Maize Weevil

 

Maize Weevil Scientific Name Sitophilus zeamais Size 1/8- to 3/16-inch long .The maize weevil is analogous to the black weevil, but larger Accessed 26 September 2007. Very similar in appearance to the black weevil with characteristics described above, except that the insects are longer, adults reaching a length of 3-3.5mm Colour The reddish markings on the wing covers are more clearly defined. 


Description The maize weevil may be a small weevil which varies in size, averaging about three thirty-second inch long. It varies from dull red-brown to just about black and is typically marked on the rear with four light reddish or yellowish spots. The maize weevil has fully developed wings beneath its wing covers and may fly readily.


 The thorax is densely pitted with somewhat irregularly shaped punctures, apart from a smooth narrow strip extending down the center of the dorsal (top) side. An egg hatches during a few days into a soft, white, legless, fleshly grub which feeds on the inside of the grain kernel. The grub changes to a unadorned white pupa and later emerges as an adult beetle. 


the speed of development is slightly slower for the maize weevil than for the black weevil. A minimum of thirty days is required for passing through the egg, larval and pupal stages. The maize weevil is slightly larger than the black weevil and has more distinct colored spots on the forewings. it's a stronger flier than the black weevil. 


The habits and life cycle are almost like the black weevil. Habitat Maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, may be a cosmopolitan pest of stored products (Longstaff 1981), and before the introduction of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus, 


it had been reported because the most vital pest on stored maize in Africa. Sitophilus zeamais is that the dominant species on maize Lifecycle Minimum Life Cycle: 28 days Eggs - Laid in stored cereal grains and in cereals within the field by flying adults (more prolific than granary weevil).


 Larvae - feed grain. Adults - Also feed; normally cannot over winter in temperate areas unless grain heats. Good flyer; larger than black weevil. Disease Transmitted Weevils were shown to hold significant A. flavus contamination, also as F. moniliforme and P. islandicum et al.. Dry maize isn't for human consumption except for animal feed and export. due to problems with aflatoxin contamination and bug infestation


, recent crops have met with reduced prices Maize weevils carried an excellent collection of other fungi including A. niger, A. glaucus, A. candidus, Penicillium islandicum, P. citrinum, Paecilomyces, Acremonium, Epicoccum, F. semitectum, yeasts and lots of others. 


Type of damage These weevils are very destructive grain pests. Of the three, the black weevil is perhaps the foremost insidious, owing largely to the power of flight. All three weevils develop as larvae within the grain kernels. they often cause almost complete destruction of grain in elevators or bins, where conditions are favourable and therefore the grain is undisturbed for a few length of your time. 


Infested grain will usually be found heating at the surface, and it's going to be damp, sometimes to such an extent that sprouting occurs. Wheat, corn, macaroni, oats, barley, sorghum, Kaffir seed, and buckwheat are just a few of the grains and products on which these weevils feed. The weevil (presumably) chews alittle hole within the seed and lays an egg within the resulting cavity. The larva bores throughout the seed and pupates there, the adult emerging after it's matured. 


Corn may be a favorite host of the maize weevil, and may become infested within the field also as in storage. The weevil (presumably) chews alittle hole within the seed and lays an egg within the resulting cavity. The larva bores throughout the seed and pupates there, the adult emerging after it's matured. Like many other stored grain pests, Sitophilus species tolerate or prefer low moisture levels in their food.


 Sources / Breeding This weevil may be a cosmopolitan pest of grain, preferring whole grain to flour or meal. The larva is dormant for four to 5 months during the winter in colder climates. There are generally four to 5 generations per annum, although in heated warehouses there could also be as many as 10 to 12 generations.


 Food Weevils are often found infesting a spread of grain and food materials. They attack all cereal grains, however are most often found in corn, oats, barley, rye, and wheat. They cannot breed in finely processed grain but will readily breed in manufactured products like macaroni, noodles and milled cereals that became caked from excessive moisture.


 Rice and Maize Weevils are cosmopolitan in tropical and sub-tropical areas and can be carried to temperate areas on imported commodities. The Maize Weevil will breed on maize within the field. Control The only thanks to control these pests is fumigation. Since it's an indoor pest, residual control will only kill Exposed adults.


 To kill the interior stages (larval and pupal), you want to fumigate. Heating grain to 60C can kill larvae; however, this might decrease germination and baking quality of flour. Prevention Prevention is that the best strategy; but if resistance is suspected, first eliminate other possible causes. In many instances, lack of control are often attributed to application error, breakdown or less-than-optimal environmental conditions.


 If these possibilities are eliminated, work with local agricultural advisors and therefore the manufacturer to verify resistance to the compound applied. within the event of an impact failure thanks to resistance, don't respray with an insecticide of an equivalent chemical class


. Prevention is that the best strategy to avoid insect problems in stored grains. Proper bin sanitation before introduction of latest grain minimizes the necessity for pesticides. Good sanitation involves the removal of old grain and mud in and round the grain bin.

 This includes removal of old grain from corners, floors, and walls and grain which will have spilled on the outside of the bin. Any grain remaining when a bin is emptied can harbor insect infestations which can enter the new grain. After the bin is cleaned, and every one needed repairs are made, the ground and wall surfaces both inside and out of doors the bin should be treated. Take special care to treat all cracks, crevices, and areas around doorways and other places where insects could hide or enter. Spray the bins about four to 6 weeks before storing grain.

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 Before grain is placed during a bin, it should be screened to eliminate fine materials and broken kernels. Grain placed during a clean bin should be checked at two week intervals during warm months and at one month intervals during cooler months for the presence of hotspots, moldy areas, and live insects. If any of those conditions exist, the grain should be aerated to lower the moisture level and temperature. Grain that's to be stored for extended than six months may have a protective application of an approved insecticide. 

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Treatments are often applied because the grain is loaded into the bin through the utilization of a metering device calibrated to use the right amounts. After the grain is binned and leveled, a surface dressing are often applied to stop insects from entering the grain on the surface. If infestation occurs in spite of those precautions, fumigation of the grain are going to be necessary.

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 due to the high toxicity of registered fumigants and technical knowledge needed for his or her proper use, a professional pesticide applicator should be contacted to perform the fumigation. Control The only thanks to controlling these pests is fumigation. Since it's an indoor pest, residual control will only kill exposed adults. To kill the interior stages (larval and pupal), you want to fumigate. Heating grain to 60C can kill larvae, however, this might decrease germination and baking quality of the flour.


 “If you dry corn within the field, the corn will become infested with maize weevils,” says Extension agricultural engineer Paul Sumner. “Once a weevil feeds on an ear of corn it'll emit a pheromone which can attract other maize weevils thereto area. They subsequently lay eggs within the mature kernels, and adult weevils emerge within 2-3 weeks.” By delaying harvest within the field, growers allow a second infestation of weevils within the corn, says Sumner. “It's getting to occur anyway in our a part of the country.

HOW TO: GET RID OF WEEVILS

 does one leave corn within the field and let it dry, or does one harvest it after it's field dried? Then, does one store it or sell it immediately?” If you propose on storing corn, then you will have to put some insecticide thereon to stop a daily occurring infestation of weevils inside the storage bin, he says. Non-chemical control measures The simplest and best measure is to locate the source of infestation and quickly get obviate it. Use a flashlight or other light to look at all food storage areas and food products carefully. If practical and regulations allow, eliminate heavily infested foods in wrapped, heavy plastic bags or in sealed containers for garbage removal, or bury deep within the soil.


 If you detect an infestation early, disposal alone may solve the matter. Storage of grains for a month or more during the nice and cozy, summer months may cause infestations. Purchase grains in small quantities for early use, and store in containers of insect-proof glass, heavy plastic, or metal with screw-type, airtight lids. for extended storage, refrigerate or deep freeze. 

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At the time of purchase, carefully examine whole grains, like wheat, oats, rye, buckwheat, barley, corn, rice, birdseed, nuts, table beans, etc. for weevil infestations. Especially check grains purchased from grain storage facilities, processing plants, and stores. Fortunately, all stages of those weevils are often killed easily by super heating or cooling. Heat during a shallow pan within the oven at 120 degrees F for 1 hour or at 130 degrees F for half-hour, place during a deep freeze at 0 degrees F for 4 days, or heat within the microwave for five minutes. 


However, seeds saved for planting may have the germination reduced by super heating, cooling, or microwave methods. Properly ventilate the cargo area to discourage these moisture-loving stored product pests. make certain to store only clean, dry grain with a moisture content of 12 percent or less to scale back weevil problems. Insecticides The use of insecticides is discouraged around food materials. Insecticides are supplementary to sanitation and proper storage.


 Household insecticides haven't any effect on insects within food packages. For extra protection, some treat seeds or grains before storage with dusts or sprays of synergized pyrethrins, labelled for this use. (Follow label directions and safety precautions.) If the matter becomes severe and widespread, contact a reputable, licensed pest control operator who has the training, experience, equipment, and insecticides to urge the control job accomplished safely.


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