Seed water status and insect infestation during storage in rice

Seed water status and insect infestation during storage in rice

Authors

  • Harshaprada K Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur 680656
  • Rose Mary Francies Agricultural Research Station, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy P O, Thrissur 680651
  • Dijee Bastian Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur 680656
  • Berin Pathrose Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur 680656
  • Amala Thomas Agricultural Research Station Kerala Agricultural University Mannuthy P O, Thrissur 680651

Keywords:

Seed moisture content, Storage period, Beetles, Insect infestation

Abstract

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.

Author Biographies

Harshaprada K, Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur 680656

Seed Science and Technology

Rose Mary Francies, Agricultural Research Station, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy P O, Thrissur 680651

Seed Science and Technology

Dijee Bastian, Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur 680656

Seed Science and Technology

Berin Pathrose, Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur 680656

Department of Agricultural Entomology, COH, VKA

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

Downloads

Published

01-12-2023

How to Cite

K, H., Francies, R. M., Bastian, D., Pathrose, B., & Thomas, A. (2023). Seed water status and insect infestation during storage in rice. Journal of Tropical Agriculture, 61(1), 8–13. Retrieved from https://jtropag.kau.in/index.php/ojs2/article/view/1049

Issue

Section

Articles

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 > >> 
Loading...