A study of the effects of storage environments and rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.) on seed deterioration in maize (Zea mays)
1993
Khan, I. (Agriculture Research Inst., Tarnab (Pakistan)) | Hill, M.J. (Massey Univ. (New Zealand). Seed Technology Centre) | Fenemore, P.G. (Massey Univ. (New Zealand). Dept. of Horticulture and Plant Health)
Seed of maize variety XL-45 was adjusted at three different initial moisture contents (12.4, 15.1 and 18.5%) and stored under four different environments (20 degree Centigrade 40 RH, 20 degree Centigrade 65% RH, 30 degree Centigrade 40% RH and 30 degree Centigrade 65% RH) for 20 weeks. The seed samples were inoculated with adult rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae). Sampling was carried out after 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks storage. Measurements of seed moisture content, germination and change in insect population number survival were made at each sampling time. Major deterioration in seed quality occurred only in those storage environments suitable for rice weevil development, i.e., 20 degree Centigrade 65% RH, 30 degree Centigrade 65% RH. In particular, loss of germination were apparent in these treatments. Under favourable conditions (20 degree Centigrade 65% RH and 30 degree Centigrade 65% RH) rice weevil number increased dramatically. This increase was greatest at 30 degree Centigrade and also resulted in an increase in seed moisture content. The other storage conditions (20 degree Centigrade 40% RH and 30 degree Centigrade 40% RH) were unfavourable for insect survival. This was a direct effect of the low level of relative humidity which resulted in the death of adult rice weevils and prevented the development of larval populations. The level of damage to seed viability by Sitopilus oryzae was clearly a function of the size of the insect population and the time over which it persisted.
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