Role of the Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle, Oryzaephilus Surinamensis (l.) in Date Palm Fruits Decay at Different Temperatures with Special References to its Thermal Requirements Estimation.

Document Type : Original Article

Abstract

Results showed that lab. Condition and 25ºC were the of degrees of temperatures where decay and prevailing of the saw-toothed grain beetle occurred. The rearing of this insect on 40ºC caused mortality of all adults and no adult emergence occurred, hence this degree of temperature prevented decay of dates. Also, the effect of four constant temperatures (20, 25, 30 and 35 ºC) on developmental rates of different stages ofOryzaephilus surinamensis (L.)was studied. The time required for development of different stages increased as the temperature decreased. The average thermal requirements needed for completing the development was 99.7, 559.8, 207.8 and 843.4 degree days for eggs, larvae, pupae and development period respectively.

Main Subjects