Estimation of qualitative losses caused by Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in stored wheat grains

Wheat is an important cereal crop in Pakistan. A number of insect pests have been reported damaging stored wheat grains. Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts cause a considerable loss in quality of stored foodstuffs. Wheat grains of three wheat cultivars (Sehar-2006, Shafaq-2006 and fasialabad-2008) were tested for qualitative losses caused by khapra beetle. Three infestation levels of khapra beetle larvae were tested (20, 30 and 40 larvae) for one-kilogram sample of each wheat cultivar and were replicated five times. The qualitative parameters like carbohydrates, fats, protein, ashes and crude fiber were determined after 45, 90, 135 and 180 days of each infestation level. A gradual deterioration in quality of wheat grains with increasing larval population density and time was observed. To minimize the losses in quality of stored wheat grain, it is important to control the increasing population of khapra beetle and particularly during long time storage.