22 Ara 2024 Pazar
Evaluation of proximate composition of maize grains infested by maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Abstract :The study examines change in the proximate composition of maize grains infested by varied population of maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais). 50 gm maize grains (SUWAN-1) was weighed into 250 cm3 Kilner glass jars and separately infested with 5 pairs, 10 pairs and 15 pairs of S. zeamais for ninety days. A 250 cm3 Kilner jar filled with 50 gm uninfested maize grains served as control. All treatments and control were replicated four times and arranged on the work-table in the laboratory using completely randomized design. At 90 day post-infestation of the maize grains, data were collected on damage indices such as % grain weight loss, % grain damage, weight of grain dust and final population of S. zeamais. The proximate composition of the damaged and undamaged maize grains was determined by analyzing the maize grains for total protein, fat, starch, sugar, moisture and ash contents using the standard analytical method (AOAC, 1970). The data on proximate analysis was correlated with final population of S. zeamais, weight of grain dust, % grain weight loss and % grain damage. The results indicated that S. zeamais infestation of maize grains had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on protein, starch and moisture content of the infested maize grains. The damage to maize grains and depletion of its proximate composition directly correlated with the population of S. zeamais. Adequate preservation of stored maize grains from infestation by S. zeamais is therefore essential to reduce loss during storage and depletion of nutritional composition of stored maize grains
S. zeamais, proximate composition, infestation, damage indices