Screening of paddy varieties against angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella Oliv.

Abstract

Studies were undertaken to identify the resistant genotypes of paddy to Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Oliver.) under laboratory conditions. The parameters viz., moth emergence, loss in the quality and quantity of grains anddevelopmental period were assessed. Among the sixty six genotypes and fourteen varieties screened, none of them was completely immune to insect infestation. The resistant genotypes include RMLT-108, RMLT- 505.Among the genotype the RMLT- 104, which falls under moderately resistant category showed the maximum per cent grain content loss, per centdamage and adult emergence, whereas the least was shown by RMLT- 505. According to the dobie’s susceptibility index the resistant genotype was RMLT-108 and the least resistance was for CB-16 116. The mean developmental period was found inversely correlated with the resistance. With the advances in biotechnology, it is possible to transfer the desirable characters to the other varieties to improve their resistance to Sitotroga cerealella.