Effect of Tribolium castaneum Infestation on Fat Acidity, Seed Germination, and Microflora of Stored Wheat1

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Abstract
Tribolium castaneum infestation of stored wheat led to significant increases in fat acidity (FAV) and decreases in germination and microfloral levels. The FAV increased with time regardless of insect activity, although the resulting alteration of the composition of both the microflora and cereal substrate led to a more rapid FAV increase. The total microbial spore count sharply increased after 8 wk of storage. The insects appeared to inhibit fungal growth and decreased the spore count. The level of wheat infection by Aspergillus spp. (A. glaucus group, A. fiavus) and Penicillium spp. decreased between 8 and 12 wk storage, possibly because of bacterial growth. Seed germination decreased steadily during 18 wk. Because of the destruction of the germ by insect feeding, insect-infested wheat underwent rapid germination loss.

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