Influence of seed treatments and storage containers on Angoumois grain moth (<em>Sitotroga cerealella</em>)<em> </em>infestation in rice seed storability

Abstract

Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) is a major pest that causes severe damage to rice seeds during storage. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed treatments viz., Acorus calamus rhizome powder @ 3 g/kg, Diatomaceous earth @ 5 g/kg and Thiamethoxam 30 FS @ 5 ml/kg and storage containers viz., gunny bag and non-woven bags against Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) infestation during storage. Among different seed treatment methods, Thiamethoxam 30 FS @ 5 ml/kg exhibited significantly very less insect damage (1.5%) followed by Diatomaceous Earth @ 5 g/kg (4.4%). Among the containers, insect damage was lower in non-woven bag (2.0%) compared to gunny bag (5.7%). The Thiamethoxam treated seeds stored in non-woven bags maintained 90% germination, even after nine months of storage when compared to control (71%).