The Effect of Five Types of Storage Bags on the Infestation of Wheat and Barley Grains with khapra Beetle Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera : Dermestidae)

Abstract

Abstract Six types of packing bags with two thicknesses (15 and 25) micron were prepared, and then 10 grams of sterilized, sound wheat seed, free of any previous insect infestation, was added to each bag of (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, cellophane and Canvas.) with two thickness (15 and 25) microns. Then the bags were completely sealed. The experiment was carried out using three replicates for each treatment, and all the bags were placed inside a three-dimensional glass box (50 x 59 x 80 cm). The top of the box was covered with a piece of tulle cloth, and then 50 pairs of Khapra beetle, Trogodrma granarium adults were released inside the aforementioned box space. The experiment was carried out by placing the box inside the laboratory at a temperature (28-35) and 45-55 % relative humidity in order to be able to penetrate the larvae and adults of Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium. After more than 30 days after the appearance of the first generation individuals, penetration was evaluated by studying the number of larvae and adults penetrating the bags and the percentage of loss in seed weight inside the bags. The results of the study showed that Canvas, cloth, and cellophane bags were the worst types of bags due to their ease of penetration by insects, while it became clear that the most resistant types to insect penetration were both P.V.C, Polyvinyl chloride and P.P, Polypropylene storage bags.