Population density of khapra beetle on 14 –kinds of stored spices under natural storage conditions

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the population density of khapra beetle Trogoderma granarium Everts when reread on fourteen kinds of the common used spices (Cardamon, Red pepper, black pepper, Coriander, Cumin, Cubeb, Ginger, Roselle, Cinnamon, Anise, Thyme, Mint, Clove, and Bay Leaf) under natural storage conditions for 2 and 4 month storage in addition to evaluate the loss caused due to the infestation. Results revealed that the population density of the insect varied significantly according to the spices used. The highest mean population density was 390.83 in anise while black pepper showed the lowest population density (19.33). On the other hands, results illustrated that the highest mean weight loss was 9.77% on anise followed by 8.16 on clove while the lowest was 0.68% found in black pepper followed by 1.25% on red pepper.