The Effect of different Host Grains on the Biological Aspects of the Lesser Grain Borer Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.) (Bostrichidae: Coleoptera)

Abstract

Laboratory experiments were conducted in Economic Entomology Department, Faculty of agriculture, Mansoura University and used non-choice test to evaluate some biological aspects of Rhyzopertha dominica on different host-grains and by One-way ANOVA statistical test to understand if the differences were significant or non-significant based on the host grains then a chemical analysis was done to investigate the most effective chemical ingredient on the susceptibility of R. dominica. The results showed that R. dominca reared on wheat grains have the shortest development period (25.40 ± 0.75, days) and the highest progeny for the first and second generations (46.80 ± 0.73 and 76.20 ± 4.27, individuals.) Comparing with the other host grains. and wheat was the most susceptible host grain with susceptibility index (15.19 ± 0.39). percentage of protein, fibers, fats, ash, magnesium, zinc, and iron affect the biological aspects of R. dominica. The results indicated that there is a relationship between biological characteristics, the insect's ability to cause damage, and the type of host grains, as well as their chemical composition.