Uticaj vrste žita i načina skladištenja na razviće potomstva žitnog moljca (Sitotroga cerealella Olivier) / The influence of wheat type and the ways of wheat storage on offspring development of angoumois grain moth, (Sitotroga cerealella Olivier)

In the trials carried out during 2014/2015, the influence of grain types and spelt wheat storage methods on the development and forming of the offspring of Angoumois grain moth, (Sitotroga cerealella Olivier, Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was examined in laboratory conditions. The offspring of three different initial population densities of the grain moth, formed on corn, common and spelt wheat kernels, as well as spelt wheat spike was followed for 6 months. The reproduction of the Angoumois grain moth varied significantly depending on grain type, the highest reproduction rate being observed on corn. The initial population density of the grain moth had no effect on its offspring numbers. Maximum population number for all types of grain was registered in the second generation (after 4 months), with the number of insects decreasing sharply after six months. The reason for this was the reduced number of undamaged grains (grain moth develops in whole grains) and humidity lower than 12% for all types of grain, except corn. The most numerous offspring and the highest percentage of damaged grains was achieved on the corn kernel, followed by wheat (Pobeda variety), spelt wheat spike and spelt wheat kernels. After two months of storage (initial population density of 10 pairs), average offspring was the highest on wheat kernel (43.60), followed by corn (25.10), spelt wheat kernel (9.00), and spelt wheat spike (7.35). After four months, the population on corn amounted to 72.10, wheat 37.05, spelt wheat 14.10, and the spelt wheat spike 20.35. After six months of storage, the highest offspring number was recorded in corn (39.45), compared with wheat (3.55), spelt wheat kernel (0.30), and spelt wheat spike (3.45). Our results show that the Angoumois grain moth develops on spelt wheat, but that its offspring numbers are much lower in comparison to corn and common soft wheat grown in our country. In addition, it was observed that the way of spelt wheat (spike and kernels) storage does not influence the number of Angoumois grain moth offspring.