ORIGINAL ARTICLE
 
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Different natural resistance to feeding by R. dominica and S. oryzae characterizes grain of different cereal species and cultivars
  • S. oryzae develops better on wheat grain, and R. dominica on barley grain
  • The antioxidants contained in the grain constitute a natural barrier against pests
  • Cereal cultivars high in protein and fat are attractive to R. dominica and S. oryzae
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
The lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.) and the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.) are stored grain pests that cause significant economic losses in grain storage. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the chemical composition of wheat and barley grain (e.g., protein, fatty acids and total antioxidant capacity) on the development of two species of storage pests and to determine the relationship between the analyzed variables. The study involved the evaluation of 10 wheat cultivars and 10 barley cultivars under laboratory conditions. The observations included assessing the beetles’ progeny abundance, dust mass produced after feeding, and grain mass loss. The chemical composition of the tested wheat and barley cultivars was also determined, and the influence of different chemical compositions on insect development was investigated. The results of the experiment revealed diversity of resistance among cultivars to pest feeding. Larger populations of the lesser grain borer were observed on barley grains, while rice weevil populations were higher on wheat. Cultivars with higher protein and fat content were more susceptible to pest attacks. A connection between the amount of dust, grain mass loss, and the type of pest was also identified, indicating differences in feeding mechanisms and selective food preferences of these insects. The grain chemistry of wheat cultivars, including the content of fatty acids and antioxidants, significantly influenced the progeny abundance of S. oryzae, suggesting the potential of these components as natural barriers against storage pests. This study provides valuable insights for developing breeding strategies to enhance the natural resistance of new grain cultivars to these pests, contributing to the reduction of pesticide use. Statistical analyses confirmed the significance of differences in grain composition in varied resistance to the studied pests. The conclusions drawn from this work may help establish new storage and breeding practices, promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting natural resources.
FUNDING
The results presented in this paper were obtained from a comprehensive study financed by the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Molecular Diagnostics. This work was supported by the University of Warmia and Mazury research project in Olsztyn (no. 30.610.010-110 and 30.610.011-110). The study was supported by the Polish National Science Centre under project no. UMO- 2021/41/N/NZ9/00364.
RESPONSIBLE EDITOR
Magdalena Karbowska-Dzięgielewska
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors have declared that no conflict of interests exist.
eISSN:1899-007X
ISSN:1427-4345
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