Seed water status and insect infestation during storage in rice
Keywords:
Seed moisture content, Storage period, Beetles, Insect infestationAbstract
In coastal states like Kerala, owing to the hot and humid climate, maintenance of quality of the seed during storage has always been a challenge, mainy because the conditions are highly conducive for the growth and proliferation of storage pests. A study was conducted during 2019-2020 to dissect the relationship between moisture content and pest infestation in seeds of rice variety Jyothi stored under ambient condition. The per cent gain in seed moisture content at the end of storage period of seven months was 25.67. Similarly, an increase in the number of beetles (11.10 folds) and infested seeds (2.29 folds) were also observed as storage period progressed. The weight of damaged seeds increased by 2.90 folds at the end of storage period of seven months. A high significant positive correlation was deduced between seed moisture content and parameters like number of store beetles (r=0.969**), number of infested seeds (r=0.967**) and weight of damaged seeds (r=0.976**). The results thus pointed out that, as the moisture content in the seed increased, there was a consistent increase in the population of storage pests and the damage inflicted by them, as well. The high relative humidity (varying between 73% and 96%) coupled with a monthly mean maximum temperature ranging from 29.5 °C to 34.1 °C in the storage environment, would have been contributory factors for the increase in seed moisture content and insect population. In addition, jute bags owing to their moisture pervious nature permits moisture imbibition by seeds, paving way for a concomitant increase in insect infestation.References
Dr. Jerlin, R.,Professor
Department of Seed Science & Technology
Agricultural College and Research Institute TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
+91 9994282810
rjerlin@hotmail.com
Dr. S. Natarajan
Principal Scientist
IARI-Regional Station, Aduthrai
+91 9415412587
natarajan@iari.res.in
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