DETERMINATION OF SUSCEPTIBILITY LEVEL OF SOME LOCALLY USED WHEAT VARIETIES TOWARDS Sitotroga cerealella ( Oliver.) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Abstract

The susceptibility level of six wheat varieties (Seher-2006, Faisalabad-2008, Lassani 2008, AARI-2011, Punjab-2011 and Millat-2011) was determined against the life cycle parameters of Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella) under laboratory conditions. Experiment was laid down in completely randomized design with three replications. The data were recorded on the basis of egg laying capacity, hatching percentage, larval survival, pupal survival, egg hatching period, larval period, pupal period and biochemical analysis of grains (Protein and Ash contents).The results revealed that none of the varieties was completely resistant against the attack of Sitotroga cerealella. Significant variations were observed in all six wheat varieties with regard to hatching percentage, larval survival, pupal survival, egg hatching period, larval period, pupal period and biochemical analysis of grains (Proteinand Ash contents). The infestation of Sitotroga cerealella was increased with high protein contents while high ash contents decreased the infestation of Sitotroga cerealella in wheat varieties. In all above mentioned parameter it was clear that Lassani-2008 variety found as a resistant against the biology of Sitotroga cerealella while Millat-2011 was most susceptible wheat variety because the infestation level of Sitotroga cerealella was high in this variety. However, wheat varieties Seher-2006 and AARI-2011 were moderately susceptible while Faisalabad-2008 and Punjab-2011 varieties were moderately resistant wheat varieties.