Susceptibility of maize grains to storage insects

Grains of seven elite maize genotypes were evaluated for their comparative resistance to lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominico (F). and Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) on free choice basis under laboratory conditions (28 +/- 2 degrees C and 60 +/- 5% RH). Progeny of emerging adults and weight loss of grains were taken as parameters to check resistance. The results indicated that adult progeny of both species and weight loss of grains were significantly low in White Monsanto ex-Cargil and Yellow Pioneer. However, significantly high number of adults were developed in yellow 2303, Waxy and Yellow 6525 Cargil with higher weight loss of grains. The correlation between adult progeny and grain weight loss in maize genotypes was significantly positive. Whereas the correlation between progeny of insect species was non-significant showing their independent development. The results suggested that resistant varieties could be incorporated in maize breeding programme to decrease the postharvest losses of grains.