Damage to Corn in Louisiana Caused by Stored-Grain Insects

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Abstract
A 3-year study of damage to corn by stored-grain insects showed that infestation of standing corn in Louisiana by the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryza (L.)) was extremely high. The average damage for the State at harvest was found to he approximately 10% kernel damage. This damage gradually increased during storage until in May it was 17% and in July the average damage was more than 80% kernel damage. Damage by other species was negligible except for the Angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella (Oliv.)). Field infestation by this species at harvest represented less than 2% of the total damage; however, by midsummer it was responsible for 16% of the total damage. The square-necked grain beetle (Cathartus quadricllis (G.-M.)) was found to be extremely abundant and present in nearly all ears. Other species such as the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.)), the saw-toothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.)) and the flat grain beetle (Laemophloeus minutus(Olivier)) were found but not as abundantly as the square-necked grain beetle. Damage was found to vary by years as well as by areas. A tight or sound husk covering was found to provide a considerable degree of protection to corn from infestation by the rice weevil and the Angoumois grain moth.

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