Evaluation of Tribolium castaneum Infestation against Different Packaging Materials
Evaluation of Tribolium castaneum Infestation against Different Packaging Materials
Mahreen Hanif*, Shafqat Saeed, Mudssar Ali, Muqadas Younas, Huda Bilal, Syeda Fatima Bukhari
ABSTRACT
Post-harvest storage of chickpea in storage bags is commonly implemented practice, offers a chemical free tactics to control the stored grain pests. Barrier property of different types of packaging viz., polypropylene (green), polypropylene (white), polyethylene (gauge1), polyethylene (gauge 2), cotton, polymer, and china lamination were investigated in storage bag of chickpea against Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) during the controlled condition. Adults of T. castaneum was released on all packaging to evaluate its damage in packaging and data recorded after 15 days interval. A series of laboratory tests were observed over three months to determine the penetration of T. castaneum in different packages. Results showed that the highest population of T. castaneum (larvae and adult) as well as greater weight loss (%) in chickpea was recorded in polypropylene (green) packet in contrast to polyethylene (gauge 2) and china lamination. Significant differences were observed in the overall adult population of T. castaneum (p<0.05) and chickpea percentage weight loss (p<0.05) than its larval population (p>0.05) during the storage period. However, more adult population and weight loss (%) occurred after more time period (after 90 days) as compared to the low time period (after 30 days). These results are important and used for the integrated management of foodstuffs i.e., chickpea to overcome the infestation of T. castaneum during its storage.
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