experimentations of VOC-based solid formulates, to shed light on such products applicability for the preservation of paper items.

Turmeric—a super food—prevention of post-harvest losses using radio frequency disinfestation

Turmeric products are largely infested with Lasioderma serricorne. It was treated with a radiofrequency (RF) disinfestation technique to observe the curative effect of the technology. The technique was evaluated under different electrode height and conveyor speed combinations. The effect of RF disinfestation on the mortality of L. serricorne egg showed that the electrode height of 180 mm gave the least LD50 and LD99.99 of 1.96 and 5.34 min, respectively. RF disinfestation at the electrode height of 225 mm with the conveyor speed of 25 m/h gave cent percent mortality with higher LD99.99. However, there was no significant reduction in curcumin content in untreated (3.10%) and treated (3.08%) turmeric powder. Active components such as ar-tumerone, tumerone and curlone were present in both control and RF disinfested turmeric powders. RF disinfestation of turmeric powder can be recommended for effective control of L. serricorne while preserving the nutrients and surpassing the use of chemical insecticides.

Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Cigarette Beetle Control in the Tobacco Industry – A Mini Review

Summary The cigarette beetle (CB), Lasioderma serricorne (Cole-optera: Ptinidae), is a major insect pest to the tobacco industry worldwide. This insect is also a major pest of raw grains such as rough rice, and postharvest foods like certain high-value grain products like pet food, animal feed, breakfast cereals and various dried herbs and spices. Pest control methods and systematic integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are required for the CB in the tobacco industry to prevent economic damage to cured tobacco leaves in storages as well as finished products in retail and distribution chains. This paper presents an overview of the problem of CB infestation in the tobacco industry and describes and discusses strategies and IPM practices for managing the pest.

Effective use of a growth-inhibiting sheet containing pyriproxyfen for cigarette beetle <i>Lasioderma serricorne</i> larvae: an implication from sheet shape and flour-food accumulation

Effective use of a growth-inhibiting sheet containing pyriproxyfen for cigarette beetle <i>Lasioderma serricorne</i> larvae: an implication from sheet shape and flour-food accumulation

Research of Synergistic Substances on Tobacco Beetle [Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)] Adults Attractants.

In this study, four kinds of chemical substances (2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, β-ionone, citronellal, and paeonol), three kinds of plant essential oils (tea tree essential oil, lavender essential oil, and myrrh essential oil), and their combinations were selected to explore their synergistic effects on tobacco beetle [Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)] adults by the behavioral test and laboratory simulation test. Behavioral test results showed that some of the combinations revealed a synergistic effect on tobacco beetle adults, especially the sexual attractant +2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine + β-ionone + citronellal + paeonol (SABCD, one portion of sexual attractant, and 1 mg/L synergistic substances) combination and the food attractant +2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine + paeonol (FAD, 1 ml of food attractant and 1 mg/L synergistic substances) combination showed the best behavioral effect on tobacco beetle adults with average dwell times of 120.97 and 126.74 s, respectively, compared to those of other combinations. Meanwhile, SABCD had the highest selection rate [89.47%, about 1.5 times that of the sexual attractant (S)] on tobacco beetle adults compared with those of other combinations. In addition, laboratory simulation test results showed that the SABCD combination had the highest average selection rate (37.31%, about 2 times that of S) on tobacco beetle adults at 1 mg/L. However, our results showed that there was no significant difference in the indoor simulation results of food attractant synergistic substances. Our results will provide guidance for the development of new pesticides for tobacco beetle adults.

Identification and Expression Profiles of Putative Soluble Chemoreception Proteins from Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) Antennal Transcriptome.

The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), is a destructive stored product pest worldwide. Adult cigarette beetles are known to rely on host volatiles and pheromones to locate suitable habitats for oviposition and mating, respectively. However, little is known about the chemosensory mechanisms of these pests. Soluble chemoreception proteins are believed to initiate olfactory signal transduction in insects, which play important roles in host searching and mating behaviors. In this study, we sequenced the antennal transcriptome of L. serricorne and identified 14 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 5 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), and 2 Niemann-Pick C2 proteins (NPC2). Quantitative realtime PCR (qPCR) results revealed that several genes (LserOBP2, 3, 6, and 14) were predominantly expressed in females, which might be involved in specific functions in this gender. The five LserOBPs (LserOBP1, 4, 8, 10, and 12) that were highly expressed in the male antennae might encode proteins involved in specific functions in males. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the olfactory system in this stored product pest and will assist in the development of efficient and environmentally friendly strategies for controlling L. serricorne.

Survey on the Incidence of Cigarette Beetle <i>Lasioderma Serricorne</i> F. In Stored Turmeric

A survey was conducted to evaluate the incidence of cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne F. in three districts of Telangana state viz., Nizamabad, Ranga Reddy and Warangal. The survey was conducted twice- July and October 2014. These surveys revealed the prevalence of five species in stored turmeric viz., cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne F., drug store beetle Stegobium paniceum L., red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst, lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica F. and saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. Among these, L. serricorne was found to be the most dominant in all the three districts, with maximum infestation being observed in Ranga Reddy district.